Over 220,000 people hold a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Why? Because it’s the gold standard in health and safety qualifications.

Thousands of leading experts and organisations have helped us update the most widely respected health and safety qualification of its kind in the world. This means that it’s designed to reflect the needs of today’s employer giving learners everything they need to know and do to make their workplace safer.

Relevant to every workplace, the NEBOSH National General Certificate is ideal for managers, supervisors and anybody with health and safety management responsibilities. It’s also perfect for those embarking on a health and safety career and gives you a stepping stone to success.

Trusted by many prestigious organisations such as Thames Water, Kier and the Football Association, it can help to:

  • Minimise workplace injuries and illness
  • Boost employee wellbeing
  • Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety, which can win business.

Managing Health and Safety in the UK, a course book created by NEBOSH, it is not only helpful for learners studying the qualification but also an invaluable reference source and practical guide for anyone putting health and safety principles into practice at work. If you would like, you can download a snippet of the book. You can also purchase the book via the NEBOSH shop. Learners studying for this qualification may be provided with a copy of this book by their Learning Partner.

If you are studying the previous syllabus, further information can be found here .

2018 NGC

Helps you ‘know and do’ effective health and safety

Over 200,000 people hold a NEBOSH National General Certificate; it’s the gold standard in health and safety qualifications

Updated in 2019 to represent the role of a real-life health and safety professional

 


Who is it for? 

Individuals

The NEBOSH National General Certificate will give you invaluable knowledge and skills AND a globally respected qualification that supports your current role and your long-term career.

The qualification is:

  • Relevant to every workplace
  • Ideal for managers, supervisors, or anybody with health and safety management responsibilities
  • Perfect for those embarking on a health and safety career 

“After speaking to colleagues who already worked in health and safety I found that the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety was the go-to-qualification. So I took the plunge and self-funded my studies. That decision and investment paid off because it got me my first safety advisor position. I really love what I do – going home every week knowing I’ve made a difference to frontline safety gives me real satisfaction.”

Neil Fisher
Framework HSEQ Manager, Linbrooke Services

Employers

According to the Health and Safety Executive, workplace injuries and ill-health cost UK businesses over £15 billion per year. To go home safely at the end of the working day is a right, not a privilege.

The National General Certificate is trusted by many prestigious organisations such as Thames Water, Kier and the Football Association as well as many others.

It can help to:

  • Minimise workplace injuries and illness
  • Boost employee wellbeing
  • Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety, which can help win business
  • Strengthen your health and safety culture
  • Ensure your organisation has valuable in-house health and safety expertise

“What has happened here as a result of upskilling frontline managers is extremely powerful. It has significantly contributed to Thames Water’s achievement of reducing injuries, illness and high potential incidents leading to loss by more than 60% over the last four years.”

Karl Simons
Chief Health, Safety & Security Officer, Thames Water


What will I know and do?

What will I know?

With in-depth focus on the things that matter, the NEBOSH National General Certificate covers:

  • How to effectively manage health and safety
  • How to identify and control common workplace hazards
  • How to measure if you’ve been successful
  • The UK’s key legal requirements

What will I be able to do?

Risk assessment is central to the qualification. Through study and workplace application, successful learners will be able to:

  • Confidently carry out risk assessments
  • Develop and implement a detailed action plan
  • Manage and minimise workplace risks
  • Support and develop your company’s health and safety culture

How is it assessed?

This modern qualification combines activities, learning and interactive materials to provide you with an interesting and engaging experience. It focuses on key skills that means you can instantly apply the knowledge you gain and add value to your organisation.

Assessment is a two-step process:

  • NG1 - An open book examination to assess what you know. This is scenario based and will include a closing interview, you will be asked questions about your submission.
  • NG2 - A practical risk assessment to assess what you can do (3 hours). Learners will complete a risk assessment and develop an action plan for their workplace – this is immediately useful and valuable.

Assessments are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH. These examiners are chosen for their experience and expertise to ensure that learners are assessed by the very best from our industry.


Ready to learn?

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification, however it is important that learners have a suitable standard of English language in order to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus.

