How do I book an exam?
For all of our Module examinations, bookings and payment both for courses and exams are made directly with the Course Providers. See the Quick Links for the Course Provider and course dates and venue details.
If you want to book one of our professional exams – the Certificate of Competence in an Individual Subject, the Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene, or the Diploma of Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene – please contact the BOHS Head Office.
See the Examinations Fees page for the current fees.
What existing qualifications and/or experience is needed before I can take one of your exams?
This varies depending on which type of exam you want to take.
None of our Module exams – that includes Occupational Hygiene, International Occupational Hygiene and Proficiency Modules – specifies any pre-requisite qualification or experience. However, the courses and exams do assume candidates have some maths and science knowledge, so students without a basic scientific educational background or practical work experience in the relevant subject area may find them difficult. Recommendations for levels of prior knowledge or experience are provided on the syllabuses where appropriate.
If you are taking one of our Asbestos Refresher exams, you must already hold the relevant Proficiency Module or the Certificate of Competence in Asbestos.
Our professional qualifications do have specified pre-requisites, as follows:
Certificate of Competence in an Individual Subject: a pass in the appropriate Occupational Hygiene Module;
Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene: graduate calibre; a strong science, mathematics or engineering educational background; at least three years’ experience in occupational hygiene;
Diploma of Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene: the BOHS Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene; five years’ experience in occupational hygiene.
What qualifications do I need to join the Faculty?
The Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene is the entry level qualification required to join the BOHS Faculty of Occupational Hygiene as a Licentiate.
Do you issue past papers?
We don’t currently provide past question papers as we are building our question bank up following the changeover from Multi Choice Questions to Short Answer Questions at the end of 2009 and so in some circumstances still may need to re-use the same papers.
We do provide sample Short Answer Questions (which relate to our Occupational Hygiene and Proficiency Module exams), which you can find on the relevant examination pages of the site - but you should note that these are not current questions, do not necessarily relate to current legislation and do not cover all of the examination subjects; we are updating the sample questions and related guidance, so until this is complete we would advise you to contact Head Office to discuss your query.
We also provide, where relevant, practical guidance and information on report requirements for our Modules, as well as guidance for candidates planning to take our professional exams. All of this information is available from the relevant site pages.
What if I have special needs which will affect how I take my exam?
If you need special consideration for any of our examinations, eg. for dyslexia, you must advise BOHS and provide us with a copy of your Certificate of Assessment or equivalent medical confirmation at least ten working days before the date of the exam. Contact the BOHS Head Office for more information.
When will I get my results?
We aim to issue all Occupational Hygiene and International Occupational Hygiene Module results within six weeks, and all Proficiency Module results within four weeks. We always issue results as quickly as possible and frequently manage to do so within these timescales. However, because we have no control over the number of examinations being taken at any one time, and a robust quality procedure to follow, there are busy periods beyond our control when results can take the full six or four weeks.
We issue all of our results by post. We NEVER issue results over the phone by email. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What if I fail an exam, or part of an exam?
If you have failed one of our Occupational Hygiene or Proficiency Modules, you don’t have to re-take the course, you can apply to re-sit the exam only via any Course Provider. If you have failed just one element (either written or practical) of a Proficiency Module, you only need to re-sit that element.
If you fail one of our International Occupational Hygiene Modules, you will be required to re-take the whole course.
In all cases, bookings and payments should be made directly with the Course Provider.
Re-sits of our professional examinations should be booked through the BOHS Head Office.
How do I make a query or formal appeal?
Queries, appeals and complaints must be submitted in writing to BOHS and, where possible, before the results have been issued. Full details can be found in our Queries and Appeals Policy, see the Downloads on most of the exam pages.
Can I get my marked exam paper back?
No, we do not make marked examination scripts available to candidates. Our policy is consistent with the Data Protection Act 1998, under which awarding bodies are not legally obliged to provide access to examination scripts.
What if I’ve lost my certificate proving my qualification?
You can obtain a duplicate certificate (or a Statement of Results in certain circumstances) for a fee of £25, by completing the application form and returning it to BOHS with your fee and photo ID. See the General Examination Information page.
How can I verify someone’s claim to hold one of your qualifications?
Contact the BOHS Head Office, and provide us with as many details about the candidate and/or the examination certificate as possible and we will do our best to verify the award.
How can I become an approved course provider?
You need to apply in writing to the BOHS Head Office providing detailed information about your company. Full details are set out in our Requirements for Participation, which you can download from the Course Providers page.
How can I become a registered practical assessor?
In the first instance you will be required to attend a Practical Assessor Training Day, held at the BOHS Head Office in Derby, for which there is a fee of £195. Contact BOHS to find out for the date of the next scheduled Training Day, or see the Course Providers page for more information.