Occupational Hygiene Modules

Introduction

A series of examinations in occupational hygiene subjects, the Occupational Hygiene Modules are aimed at those who wish to gain a qualification in specified topics of occupational hygiene or, grouped together, to gain exemption from the Society's Certificate Core examination. Although Module examinations are normally attained by attending individual courses, after which the examination is taken, they may also be attained by sitting the examination only, as an external candidate. Information on the location/dates of taught courses and the relevant contact details are at the bottom of the page. Other details about courses (content, fees etc) should be obtained direct from the course providers.

The Module numbers/titles are given below with links directly to each detailed syllabus:

M101 Health Effects of Hazardous Substances
M102 Measurement of Hazardous Substances (including Risk Assessment)
M103 Control of Hazardous Substances
M104 Noise and an Introduction to Vibration
M201 Thermal Environment and Non-Ionising Radiation (including Lighting)
M202 External Environment
M203 Ergonomics Essentials (including Manual Handling and DSE)
M302 Measurement and Assessment of Noise in the Workplace
M304 COSHH
S301 Asbestos and other fibres

Past examination papers are not available, but examples of the style of questions covering all the modules, can be downloaded here. An application form to sit an Occupational Hygiene Module as an external candidate is available to download.

Pass marks, examination style, etc

	All Occupational Hygiene Modules except M203	M203
Paper A	60 multi-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Three marks are awarded for a correct answer, one mark deducted for an incorrect answer and no marks awarded or deducted for an abstention.	A 2-hour essay-type paper. Candidates are required to answer three questions from a choice of four.
Paper B	A 45-minute essay-type paper. Candidates are required to answer one question from a choice of two.	not applicable
Marking	Approximately 10% of the marks will be awarded on the basis of the quality of the written communication, with the remaining 90% awarded for identification of technical points and evidence of understanding and application of knowledge. Answers should be concise, lucid and grammatically correct (minor grammatical errors and occasional spelling mistakes will be ignored). Candidates with English as a second language will not be given any special consideration.
Pass Marks	To obtain a pass it is necessary to obtain a mark of 50% (55% for S301), or 70% for a credit, in each paper.	The pass mark is 50% (70% for a credit).

For any further information contact:

Shaster Arif
email: shaster@bohs.org
telephone: 01332 250715

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Click here for a printout of this page plus information on the dates/locations of taught courses
Click here for a printout giving the full contact details of all course providers

Why choose BOHS qualifications?

BOHS’ professional qualifications have been well regarded in the occupational hygiene field since their introduction in May 1969, with over 20,000 successful candidates to date.

We work closely with regulators and practitioners to ensure that our syllabi and examinations are up-to-date and relevant. Thirteen of our qualifications are currently listed in HSE guidance as being the industry standard for their particular subject.

The creation of a syllabus and examination process for any subject is complex and involves many stages to ensure the quality and integrity of the system. Our systems have been in existence for many years and are subject to a continuous review process that includes the use of many independent experts, to ensure the maintenance and improvement of all subjects.

Most of BOHS’ qualifications also have a number as well as a sometimes rather long title. For example, P402, Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos (including Risk Assessment and Risk Management Strategies), is often just referred to as “P402”. If you are booking to attend a course, you should be aware that some training organisations not associated with BOHS advertise courses which refer to these numbers but do not lead to BOHS quality controlled examinations, so please check with the training organisation concerned before you book.

BOHS is a fully independent professional body which has no affiliations to any particular industry or trade organisation. As a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity, any surplus (i.e. profit) made by BOHS is automatically re-invested in the company, not paid to Directors or Shareholders.