1.2 Exam Format & Dual Assessment

Why dual assessment matters

IOSH Managing Safely is not a pure knowledge quiz. The design deliberately pairs a timed knowledge check with a workplace application project. You can score well on definitions and still fail if the project is incomplete — and you can write a careful project and still fail if the written paper is below the pass mark. Both parts must be passed for the certificate.

Approved providers (for example well-known UK H&S training organisations) publish very similar logistics. Where a figure is provider-reported rather than a single number on the IOSH homepage, this guide phrases it as what approved providers typically report — still the numbers you should plan for.

Part 1 — Written multi-format assessment

Question style tactics

• MCQ: Eliminate options that dump all duty on “the employee only” or that skip higher controls in favour of PPE-first thinking.
• True/false: Watch absolute words (“always”, “never”) and definitions (hazard vs risk; accident vs near miss).
• One-word / short answer: Exact syllabus labels matter — e.g. steps of ERICPD, cause levels (immediate / underlying / root), active vs reactive. Spelling should be clear enough for the marker to credit the concept.

Because items can carry different mark weights, do not assume “I need exactly 18 of 30 questions correct.” Aim to secure easy definition marks first, then tackle multi-mark structured items if your paper includes them.

Closed-book exam-day habits

1. Arrive knowing the high-yield numbers (see Section 1.3) without relying on notes.
2. Read the stem fully — many traps flip “manager” vs “employee” duties.
3. Leave time for short-answer blanks; empty boxes score zero.
4. If allowed, flag uncertain MCQs and return — 45 minutes is short but enough if you do not over-write essays on one-word items.

Part 2 — Workplace risk assessment project

What markers look for

• Realism: hazards that actually fit the stated workplace (not four copy-paste textbook fires with no link to the photo or description).
• Correct category thinking: physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, environmental, organisational (or the exact category list your course materials use).
• Sensible scores: likelihood and consequence justified in one short line each; residual risk should fall if further controls are meaningful.
• Control quality: “Provide PPE” alone is weak if elimination or engineering options exist.
• Completeness: every required template field filled; signatures/dates if the form asks for them.

Project scenario (exam-style thinking)

Workplace: small food production kitchen. Four hazards a candidate might select:

1. Hot oil / burns (physical / energy) — risk rating high before controls; further control: splash guards, induction training, correct utensils.
2. Wet floor slips — mats, clean-as-you-go, footwear policy.
3. Cleaning chemicals (chemical) — COSHH-aware storage, dilution instructions, ventilation.
4. Manual handling of flour sacks — break loads, handling aids, TILE-style task redesign.

Each row needs: who might be harmed, existing controls, 5×5 before, further controls, residual rating, and any review note. That structure mirrors what Part 2 rewards.

Both parts required

If you fail one part, contact the provider immediately for resit/resubmission options and fees. Do not assume you can “bank” a pass forever without checking their policy.

Cost, booking, and prerequisites

• Cost: set by the training provider, not a single official IOSH list price for every delivery mode. Market ranges often sit around GBP 125–450 + VAT depending on face-to-face vs online, location, materials, and whether assessment fees are bundled. Always read the quote.
• Prerequisites: none formal — designed for managers and supervisors. Practical ability to complete the project in English (or the delivery language) is implied.
• Administrator: IOSH standards + approved provider delivery and marking.

Common assessment traps

• Treating Part 1 as open-book home research (it is not under normal invigilation).
• Writing four identical hazard rows with different titles only.
• Using a 3×3 matrix if your course insists on 5×5.
• Missing the 14-day (or provider-stated) project window.
• Inventing a single “official IOSH exam fee” as if every provider charged the same fixed amount.

How practice questions on OpenExamPrep help

Our free practice bank trains Part 1 style recall: ERICPD order, matrix products, noise and vibration action values, cause levels, active vs reactive measures, and legal outline. It does not replace your provider’s official project template — use both.