Can learners aged 14-19 study NEBOSH qualifications outside of schools or academies in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales?

*Important note: The information provided is offered in good faith and should not be taken to imply eligibility, recognition or acceptance of NEBOSH qualifications to be offered to learners aged under 19 or to be accepted for a pre-19 funding scheme. Eligibility and funding is normally assessed on a case-by-case basis and may vary according to individual, provider, local and national circumstances and scheme-specific eligibility criteria. Please contact the relevant Learning Partner and/or government agency for the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, which are subject to change*.

Yes, providing the following conditions are met:

- The learner is studying with a NEBOSH-accredited Learning Partner (e.g. FE college or private training provider)

- NEBOSH receives written confirmation from the provider that all activity undertaken by learners under 19 related to the NEBOSH qualification will take place outside school premises, and outside school hours, and outside any other school-sponsored or funded activities.

This includes tuition, private study, sitting written examinations, undertaking practical assessments or any other activity related to the NEBOSH qualification.

-This confirmation is required because most NEBOSH qualifications are not eligible or funded for use in maintained schools or academies, so our understanding is that no activity related to the qualification, including examinations, can normally take place at school or during school time or as part of any other school-sponsored activities. 

NB: It is the responsibility of maintained schools and academies to check the suitability and eligibility of qualifications offered on school premises or during school time or school-funded activities with the relevant local authority and/or national education department (England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland).

Based on latest information available (as of October 2025), only two NEBOSH qualifications are approved under the 16-19 funding offer in England for learners aged 18+ only (NEBOSH level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, and NEBOSH level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals).

No liability is accepted by NEBOSH for information provided by external websites or for any decisions made on the basis of information given here.