RMC, First, there is no equivalent to IOSH. No national "qualifying" body. Some universities do offer HSE courses as a speciality to the normal curriculum. Equivalent to a first degree, ie BSc or BA would be a "BAC plus three" i.e. three years university study after qualifying by passing the Bac. These courses are mostly academic (legislation etc) but with some sandwich course content. Next down is th DUT or Diplôme Universitaire Technique, one year of study in the equivalent of a technical college. Good practical content with a peer reviewed practical project. Eventually comes the "Préventeur" : part time study over a 12 month period usually for those already employed and looking for an entry level qualification. Lots of practical content and plus a case study/project based on your own employment. Hope this helps. The IOSH membership group would probably give chapter and verse on equivalents. Merv Newman