Certification System

Safety Officer (SO) Qualification System

Homechevron_rightCertification Systemchevron_rightSafety Officer (SO) Qualification System

This is a management-related safety qualification that certifies the possession and understanding of safety knowledge that is essential for a company and for business operations.
Safety management capabilities are expected to improve well-being in the workplace.
This certification system was established and institutionalized by the Institute for Global Safety Promotion (IGSAP), and is operated by Japan Certification Co., Ltd. (JC).

What is the Safety Officer Qualification System?

The Safety Officer Qualification System is a personnel education and certification system aimed at confirming the safety knowledge and understanding of executives, managers and practical staff, including company leaders.

Having safety officer qualified individuals at all levels of the organization will increase the effectiveness of promoting safety and building a safety culture within the company or workplace, and will improve well-being in the workplace.

Safety Officer Qualification Areas

The Safety Officer qualification covers the fields of industrial safety, mainly in the manufacturing industry, and
There is a construction safety field that covers architecture and civil engineering.

Changes in safety officer qualifications

The total number of people with safety officer qualifications has reached 3,400 (as of April 2024, 4).

*The Construction Safety Officer qualification in the construction safety field is a newly established qualification and applications will begin in November 2024.

Safety Officer (SO) qualification categories and overview of each qualification

Industrial Safety

Eligibility categories and qualification overviewQualification card
Safety Executive (SE-G)
Have correct knowledge and deep insight into safety, demonstrate leadership in safety management in a position such as CSO (Chief Safety Officer), and have the ability and strong will to raise safety awareness among employees.
Safety Manager (SM-G)
Have correct knowledge and insight into safety, and as a safety leader and supervisor, have the ability and will to properly guide and promote safety initiatives to employees.
Safety Staff (SS-G)
Have correct knowledge and awareness of safety, and be able to act independently in accordance with the company's safety policies and initiatives.

Construction Safety Field

Eligibility categories and qualification overviewQualification card
Construction Safety Executive (SE-C)
Have correct knowledge and deep insight into construction safety, and as a business manager (manager), demonstrate leadership in safety management, and have the ability and strong will to continuously build open communication regarding safety and a high safety culture.
Construction Safety Manager (SM-C)
Have correct knowledge and insight into construction safety, and as a safety leader and supervisor, have the ability and will to properly direct and promote organizational activities of those involved in the work by implementing risk assessments, etc., in response to safety issues.
Construction Safety Staff (SS-C)
Have correct knowledge and awareness of construction safety, and as a management practitioner, understand the organization's safety policy and the purpose of safety activities, and are capable of carrying out safety management practices based on the results of risk assessment to resolve safety-related issues.

Who is eligible for the Safety Officer (SO) qualification?

Industrial Safety

Eligibility CategoryEligibility
Safety Executive (SE-G)Company CEOs, Executives, and Management
Safety Manager (SM-G)Head of department or division
Safety Staff (SS-G)Department or other organizational personnel

Construction Safety Field

Eligibility CategoryEligibility
Construction Safety Executive (SE-C)Executives of the ordering organization
Store executives, managers, and administrators
Construction Safety Manager (SM-C)Person in charge or manager of the ordering organization Person in charge or manager of the construction organization
Construction Safety Staff (SS-C)Person in charge of construction management organization

Competence of Safety Officer (SO) Qualifications

This is an overview of the competencies (knowledge and skills necessary for the job) required for a safety officer qualification.

Competencies required for industrial safety qualifications

Qualifications/LicensesKnowledge Requirements OverviewUnderstandingwill
Safety
エ グ ゼ ク テ ィ ブ
(SE-G)
  • Basic knowledge of safety Knowledge of basic concepts of safety
  • Knowledge of safety management and safety operations
  • Understanding the basic concepts and importance of safety
  • Understanding one's responsibility for preventing disasters and accidents
  • Possess a strong will to take leadership and involvement in safety management
Safety
manager
(SM-G)
  • General Safety Knowledge
  • Knowledge of safety concepts and safety measures
  • Risk assessment knowledge
  • Knowledge of the 3-step method
  • Basic knowledge of safety technology
  • Understanding safety concepts and safety measures
  • Understanding of company policies for preventing disasters and accidents
  • Have the will to develop, guide and promote safety measures as a safety leader and supervisor
Safety
ス タ ッ フ
(SS-G)
  • Basic safety knowledge
  • Knowledge of basic safety concepts
  • Risk assessment knowledge
  • Understanding of basic safety concepts
  • Understanding of company safety activities
  • Willing to actively participate and cooperate in the company's safety initiatives

