IOSH Practice Test
Updated for November 2026
The IOSH Managing Safely course is the UK's most widely recognised health and safety qualification for managers and supervisors. Developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, this IOSH course equips line managers with the knowledge to manage health and safety in their teams.
Our comprehensive IOSH Managing Safely practice test collection covers all seven modules, from risk assessment to environmental protection. Whether you're preparing for the end-of-course assessment or revising key concepts like COSHH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act, these free practice questions will help you pass with confidence.
- The IOSH Managing Safely qualification requires delegates to pass both written and practical assessments.[1]
- The IOSH Managing Safely Refresher assessment consists of a multi-format paper containing 21 questions.[2]
- The standard IOSH Managing Safely full course is delivered over three days.[3]
- The IOSH Managing Safely Refresher course runs for one day.[4]
- Tuition for IOSH Managing Safely varies depending on the approved training provider, location, and course delivery method.[3]
- An IOSH Managing Safely certificate does not expire.[3]
- IOSH offers an optional one-day Managing Safely Refresher course for past delegates to update their knowledge.[3]
- The IOSH Managing Safely course is delivered in person through approved training providers, with online and hybrid options also available.[3]
- The IOSH Managing Safely full course is designed for managers and supervisors in any sector, with no prior safety experience needed.[3]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
IOSH Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|
| Number of questions (Managing Safely (full course)) | Written and practical assessments[1] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Managing Safely Refresher) | 21-question multi-format paper[2] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit (Managing Safely (full course)) | 3 days (full course)[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit (Managing Safely Refresher) | 1 day[4] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee | Varies by training provider[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Validity | Certificate does not expire[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Renewal (Managing Safely Refresher) | Optional 1-day refresher course[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Delivery | In-person, online, or hybrid[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility (Managing Safely (full course)) | Managers and supervisors; no prior safety experience needed[3] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility (Managing Safely Refresher) | Managers and supervisors who completed full course[4] | Institution of Occupational Safety and Health · Oct 28, 2026 |
What changed for IOSH in 2026
- Oct 27, 2026: Delivery changed to In-person, online, or hybrid (previously In-person; online/hybrid from some providers).[3]
- Oct 27, 2026: Renewal (Managing Safely Refresher) changed to Optional 1-day refresher course (previously Optional one-day refresher for past delegates).[3]
- Oct 27, 2026: Time limit (Managing Safely (full course)) changed to 3 days (full course) (previously Three days (full course)).[3]
Important: IOSH Managing Safely is the UK's most popular health and safety course for managers and supervisors. The assessment consists of a 30-question multiple-choice test (pass mark 36/60) and a workplace-based risk assessment project. Understanding COSHH regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 is essential for both the assessment and your role as a manager.
IOSH Managing Safely Flashcards
Test your knowledge of key IOSH Managing Safely concepts with these quick-fire flashcards covering COSHH, risk assessment, and health and safety legislation.
📚 🛡️What does COSHH stand for?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health in the workplace.
🎯 ⚖️What is HASAWA?
HASAWA is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It is the primary piece of UK health and safety legislation, placing duties on employers, employees, and self-employed persons.
💡 📊 What are the 5 steps to risk assessment?
1. Identify hazards. 2. Decide who might be harmed. 3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. 4. Record your findings. 5. Review and update the assessment.
🔑 🎯 What is the hierarchy of control?
Eliminate, Substitute, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, PPE. Always aim to eliminate the hazard first before moving down the hierarchy.
📝 📄 What are COSHH symbols?
COSHH symbols (GHS hazard pictograms) warn of chemical hazards: corrosive, toxic, flammable, oxidising, environmental hazard, health hazard, explosive, gas under pressure, and irritant/sensitiser.
⭐ 📝 What is a near miss?
A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so. Reporting near misses helps prevent future incidents under RIDDOR.
IOSH Managing Safely Study Guide
Everything you need to know about the IOSH Managing Safely course, from basic concepts to comparison with NEBOSH qualifications.
- What is IOSH Managing Safely?
- IOSH Managing Safely is a globally recognised health and safety qualification designed for managers and supervisors. It covers the essentials of workplace safety management and is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
- What does IOSH stand for?
- IOSH stands for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. It is the world's largest chartered body for health and safety professionals, based in the UK.
- What is COSHH?
- COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. The COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
- Is IOSH Managing Safely a legal requirement?
