If you’re preparing for IOSH Managing Safely, you may be wondering: is the course difficult, what does the exam involve, and how can I make sure I pass? Let’s break down the assessment structure and share practical tips to help you succeed.
Is IOSH Managing Safely difficult?
IOSH Managing Safely is designed to be accessible. It’s not about catching people out; it’s about giving managers the confidence to handle health and safety responsibilities. The course uses clear language, practical examples, and interactive learning, so most learners find it straightforward once they engage with the content.
What does the IOSH Managing Safely assessment involve?
To achieve the qualification, you’ll complete two parts:
- Multiple‑choice exam: A short test at the end of the course, usually around 30 questions, covering the key learning outcomes.
- Project assignment: A practical risk assessment based on your own workplace or a case study. This demonstrates that you can apply what you’ve learned in a real‑world context.
Both elements are designed to reinforce understanding rather than memorisation.
Is the IOSH exam multiple choice?
Yes. The exam is multiple choice, making it clear and concise. Questions focus on practical application, not trick wording. You’ll be asked to identify hazards, choose appropriate controls, and demonstrate knowledge of legal responsibilities.
How long does the IOSH Managing Safely course take?
The course typically takes three to four days to complete, depending on delivery format. At Ouch Learning and Development, we balance thorough coverage with efficiency, so managers gain essential skills without unnecessary downtime.
Study tips to pass IOSH Managing Safely
Here are some practical ways to prepare and succeed:
Engage actively
Ask questions during the training and don’t be afraid to clarify anything that feels unclear. IOSH courses are designed to be interactive, and trainers expect participation. Relating topics back to your own workplace, such as how risks are currently managed or where improvements could be made, helps turn theory into something practical and memorable.
Take notes
Rather than copying slides word for word, summarise key points in your own language. Writing things down as you understand them reinforces learning far more effectively. Highlight recurring themes such as risk assessment, control measures, and management responsibility, as these often appear in both the exam and project assignment.
Use examples
When learning about hazards and controls, picture real situations from your daily working environment. Whether it’s manual handling, slips and trips, or workplace stress, applying examples you recognise makes the learning stick and makes exam questions feel more intuitive rather than abstract.
Review regularly
Spending a short amount of time each evening revisiting what you covered that day can make a big difference. Even 15–20 minutes reviewing notes or course materials helps consolidate learning and prevents information overload at the end of the course.
Stay calm in the exam
The exam is designed to test understanding, not catch you out. Read each question carefully, look for what it is really asking, and apply the principles you’ve learned during the course. If more than one answer seems correct, choose the option that best reflects sensible, proportionate risk management.
Think like a manager, not a safety specialist
IOSH Managing Safely is aimed at managers, not health and safety experts. When answering questions, focus on what a reasonable manager should do, setting expectations, allocating responsibility, and ensuring controls are in place, rather than overly technical solutions.
Use the hierarchy of control as a mental checklist
When questions involve risk control, mentally work through elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Correct answers often follow this logical order rather than jumping straight to PPE.
Keep your project assignment simple and realistic
Choose a straightforward task or activity from your workplace that you understand well. A clear, sensible risk assessment that identifies hazards and proportionate controls will score better than something overly complex or theoretical.
Make use of trainer feedback
Your trainer is there to support you through both the course and the assessment. Use their feedback to check your understanding and refine your project before submission this guidance can make the difference between a pass and unnecessary rework.
Remember, the course is designed to build confidence, not to overwhelm.
Why choose Ouch for IOSH Managing Safely?
At Ouch Learning and Development, we make passing IOSH Managing Safely straightforward. Our trainers:
- Deliver content in clear, jargon‑free language
- Provide real‑world examples that make learning relevant
- Support learners through both the exam and project assignment
Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about scheduling IOSH Managing Safely training that fits your organisation.
References
For further reading and official guidance: