Why post-nominals are so important

Not only do they highlight your commitment, competence and credibility, but they are also recognised globally, so could be your key to unlocking opportunities around the world. They show your employer, peers and external contacts that they’re dealing with someone with the relevant professional status and experience.

Plus, using those six or eight letters after your name is the quickest and easiest way to communicate your credentials on your CV, LinkedIn profile and more.

And they matter whatever stage of your journey. From those first steps in industry to seasoned professionals, they can have a big impact on your career.

IOSH has the following post-nominals:

• TechIOSH (Technical Member)
• CertIOSH (Certified Member)
• CMIOSH (Chartered Member)
• CFIOSH (Chartered Fellow).

Here’s why employers look out for them

Tim Eldridge CMIOSH, Global Head of Health and Safety for HSBC, said: “The competence of health and safety professionals is critical in any organisation to ensure the advice, support and services they provide, across the business and beyond, can be trusted and respected by all stakeholders.

“Competence is defined as a combination of both professional qualifications and relevant experience. Therefore, being able to demonstrate this is essential, and there is no better way than through the post-nominal CMIOSH, that is being a Chartered Member of IOSH, the largest membership organisation for health and safety professionals globally.”

Duncan Spencer CFIOSH, Head of Advice and Practice at IOSH, always uses his.

“IOSH post nominals are important,” he said. “They are rightly difficult to achieve but mark your experience and knowledge. They are a ticket for global employability.”

Bethany Holdroyd, WSP UK Health and Safety Advisor – transport and infrastructure, couldn’t wait to use hers.

She said: “I joined IOSH and then worked hard to achieve my qualification to get to TechIOSH. Because of the pride I felt, I knew I wanted to continue my journey and I completed my diploma in just 10 months, which gave me the education I needed to pursue CertIOSH.

“I’m now working to fulfil the Initial Professional Development (IPD) requirements and hope to be Chartered by the end of next year. I’ve worked until 3am, balanced working full-time with a toddler and all my other commitments – and I can honestly say I cried when I got my diploma and CertIOSH!”

Our Student Members also understand the value of post-nominals to enhance their employability. As soon as they have completed their studies and progressed to their next member grade – either TechIOSH or CertIOSH, depending on qualification – they can use the relevant designation.

Omni Lam progressed from Student to Certified status as soon as he was able to “convince his employer and clients that his education in occupational safety and health (OSH) was recognised”. Chartered status was his next goal.

He said: “As a junior professional, obtaining globally recognised professional status is important to me, and this is how I can showcase my commitment to OSH.

“Being able to use the CMIOSH post-nominals feels like one of the biggest achievements of my career so far.”

Five reasons to use your IOSH post-nominals:

• global recognition as an OSH professional
• promote the OSH profession more widely
• showcase your credentials
• demonstrate your dedication to the industry
• highlight your commitment to your continuing professional development.

Four places to use them:

• your CV
• LinkedIn
• email signature
• business cards.