Home > > > How to get a level 1 health and safety?

How to get a level 1 health and safety?

Author : Construction Career Helper | Published On : 14 Jul 2026

If you're trying to break into construction, or you've been asked to prove your basic safety knowledge before you're allowed on site, chances are someone's told you to "get your Level 1." It sounds simple enough, but if you've never done it before, working out which course to book, what it actually involves, and how long it takes can feel more confusing than it needs to be.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get a level 1 health and safety qualification, what it covers, and why it matters more than most new starters realise.

Also Read: Is a White CSCS Card Better Than a Black Card?

What Is a Level 1 Health and Safety Qualification?

A level 1 health and safety qualification is an entry-level award that proves you understand the basics of staying safe at work. It's not a deep dive into legislation or risk management theory — it's the foundation everything else builds on. Think of it as the first rung on the ladder, sitting below Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that go into far more detail.

For construction specifically, the most recognised version is the RSPH or equivalent Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course. This is the qualification most people mean when they talk about needing a level 1 health and safety certificate to work on a UK building site.

Why Construction Workers Need It

Here's the reality: 35 construction workers died in workplace accidents in 2024/25, and falls from height, being struck by moving objects, and manual handling injuries remain the biggest causes. A level 1 health and safety qualification won't make you an expert overnight, but it does mean you walk onto site already understanding the basic hazards, your responsibilities, and what to do if something goes wrong — rather than learning the hard way.

It's also, in most cases, a practial requirement. If you're applying for a CSCS Green Labourer Card, you'll need to complete both a level 1 health and safety course and pass the CITB Operative Health, Safety and Environment Test. Without the card, most reputable sites simply won't let you through the gate.

Also Read: CSCS Card vs ESS Card - Which Construction Card Do You Need?

 

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Level 1 Health and Safety Certificate

1. Choose an Accredited Level 1 Safety Course

This is the step people get wrong most often. Not every "health and safety course" you find online counts. You need an accredited level 1 safety course from a recognised awarding body — RSPH, Highfield (HABC), or the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) are the main ones used across the industry. These qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, so employers and CSCS both recognise them.

Before you pay for anything, check the provider's course is regulated by Ofqual and specifically mentions it leads to the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, not just a generic certificate of attendance.

2. Decide Between Online and Classroom Learning

Most people now take a basic health and safety course online, and for good reason — it fits around shift work, doesn't cost you a day's pay, and you can go at your own pace. A typical online course involves working through modules covering hazard awareness, PPE, manual handling, and reporting procedures, followed by a multiple-choice exam, often supervised by webcam.

If you prefer face-to-face learning, some training providers still run classroom sessions, usually lasting around half a day. Either route leads to the same recognised qualification — it's really a question of what suits how you learn best.

3. Work Through the Introduction to Health and Safety Training

Don't rush this part. The introduction to health and safety training covers the fundamentals: identifying common hazards, understanding employer and employee responsibilities under UK law, basic risk awareness, and what steps to take if you spot something dangerous. It's genuinely useful information, not just a hoop to jump through — a lot of experienced workers say they still use what they learned at Level 1 years into their career.

Courses typically run for a few hours of guided learning, so this isn't a huge time commitment. Some construction-specific versions run closer to a full day when they include site-specific content like working at height and excavations.

4. Sit the Assessment

Once you've finished the health and safety awareness training, you'll sit a short multiple-choice exam — usually 15 to 30 questions, completed within about 30 to 60 minutes. Pass marks are generally achievable if you've actually paid attention to the course material rather than skimming it. Most providers let you resit a module if you don't pass first time, so it's low stakes.

5. Receive Your Certificate

Once you've passed, you'll get your level 1 health and safety qualification certificate, usually within a few working days. Many providers issue it digitally so you can show it immediately when applying for site work or a CSCS card. Some certificates carry a recommended three-year renewal period, so check the terms rather than assuming it lasts forever.

Also Read: Red Provisional Card vs Red Trainee Card - What's the Difference?

What to Expect as a Beginner

If you're completely new to the trade, workplace health and safety for beginners can feel like a lot of new terminology at once — RIDDOR, PPE hierarchy, permits to work. Don't worry about memorising every term. The course is designed for people with no prior experience, and the exam tests understanding, not jargon recall.

A few practical tips:

  • Read the course material properly rather than clicking through it. The exam draws directly from it.

  • Ask an experienced colleague what site induction training typically covers, so nothing on your first day feels unfamiliar.

  • Keep a digital and printed copy of your certificate. Some sites ask for physical proof at induction.

  • Check the qualification is genuinely accredited before booking — cheap, unregulated courses won't get you a CSCS card.

Final Thoughts

Getting a level 1 health and safety qualification isn't complicated, but doing it properly matters. Choose an accredited provider, work through the training honestly rather than rushing it, and treat the entry-level health and safety certification as the genuine foundation it's meant to be — not just paperwork to get through the gate. It's a small time investment early in your career that pays off every single day you're on site.