- While not a legal requirement, IOSH Managing Safely helps managers fulfil their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and demonstrates competence in managing safety.
- What topics does the IOSH course cover?
- The IOSH course covers seven modules: Introducing Managing Safely, Assessing Risks, Controlling Risks, Understanding Responsibilities, Understanding Hazards, Investigating Incidents and Accidents, and Measuring Performance.
- What is the Health and Safety at Work Act?
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) is the primary piece of UK legislation covering occupational health and safety. It places general duties on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees.
- What are COSHH symbols?
- COSHH symbols are GHS hazard pictograms that identify the type of hazard a substance presents. They include symbols for corrosive, toxic, flammable, oxidising, environmental hazard, health hazard, explosive, and irritant substances.
- What regulations does the course cover?
- Key regulations include the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH Regulations, RIDDOR, PUWER, Manual Handling Operations Regulations, and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
- How is IOSH Managing Safely assessed?
- The assessment has two parts: a 30-question multiple-choice test (60 minutes, pass mark 36/60) and a practical workplace-based risk assessment project.
- What score do I need to pass?
- You need a minimum score of 36 out of 60 on the multiple-choice paper. Each question is worth 2 marks. The risk assessment project is assessed separately.
- Can I retake the IOSH assessment?
- Yes. If you fail, your training provider can arrange a resit. There is usually an additional fee for retakes. You only need to retake the part you failed.
- Is the IOSH test open book?
- No, the IOSH Managing Safely multiple-choice assessment is a closed-book exam. You cannot refer to course materials during the test.
- Who should take IOSH Managing Safely?
- The course is designed for managers, supervisors, and team leaders in any sector who need to manage health and safety as part of their role. It is suitable for all industries.
- Do I need prior H&S experience?
- No prior health and safety qualifications are required. IOSH Managing Safely is an entry-level management course designed for those with no formal H&S training.
- Is IOSH recognised internationally?
- Yes, IOSH is the world's largest chartered professional body for health and safety, and the Managing Safely certificate is recognised in over 130 countries.
- Can I do IOSH Managing Safely online?
- Yes, many accredited training providers offer the IOSH Managing Safely course online as a virtual classroom or e-learning format, typically over 3-4 days.
- What is the difference between IOSH and NEBOSH?
- IOSH Managing Safely is a 3-4 day awareness course for managers, while NEBOSH qualifications (like the National General Certificate) are longer, more detailed courses for those wanting a career in health and safety.
- Is IOSH easier than NEBOSH?
- Yes, IOSH Managing Safely is considered easier and shorter than NEBOSH. IOSH is a 3-4 day course with MCQ assessment, while NEBOSH NGC takes weeks of study with open-book exams and practical assessments.
- Which is better: IOSH or NEBOSH?
- It depends on your goals. IOSH Managing Safely is best for managers who need safety awareness. NEBOSH is for those wanting a specialist health and safety career or role.
- Can I do NEBOSH after IOSH?
- Yes, many people complete IOSH Managing Safely first and then progress to NEBOSH qualifications for deeper knowledge and career advancement in health and safety.
Tips for Passing the IOSH Managing Safely Assessment
The IOSH Managing Safely assessment tests your understanding of practical health and safety management. Here are proven strategies to help you pass:
Candidates can also sharpen their skills with our ISAT practice test 2026, which includes hundreds of practice questions in the exact format and difficulty of the real exam.
- Understand COSHH thoroughly — know what COSHH stands for, the COSHH symbols, and how to carry out a COSHH assessment. These topics frequently appear in the assessment.
- Learn the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) — understand employer and employee duties, and how it relates to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- Master the 5 steps of risk assessment — this is the foundation of the IOSH course and essential for both the MCQ test and the risk assessment project.
- Know the hierarchy of control — from elimination to PPE, understand when each control measure is appropriate.
- Practice with our free tests — use the IOSH Managing Safely practice tests above to familiarise yourself with the question format.
According to Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, “Delegates who successfully complete the written and practical assessments receive IOSH’s Managing Safely certificate.”[1]
If you are searching for a IOSH managing safely exam questions, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the IOSH exam topics in order.
