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.
2018 NGC
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 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 IELTS website for information on taking the test. Your chosen Learning Partner may also be able to recommend a method of pre-learning assessment of language.
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?
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, among other factors.
- Read more about our Learning Partner Programme and how to choose the right Learning Partner for you: Choosing a NEBOSH Learning Partner.
- UK residents may be eligible for funding towards a NEBOSH qualification. We have provided information on some of the funding schemes available: Guidance on funding for NEBOSH.
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:- Affiliate 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
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 | Wednesday 06 November 2024 | Friday 24 January 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 04 December 2024 | Friday 21 February 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 08 January 2025 | Wednesday 19 March 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 05 February 2025 | Wednesday 16 April 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 05 March 2025 | Monday 19 May 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 09 April 2025 | Tuesday 24 June 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 07 May 2025 | Thursday 17 July 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 11 June 2025 | Wednesday 20 August 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 09 July 2025 | Thursday 18 September 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 06 August 2025 | Thursday 16 October 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 10 September 2025 | Wednesday 19 November 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 08 October 2025 | Wednesday 17 December 2025 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 05 November 2025 | Monday 26 January 2026 |
| NG1 | Wednesday 10 December 2025 | Monday 02 March 2026 |
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.
Syllabus Guide 2018 Specification
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.
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.
Download the course book extract
Learners studying this qualification may receive a copy from their Learning Partner.
Leaflet
NGC Fact sheet
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.
Qualification Progression Leaflet
Policies, terms and fees
- Learner Terms and Conditions
- Learner Fees list
- URN information - your Unit Results Notification explained
- All NEBOSH policies and procedures