NEBOSH recommends that learners undertaking this qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS tests.

For further information please see the latest version of the IELTS Handbook or consult the IELTS website.

A chart mapping IELTS scores to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) can be found on the British Council and IELTS websites:

Learners wishing to assess their own language expertise may consult the FAQs on the IELTS website for information on taking the test.

Important note: the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (October 2018 specifications) is a standalone qualification. This means that you will not be able to use units from other NEBOSH qualifications against any part of this qualification.


How to study

Choosing a Learning Partner

Every learner must register with a NEBOSH accredited Learning Partner and undertake the relevant learning before taking an assessment and gaining a qualification. It is not possible to self-study for a NEBOSH qualification. 

Our global network of Learning Partners provide excellent learning and support and will help you prepare for your assessments. You can search for Learning Partners in our Where to Study section, and can filter the results by multiple factors, such as location and mode of study.

You should ensure that the Learning Partner you choose offers the qualification in the way you want to study. We recommend that you explore your options before selecting a Learning Partner as it is an important personal choice.

The factors you may wish to consider include:

  • Mode of Study – Options available include face to face, distance learning, in-company training and eLearning. Has one method of learning been more effective for you in the past?
  • Course Structure – If you opt for classroom training, would you prefer day or evening classes, block release or a modular course?
  • Location – Being able to study and sit your examinations locally may be an important consideration for you. NEBOSH examinations are taken in over 130 countries.
  • On-going support – Will the support provided during your course and in the run up to your assessments match your expectations?

Find a Learning Partner

Cost

Each Learning Partner sets their own fees to reflect the service offered. We recommend you contact a number of Learning Partners to establish what their fees are and what is included in the fee. Costs can vary depending on the mode of study, the level of support given, and the inclusion of examination registration fees, for example. 

Read more about our Learning Partner Programme and how to choose the right Learning Partner for you: Choosing a NEBOSH Learning Partner.


What does it cost and how long does it take?

How long does it take?

The National General Certificate will involve a minimum of 68 taught hours and approximately 40 hours of private study and background reading.

It is possible for fast track learners to complete the qualification in 10 working days.

How much does it cost?

Costs will vary depending on:

  • The Learning Partner you to choose to study with
  • The mode of study you select
  • The level of support you are given

Professional recognition and SQA accreditation

Professional body recognition
Holders of the NEBOSH National General Certificate are entitled to:
  • Associate Membership (AIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The qualification also meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH) of IOSH with appropriate experience.*
  • Associate Membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM)

*Assessments must be taken in the UK to be eligible for IOSH membership, unless the learner was registered with NEBOSH before 31 August 2022. More information on recent changes can be found here: Recognition of NEBOSH Qualifications.

Maintaining professional standards
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation. It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 6 with 11 SCQF credit points.
 
SCQF Level 6 is comparable to RQF/CQFW Level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
See the  Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries chart issued by the UK regulators.
 
Where appropriate, the SQA Accreditation logo will appear on certificates awarded for this qualification. The SCQF logo, credit and level information will appear on the unit result notification. Please visit the  SCQF website for further information on credit and levels.

Examinations

Confirmation of registration for digital assessments

Once your learning partner has registered you to a digital assessment, NEBOSH will send you a Confirmation of Registration email that includes your learner number, and important information relating to your assessment. Please ensure that you check your name is spelt correctly and report this to your learning partner and NEBOSH if any changes are required. If you have not received this email please remember to check your spam folders.

Login details

Following receipt of your Confirmation of Registration email for your digital assessment, NEBOSH will send you a further email containing your Username and Password for the NEBOSH online examination platform. If you have not received this email please remember to check your spam folders.

Examination dates

NG1 - The invigilated paper-based exam has been permanently replaced with a digital assessment. Learners will have 24 hours to access, complete and submit their paper starting from 11am (UK time) on the examination date.

