Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification consists of combined total of 30 credits, with 300 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is assignment-based. Learners are assessed through written assignments designed to evaluate their understanding and application of occupational health and safety principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all three mandatory units.

Core Study Units

1. Health and Safety Principles in the Working Environment

The learner will:

• Understand requirements for health, safety and welfare in the working environment.
• Understand roles and responsibilities for health and safety in the working environment.
• Understand the principles of health and safety management in the working environment.

2. Maintaining a Healthy and Safe Work Environment

The learner will:

• Understand the need for health and safety management in the work environment.
• Be able to contribute to the application of the correct processes to the management of health and safety in an organisation.
• Understand how to review health and safety across an organisation.
• Be able to communicate effectively when contributing to the maintenance of a healthy and safe work environment.
• Understand own responsibilities for health and safety within the working environment.

3. Principles of Risk and Incident Management in the Working Environment

The learner will:

• Understand the principles of risk assessment.
• Understand the risks and control methods for workplace hazards.
• Understand how to manage the effects of accidents and incidents.
• Be able to monitor risks and incident management.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for learners who want to develop a strong foundation in workplace health and safety and gain knowledge relevant to a range of occupational settings. It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring health and safety professionals who want to begin a career in occupational health and safety.
• Health and safety assistants or coordinators seeking to strengthen their existing workplace knowledge with a recognised qualification.
• Supervisors and team leaders responsible for supporting safe working practices and health and safety procedures.
• Employees with workplace health and safety responsibilities who want to develop knowledge of risk assessment, hazards, incident management and safety management.
• Individuals changing careers who want to enter the occupational health and safety sector through a regulated Level 3 qualification.
• Learners planning further study who want to establish foundational knowledge before progressing to higher-level occupational health and safety qualifications.
• Workplace professionals seeking structured knowledge of health, safety and welfare requirements, risk control and effective safety communication.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with a strong foundation for workplace health and safety responsibilities across a wide range of industries. The qualification develops essential knowledge of health and safety principles, workplace hazards, risk assessment, incident management, safety procedures, and effective communication, enabling learners to contribute to safer working environments and support organisational health and safety practices. It is relevant to sectors such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, transport, utilities, hospitality, public services, and general workplace environments.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with a strong foundation for developing a career in workplace health and safety. The qualification supports progression across industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, energy, hospitality, transport, and public sector organisations, where practical knowledge of occupational health and safety is essential.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications in occupational health and safety, environmental management, risk management, compliance, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also provides a foundation for further professional development and continuous professional development (CPD) in workplace safety and risk management.

Professionally, the qualification can support entry-level and developing roles such as Health and Safety Assistant, Safety Officer, Health and Safety Coordinator, Safety Compliance Assistant, Risk Assessment Assistant, Site Safety Assistant, and Occupational Health and Safety Administrator. The knowledge gained through the qualification enables learners to identify workplace hazards, contribute to risk assessment and control, support incident management, promote safe working practices, and contribute effectively to maintaining healthier and safer working environments.