IOSH content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official IOSH content outline published by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|
| Understanding responsibilities[3] | IOSH Understanding Responsibilities
Practise explaining why managers are responsible for safety, covering the moral, legal and financial reasons, and what happens when things go wrong. |
| Understanding hazards[3] | TAKE IOSH HAZARDS QUIZ →
Practise naming common workplace hazards and the harm each one can cause, including occupational diseases such as those caused by dust. |
| Assessing risks[3] | IOSH Assessing Risks
Practise the steps of a risk assessment, how to judge likelihood against severity, and what evidence should support your findings. |
| Controlling risks[3] | TRY IOSH RISK ASSESSMENT QUIZ →
Practise ranking control measures from most to least effective and choosing a suitable control for a given hazard. |
| Investigating incidents[3] | IOSH Investigating Incidents
Practise the order of an incident investigation and how to tell immediate causes from underlying and root causes. |
| Measuring performance[3] | IOSH Measuring Performance
Practise telling active monitoring apart from reactive monitoring, and explaining what audits and inspections each show you. |
IOSH Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the IOSH - Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Managing Safely exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Worked examples: how to reason through IOSH questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: What evidence should be included to support the risk assessment findings?
- No evidence is needed — professional judgement is sufficient
- Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references
- Only witness statements from workers
- Only copies of the safety policy
Answer: B. Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references
Explanation:
Correct answer: B. A risk assessment is only as reliable as the evidence behind it. Photographs and observation notes record conditions as you found them. Accident and near-miss data show what has already gone wrong. Feedback from workers shows how the work really gets done. Manufacturer's guidance and references to legislation show which standard you measured against.
Why the others are wrong: A is wrong because judgement on its own cannot be checked or reviewed. C is too narrow, because witness statements are useful but leave out physical and documentary evidence. D is wrong because the safety policy states intentions and says nothing about the conditions you actually found.
Rule to remember: support your findings with several kinds of evidence, so that someone else could check how you reached your conclusion.
Example 2
Question: Which occupational disease is directly caused by prolonged inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust?
- Asbestosis
- Silicosis
- Mesothelioma
- Occupational asthma
Answer: B. Silicosis
Explanation:
Correct answer: B, silicosis. Silicosis is scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs caused by breathing in fine crystalline silica dust. This dust is produced when stone, concrete and similar materials are cut, drilled or quarried.
Why the others are wrong: A and C are both caused by asbestos fibres, not silica. Asbestosis is lung fibrosis caused by asbestos, and mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining around the lungs that is also linked to asbestos. D, occupational asthma, is caused by breathing in sensitisers such as flour dust, isocyanates or wood dust. It is not the scarring disease that silica causes.
Rule to remember: learn each disease alongside the substance that causes it. Silica causes silicosis, and asbestos causes asbestosis and mesothelioma. Exam questions often place these pairs next to each other.
Example 3
Question: What are the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK?
- Chemical exposure and radiation
- Slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, and being struck by objects
- Only machinery-related injuries
- Only injuries from working at height
Answer: B. Slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, and being struck by objects
Explanation:
Correct answer: B. HSE statistics for the UK show that most reported workplace injuries come from ordinary, everyday activities. Slips, trips and falls are the single biggest cause, followed by manual handling and being struck by moving objects.
Why the others are wrong: A names real hazards, but chemical exposure and radiation affect fewer workers and are not among the most common causes of injury. C and D both use the word "only". Machinery and work at height do cause serious injuries, but neither one accounts for all injuries.
Rule to remember: the most common injuries usually come from routine tasks, not dramatic ones. Be wary of any answer that says "only", because a single cause is rarely the full picture in safety questions.
How to use these practice tests
Before the course: take the introductory practice test without studying first. Note the topics where you struggled. That gives you a list to listen out for when the trainer covers them.
During the course: on each evening, take the practice set that matches what you covered that day. For example, take Understanding Responsibilities after the session on responsibilities, and Assessing Risks and Controlling Risks after the sessions on risk. For every question you get wrong, write down the rule behind the right answer, not just the letter.
For the practical assessment: the practical assessment asks you to apply what you have learned in a real workplace. Use the Project Work set to practise spotting hazards, judging risk and proposing controls. Ask your trainer what format they expect for the practical, and stick to it.
Before the written assessment: go back over your list of wrong answers and retake the Investigating Incidents and Measuring Performance sets. Treat the course workbook from your provider as the main source. Use these quizzes to check that you understood it.