We have confirmed the following dates for NG1 assessments:

Unit

Examination date

Results notification date

NG1

04 October 2023

13 December 2023

NG1

08 November 2023

25 January 2024

NG1

06 December 2023

22 February 2024

NG1

17 January 2024

27 March 2024

NG1

7 February 2024

19 April 2024

NG1

6 March 2024

20 May 2024

NG1

3 April 2024

14 June 2024

NG1

8 May 2024

18 July 2024

NG1

5 June 2024

14 August 2024

NG1

3 July 2024

12 September 2024

NG1

7 August 2024

17 October 2024

NG1

4 September 2024

13 November 2024

NG1

2 October 2024

11 December 2024

NG1

6 November 2024

24 January 2025

NG1

4 December 2024

21 February 2025

 

Find out more about digital assessments for certificate qualifications.

NG2 - This is a practical assessment where learners will complete a risk assessment and develop an action plan for their workplace. Please speak to your Learning Partner for further information and submission dates. 

Examination results

All results for assessments taken in English (including those for the practical application) should be received within 50 working days from the date of the examination or submission of assignment. The specific date is written on your examination entry confirmation.


What next?

Further study

For learners wishing to continue their professional development NEBOSH offers a wide range of internationally recognised qualifications. 

Our range of Award and Certificate level qualifications offer the opportunity to learn specific industry applications – such as process safety, construction, environmental management and leadership – or hone in on specific skills such as incident investigation. 

For those wishing to study at a higher level, the NEBOSH Diplomas or Masters qualification offer the opportunity to gain one of the sector’s most prestigious qualifications. 

 


Resources

This section provides guidance and useful information in support of this qualification.

If you would like any further information please get in touch through our Contact Us page - our Customer Enquiry Team will be happy to help.

Digital Assessment Resources

NEBOSH has introduced digital assessments for a number of certificate-level qualifications. These are scenario-based assessments which maintain the rigour and recognition people expect from a NEBOSH qualification.

We have put together more information and resources for our digital assessments, including guidance to help you prepare, sample papers, and answers to frequently asked questions. We have recently added a new Scenario-based assessment guide for learners to help you prepare for your assessment.

About digital assessments

Digital assessment resources

NG2 Practical Guidance

NG2 Practical Guidance

Assessment Pack

NG2 example
NG2 forms - electronic submission
NG2 forms - written submission

Examiner guidance

Additional information and resources for examiners can be found here; NG2/IG2 Examiner Guidance. This may also be useful for Learning Partners and learners preparing to complete the assessment.

Managing Health and Safety in the UK course book

The Managing Health and Safety in the UK book follows the syllabus for the National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (2018 specification) making it an ideal resource for learners who are studying this qualification.

The book and qualification both look at how workplace health and safety should be managed effectively and are based on the UK's key legal requirements and best practice. The book contains practical activities, case studies and key terminology definitions. It can be used during a taught course or as a study aid for eLearning and distance learning.

Even if you are not studying the NEBOSH National General Certificate, this book is a valuable reference source and practical guide that will help you put health and safety principles into practice in your workplace, wherever you work.

An extract is available to download: Download a preview.

Order online

 

Learners studying this qualification may receive a copy from their Learning Partner.

Leaflet

NGC Fact sheet

NG/IG Transitional Arrangements and FAQs

Launch date of the NG and IG (October 2018 specification).  Assessments can be booked from this date:

30 September 2019

First assessments for October 2018 specification from:

11 November 2019

Last date that new learners* can be registered to the November 2014 specification:

29 February 2020

New learner registrations to the October 2018 specification only from:

1 March 2020

November 2014 specifications – registrations for existing learners** only from:

1 March 2020

Last assessment date for the November 2014 specification:

21 July 2023

* A new learner is classed as a person who has not been registered for an assessment of the November 2014 specification. 

** An existing learner is a person who has been registered for at least one unit of the 2014 specifications (status must be either studying, absent, Pass or Refer). 


 

FAQs

National General Certificate Learners
National General Certificate Learning Partners
International General Certificate Learners
International General Certificate Learning Partners

Reference Sources

References have been supplied to aid tutors when preparing their course materials and learners as part of their studies, these can be accessed by clicking the link below.  

Reference Sources

Policies, terms and fees

 
 
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