More than half of all registrations for NEBOSH examinations now come from outside of the United Kingdom, it has emerged.

Health, safety and environmental qualifications body NEBOSH revealed that over a 12 month period to the end of May 2012, 51% of examination entries came from overseas.

Figures to the end of June 2012 showed that growth in overseas registrations for NEBOSH exams was continuing, with the 12 month rolling percentage rising to 54%.

NEBOSH recently highlighted how its globally focussed International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety was now its most popular qualification, having overtaken the UK equivalent National Certificate for the first time.

“NEBOSH is a name that is recognised throughout the world now for our health, safety and environmental vocational qualifications,” said Teresa Budworth, NEBOSH Chief Executive.

“This shift in having more examination entries from overseas than from here in the UK is a landmark in our development as an organisation. We are committed to ensuring that our qualifications meet the needs of organisations and are relevant to the risk profile and cultural needs of a worldwide audience. Simply put; we seek to help more people around the world to achieve healthy and safe working conditions.”

Teresa added: “Clearly the UK remains our most significant market overall and we remain fully committed to that. However, the potential for growth almost anywhere in the world is now being realised.

“With our network of approved course providers growing and expanding into new territories, and our move towards delivering examinations in more foreign languages, we expect to see the level of international NEBOSH students continue to rise as we move ahead.”