Professional Development Assessment (PDA)

Who is PDA for?

Our PDA route is for Certified Members whose ambition is to achieve Chartered membership. 

Why become Chartered?

We are the only organisation in the world to offer Chartered membership to health and safety professionals. It aligns with Chartered status in other professions and will help you:

• improve your ability to influence decision-makers
• gain international recognition
• work on an equal footing with other professionals
• increase your employability.

How much does it cost?

Fee: £550, payable in full on registration. This has been set to cover the costs of delivering the assessment and does not generate a profit. In certain circumstances, we can offer concessionary fees to members. Check if you’re eligible for a 50 per cent discount. 

What does PDA involve?

There are three stages in the process. The first two are hosted in Blueprint.

1. Knowledge assessment
   Without any prior preparation, answer multiple-choice questions at Chartered level to assess your knowledge of the technical and core elements of IOSH’s competency framework. The assessment should take about two hours.
2. Portfolio of evidence and professional discussion paper
   For the portfolio, you have to compile evidence (based on work completed within the last two years) to show how you have addressed any competency gaps. These will include the four behavioural competencies not already covered in the knowledge assessment. In the professional discussion paper (3,000 to 5,000 words) you write a reflective statement on your progression. You must also give some professional insights and provide a vision of your future and your contribution to health and safety practice.
3. Professional discussion interview
   Attend an online interview (on Microsoft Teams) structured around the previous three steps. Before the interview, we will review your CPD and your ethics e-learning.

How will IOSH assess you?

Our team of professional assessors and senior assessors/moderators – all Chartered Members or Chartered Fellows – will conduct the assessment process. IOSH’s Professional Development and Standards team will oversee the whole process.

What happens if you fail any stage of the process?

• Knowledge assessment – you can take one re-sit after a six-month deferral period.
• Portfolio – you can submit your initial portfolio criteria three times and, once passed, can submit your portfolio up to three times.
• Interview – there is no re-sit. However, we will review mitigating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

How long does it take to complete?

You have 18 months from your registration date to complete the PDA route – otherwise, you will have to register again.

What support is available?

Our assessors will give you feedback at every stage of the process. You can take advantage of the resources held in Blueprint and gain support from an IOSH mentor.

You can also join one of our PDA workshops, which includes guidance on the process, hints and tips and the chance to ask questions.

You can request IOSH to make reasonable adjustments for any disability or challenge, so you can complete your CPD requirements or access our membership assessments.

Need further help? Contact our Professional Development and Standards team.

What else do you need to know?

• To apply, you must be a Certified Member who is committed to completing 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) annually.
• There is no minimum length of membership requirement.
• To become Chartered, you must also complete and pass IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and assessment.

More information

Watch our PDA video for full details of our route to Chartered membership and catch up with our webinar. You can also read guidance on the next steps for the PDA route in the ‘help’ section on your Blueprint dashboard and check out the candidate guides below.