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

Safety Officer (SO) qualification categories and overview of each qualification
Industrial Safety
| Eligibility categories and qualification overview | Qualification 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 overview | Qualification 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 Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 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 Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 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/Licenses | Knowledge Requirements Overview | Understanding | will |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety エ グ ゼ ク テ ィ ブ (SE-G) | |||
| Safety manager (SM-G) | |||
| Safety ス タ ッ フ (SS-G) |
Required competencies for construction safety qualification holders
| Qualifications/Licenses | Knowledge Requirements Overview | Understanding | will |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety エ グ ゼ ク テ ィ ブ (SE-C) | |||
| Safety manager (SM-C) | |||
| Safety ス タ ッ フ (SS-C) |
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.

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





