Functions before course hours
Articles 34 to 37 of the Prevention Services Regulations organise preventive functions by level. The decision starts with identifying the technical work to be performed: supporting simple activities, assessing risks or addressing problems requiring specialist knowledge.
The required qualification is then checked. A certificate stating only duration and title does not by itself establish the programme, accreditation route or scope of functions its holder may perform.
What the basic level allows
It includes promoting safe behaviours, elementary preventive activities and collaboration with prevention services within Article 35 functions. It does not authorise every assessment or replace the competence required for complex technical tasks.
Under the Annex IV training route, the minimum duration is 50 hours for Annex I activities and 30 hours for others. The article provides other accreditation routes. Specific requirements and applicable collective agreements must also be reviewed, since they may require additional content or duration.
Intermediate level and vocational education
INSST identifies vocational education leading to the qualification Técnico Superior en Prevención de Riesgos Profesionales as the current route. Royal Decree 958/2024 establishes this qualification and its minimum curriculum.
The vocational designation “Técnico Superior” must not be confused with the advanced-level functions of the prevention regulations. Nor should a historical reference to 300-hour courses be interpreted as general authorisation for a current private course to confer intermediate-level qualification. Earlier accreditations require examination of their corresponding regime.
Advanced level and specialisation
For advanced technical functions, Article 37 requires an official university degree and university-accredited training covering Annex VI content, with a minimum duration of 600 hours. Specialisation and the functions actually assigned also matter.
Health surveillance has its own healthcare requirements. Advanced technical prevention training does not by itself authorise occupational medicine or nursing practice, or make someone a specialist in every discipline.
Job-specific training is a separate obligation
Article 19 of the Prevention Act requires sufficient, appropriate theoretical and practical training focused on the job or function. This may be needed on joining or following significant changes even where the person already holds a preventive qualification.
Keep professional qualifications, specific training and equipment-use authorisations separate in records. This avoids assigning tasks solely on the basis of a diploma that does not address the actual need.
Hypothetical example: assigning an assessment
A company asks someone with basic-level training to assess exposure requiring measurements and a specialist technical strategy. Before assigning it, the company reviews the regulatory functions and uses personnel with the corresponding competence.
The basic-level person can assist in gathering information within their scope. That collaboration does not automatically transfer technical responsibility or expand their authorisation.