IOSH Managing Safely Course Day Checklist
Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) Course booking confirmation Notebook and pens for course notes Comfortable clothing (3-4 day course) Laptop/tablet if attending online Workplace risk assessment examples (for project work) Read pre-course materials if provided Arrive 15 minutes early on the first day Understanding COSHH in the IOSH Managing Safely Course
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) is one of the most important topics in the IOSH Managing Safely course. As a manager, you need to understand what COSHH stands for, how to identify COSHH symbols, and how to conduct COSHH assessments.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances. COSHH symbols are the standardised GHS pictograms found on product labels — including corrosive, toxic, flammable, and oxidising symbols. Understanding these symbols is essential for any manager completing the IOSH course.
Health and Safety at Work Act and Key Legislation
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) is the cornerstone of UK health and safety law. It places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 expand on these duties, requiring employers to carry out risk assessments and appoint competent persons.
Other key legislation covered in the IOSH Managing Safely course includes RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our iosh managing safely geek exam papers resource.
Related Construction & Safety Practice Tests
If you are preparing for a career in construction & safety, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:
Prepare for the NEBOSH - National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health IGC — the NEBOSH International General Certificate in occupational health and safety management.
Prepare for the CITB - Construction Industry Training Board — the UK Construction Industry Training Board health and safety test required for CSCS cards.
Prepare for the CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme — the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card test verifying health and safety knowledge on UK sites.
Prepare for the CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician — the Construction Health and Safety Technician certification for safety professionals on construction sites.
Prepare for the Certified Safety Professional Exam — the Certified Safety Professional exam for advanced occupational safety and health practitioners.
IOSH Questions and Answers
What does COSHH stand for?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. The COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to assess risks from hazardous substances and implement appropriate control measures to protect workers' health.
What is COSHH and why is it important?
COSHH is a set of regulations that require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. It is important because exposure to hazardous substances can cause serious illnesses including asthma, cancer, and dermatitis. COSHH ensures workplaces have proper risk assessments and control measures in place.
What are COSHH symbols and what do they mean?
COSHH symbols are GHS hazard pictograms displayed on chemical products to warn of specific dangers. The nine symbols include: skull and crossbones (toxic), flame (flammable), exclamation mark (irritant), corrosion (corrosive), health hazard (long-term health effects), environment (environmental hazard), oxidising (oxidiser), gas cylinder (gas under pressure), and exploding bomb (explosive).
What is HASAWA and what does it require?
HASAWA is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the primary UK legislation for workplace health and safety. It requires employers to provide safe systems of work, adequate training, a safe working environment, and a written health and safety policy (for organisations with 5+ employees).
What are the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999?
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to carry out risk assessments, appoint competent persons to help with health and safety duties, provide appropriate health surveillance, and establish emergency procedures. These regulations support the duties outlined in HASAWA.
How long is the IOSH Managing Safely course?
The IOSH Managing Safely course typically takes 3-4 days to complete. Classroom courses run over consecutive days, while online/virtual courses may be spread over 4-5 half-days or completed at your own pace within a set timeframe.
What is the pass mark for IOSH Managing Safely?
The IOSH Managing Safely assessment requires a pass mark of 36 out of 60 on the 30-question multiple-choice paper. You must also satisfactorily complete a workplace-based risk assessment project.
What is the difference between IOSH and NEBOSH?
IOSH Managing Safely is a 3-4 day awareness-level course for managers, while NEBOSH qualifications (such as the National General Certificate) are longer, more detailed courses designed for health and safety practitioners. IOSH is ideal for line managers; NEBOSH is for those pursuing a career in health and safety.
Does the IOSH Managing Safely certificate expire?
No, the IOSH Managing Safely certificate does not formally expire. However, IOSH recommends a refresher course every 3 years to ensure your knowledge remains current with evolving legislation and best practices.
What does COSHH stands for in health and safety?
In health and safety, COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a key regulation requiring employers to identify hazardous substances in the workplace, assess the risks they pose, and put appropriate control measures in place to protect employees from harm.
Sources & last verified
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health — number of questions (official source). “Delegates who successfully complete the written and practical assessments receive IOSH’s Managing Safely certificate.” Verified Oct 27, 2026.
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health — number of questions (official source). “At the end of the course, delegates will complete a multi- format paper containing 21 questions.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health — time limit, exam fee, validity, renewal (official source). “Duration – Three days (full course)” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health — time limit, eligibility (official source). “This one-day course, available face-to-face or online, focuses on a plan, do, check, act safety and health management system.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 28, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.