Some schools allow pupils to study vocational qualifications. Can learners aged 14-19 currently study NEBOSH qualifications at schools in Scotland?

No. Vocational qualifications may be offered to pre-19 learners in schools in Scotland but as in the rest of the UK are subject to particular restrictions:

• Be credit-rated in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
• Meet the criteria associated with the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) offered to learners aged between 13-19 in Scotland
• Meet other technical requirements related to school provision in Scotland.

NEBOSH qualifications are accredited by the Qualification Scotland Accreditation and credit rated in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). However, NEBOSH qualifications are primarily intended for adult (post-19) learners operating in the workplace and have not been designed to meet national technical, funding and other criteria for vocational qualifications that can be offered to 14-19 learners in UK schools.

Based on the latest information we have received from Qualification Scotland Accreditation (as of September 2025), NEBOSH qualifications are not currently eligible to be offered in schools in Scotland.

With NEBOSH qualifications not being eligible for, or funded for use, in maintained schools or academies, our understanding is that any activity related to the qualification including tuition, private study or examinations may not normally take place on school premises, during school time or as part of any other school-sponsored activities.

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. 

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).

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

Visit the Scottish Government website for more information.