Required competencies for construction safety qualification holders

Qualifications/LicensesKnowledge Requirements OverviewUnderstandingwill
Safety
エ グ ゼ ク テ ィ ブ
(SE-C)
  • Safety terminology and correct knowledge of construction safety
  • Knowledge of the basic concepts and importance of safety
  • Knowledge of safety management
  • Knowledge of risk assessment and risk management
  • Understanding of one's own responsibility for safety as a business manager (manager) and its business significance
  • Understand the basic concepts of safety and the characteristics of construction-related fields
  • Understanding of the social and natural environment surrounding safety
  • Have the ability and strong will to continually build open communication regarding safety and a high level of safety culture.
Safety
manager
(SM-C)
  • Safety terminology and correct knowledge of construction safety
  • Knowledge of safety concepts, operations and management
  • Knowledge of solving safety issues
  • Knowledge of risk assessment procedures
  • Understand the role of a supervisor and organizational activities related to safety
  • Understanding of safety and problem solving in the construction sector
  • Understanding the operation of risk assessment and its effects
  • Understanding of organizational and natural conditions surrounding safety
  • Through the implementation of risk assessments, etc., employees have the ability and will to properly direct and promote organizational activities.
Safety
ス タ ッ フ
(SS-C)
  • Safety terminology and correct knowledge of construction safety
  • Knowledge of safety concepts and practices
  • Practical knowledge for solving safety issues
  • Knowledge of conducting risk assessments
  • Understanding of organizational safety policies and safety activities as a practitioner
  • Practical understanding of safety and problem solving in the construction sector
  • Practical understanding of risk assessment and its implementation
  • Understanding of organizational and natural conditions surrounding safety
  • Have the will to carry out safety management practices based on the results of risk assessment

Please refer to the following regulations regarding the safety officer qualification system and competence.
IGSAP S04 Safety Officer Qualification System Regulations

The process from studying to taking the SO qualification

Safety Officer (SO) qualification can be obtained without time or place restrictions through e-learning and WBT (web-based testing).

Learning through e-learning

Industrial Safety

In the field of industrial safety, you can learn about the "Four Sciences of Safety," the fundamentals of safety, through e-learning.

E-learning instructor
A leading expert in safety
Masao Mukaidono, Professor Emeritus of Meiji University
Industrial Safety Curriculum
Basic Safety Studies
  • Safety Prerequisites and Safety Goals
  • Defining Safety and Risk
  • Safety and Values
  • Safety roles and responsibilities etc.
Management and Safety Studies
  • Risk and safety for businesses
  • The trend towards safety and security
  • Safety is the key to a company's competitive edge
  • Safety and productivity etc.
Social Safety Studies
  • Safety and Social Institutions
  • Safety Laws and Regulations
  • Safety and Responsibility
  • A New Era of Safety, etc.
Construction Safety
  • Technical aspects of safety science
  • Risk assessment approach
  • Risk Reduction and the 3-Step Method
  • Peaceful Safety and Safety Studies, etc.

Construction Safety Field

In the field of construction safety, in addition to the "Four Sciences of Safety," students can learn about construction safety through e-learning.

Our e-learning instructors are experts in occupational and construction safety.

Construction Safety Curriculum
Basic Safety Studies
  • Safety Prerequisites and Safety Goals
  • Defining Safety and Risk
  • Safety Roles and Responsibilities
  • Basic Safety Studies in the Construction Industry
Management and Safety Studies
  • Safety is a value
  • Human Error and Education
  • Management Systems and Risk Assessment
  • Management and Safety Studies in the Construction Industry
Social Safety Studies
  • Social System of Safety
  • Safety and Responsibility
  • Accident investigation organization and system
  • Social Safety Studies in the Construction Sector
Construction Safety
  • Risk assessment approach
  • Risk Reduction and the 3-Step Method
  • Managing residual risks
  • Construction Safety in the Construction Industry

Online Exam

The exam can be taken online using a PC/smartphone/tablet.

Details of the Safety Officer Qualification System (study to exam)

For details about the Safety Officer Qualification Program (from studying to taking the exam), please see the JC website below.

Safety Officer Industrial Safety Field (SO-G)

https://www.japan-certification.com/certifying-examination/details/?so-g

Safety Officer Construction Safety (SO-C)

https://www.japan-certification.com/certifying-examination/details/?so-c

Safety Officer Qualification Program Brochure

Safety Officer Industrial Safety (SO-G) Brochure

Safety Officer Construction Safety (SO-C) Brochure

https://institute-gsafety.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02568afb84dd45b42a9cb1a6a32d874a-1.pdf