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NEBOSH International General Certificate
Develop essential workplace health and safety skills with the NEBOSH International General Certificate online. Learn to manage hazards, assess risks, and apply international standards effectively, with expert guidance and support aligned to the 2026 syllabus updates. Study at your own pace, benefit from competitive pricing, and earn a globally recognised qualification that advances your career in health and safety management.
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NEBOSH International General Certificate Course Overview
| Course name | NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (2026 Specification) |
|---|---|
| Unit codes | GIC1 (Management of Health and Safety) & GIC2 (Practical Risk Assessment) |
| Course delivery | Online Self-Paced (Flexible e-learning portal with tutor support) |
| Typical duration | Approx. 103 Hours (63 Guided Learning Hours + 40 Private Study Hours) |
| Entry requirements | No formal academic requirements (Recommended English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0) |
| Assessment format | GIC1: 24-hour digital open-book exam GIC2: Workplace practical risk assessment |
| Pass mark | GIC1: 45 out of 100 marks (45%) GIC2: Points-based marking (60% required to pass) |
| Results & certification | Unified digital results within 60 working days; hard-copy certificate posted 6-8 weeks later |
| Academic level | SCQF Level 6 (Broadly equivalent to UK A-Level / RQF Level 3) | 11 Credit Points |
| Professional recognition | Meets academic criteria for Tech IOSH and Associate Membership (AIIRSM) |
| Price | From £395 (£474 inc. VAT) + £290 NEBOSH exam registration fee |
What is the NEBOSH International General Certificate Course?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health and Safety is a globally recognised qualification, suitable for both beginners and professionals. It provides a solid foundation in managing workplace hazards, assessing risks, and applying international health and safety standards (such as ILO codes of practice).
This online NEBOSH IGC self-paced course starts from £474 (VAT inc), offering the flexibility to study at your own pace from home or work. Upon completion, learners gain practical skills and knowledge highly valued by employers worldwide.
Who Is the NEBOSH International General Certificate For?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is designed for managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for workplace health and safety. It is also suitable for beginners seeking to build a career in occupational health and safety or to enhance their professional skills across various industries.
This course is ideal for:
- Managers and supervisors with health and safety responsibilities
- Team leaders overseeing operational safety
- Employees starting a career in health and safety
- Professionals seeking a globally recognised qualification
- Staff in manufacturing, construction, or office environments
- Those managing international or multi-site operations
NEBOSH IGC Syllabus: What You'll Learn
In early 2026, NEBOSH updated and refreshed the International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety syllabus. The previous units (IG1 and IG2) have been updated to GIC1 and GIC2. While the core health and safety principles remain robust, the updated structure streamlines the learner journey, introduces an online portal submission for both units, and applies a precise points-based marking system for the practical assessment.
GIC1 focuses on health and safety management systems, while GIC2 covers practical workplace risk assessment. GIC1 is assessed via a digital open-book exam, and GIC2 via a practical risk assessment based on your workplace.
Unit Breakdown and Elements:
Unit GIC1: Management of Health and Safety
Covers the core principles of safety management and is assessed via an online open-book exam.
- Element 1: Why we should manage workplace health and safety
- Element 2: How health and safety management systems work and what they look like
- Element 3: Managing risk – understanding people and processes
- Element 4: Health and safety monitoring and measuring
Unit GIC2: Practical Risk Assessment
Covers specific workplace hazards and risk assessment methods, assessed via a practical application.
- Element 5: Physical and psychological health
- Element 6: Musculoskeletal health
- Element 7: Chemical and biological agents
- Element 8: General workplace issues
- Element 9: Work equipment
- Element 10: Fire
- Element 11: Electricity
Please note: If you are currently registered under the legacy (October 2018 specification) syllabus, you must complete your remaining units within your standard 5-year NEBOSH registration window.
The final opportunity to sit for or resubmit legacy IG1 or IG2 assessments is in August 2026. If you do not pass both units by this deadline, you will be automatically transitioned to the updated 2026 syllabus (GIC1 and GIC2).
Entry Requirements
The NEBOSH International General Certificate course has no formal academic entry requirements, making it completely accessible to both beginners and professionals. However, because the course and assessments are conducted in English, learners must have a sufficient standard of the language to read, understand, and articulate technical health and safety concepts effectively.
NEBOSH recommends that learners have an English language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher to ensure they can fully engage with the content and complete the written assessments successfully.
NEBOSH IGC Course Duration
The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification requires a balanced mix of taught instruction and personal study time. Learners are expected to complete approximately 63 guided learning hours, plus around 40 hours of private study and assessment practice, for a total of roughly 103 hours across both units.
For learners taking the NEBOSH International General Certificate online course, these hours can be scheduled flexibly around your existing employment or personal commitments. You can choose to spread your studies across several weeks or accelerate your learning, provided you are thoroughly prepared for the scheduled GIC1 and GIC2 assessment windows.
NEBOSH IGC Assessment
The qualification is assessed through two mandatory components that validate both your theoretical comprehension and practical application skills. Both assessments are now submitted completely online via the NEBOSH Assessment Platform.
GIC1 – Digital Open-Book Examination:
GIC1 is an online, scenario-based, open-book examination. Rather than memorising facts, you are presented with a realistic workplace scenario and given a strict 24-hour window to complete and upload your written analysis.
The provisional pass mark for this unit is 45 out of 100 marks. Following the exam, learners complete a mandatory, unmarked Closing Interview with their Learning Partner to verify identity and confirm the work is entirely their own.
GIC2 – Practical Risk Assessment:
GIC2 is a hands-on risk assessment conducted in a real workplace environment. You will systematically identify hazards, evaluate risks, and draft a professional corrective action plan. Your completed GIC2 assignment must be uploaded to the portal within 10 working days of your GIC1 exam date.
Moving away from the old pass/fail model, the updated GIC2 uses a strict points-based marking system with a minimum pass mark of 60%. Detailed mark breakdowns are automatically provided upon grading.
NEBOSH IGC Grading and Results: A major update to the syllabus is the introduction of a points-based marking system for the practical unit (GIC2/GNC2). Instead of a basic "Met/Not Met" status, candidates now receive an exact numerical score out of 100 for their practical risk assessment.
To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum score of 60%. Despite this new transparency in component marks, NEBOSH continues to issue its traditional single grade classification on your final certificate. Your overall qualification is still graded as a Pass, Credit, or Distinction. This final grade classification is determined solely by your GIC1 (theory exam) score, provided that you have successfully passed the GIC2practical unit.
💡 Each year, NEBOSH releases its global examination schedule well in advance, allowing you to plan your studies, enrol early, and prepare thoroughly for your assessment window. For 2026, NEBOSH has already published the dates. You can check out the image below with the official dates to find the upcoming digital open-book exam slots and submission deadlines that best fit your schedule:
What Is the Price of the NEBOSH International General Certificate Course?
Enrolling in our online self-paced NEBOSH International General Certificate training course costs £395 (£474 including VAT), which grants you full access to our interactive e-learning modules, study aids, and tutor support resources.
To fully finalise your qualification and register for grading, the official NEBOSH registration and examination fee is £290, which covers both the GIC1 and GIC2 assessment sittings. If you ever need to retake a specific component, individual unit resits are available at £145 each.
To make funding your professional development easier, you can select Klarna at checkout to pay 30 days later or split your course costs into 3 interest-free monthly instalments.
What You’ll Receive
Upon successfully passing both units, you will receive the official NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety parchment. The qualification is credit-rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation at SCQF Level 6 (broadly equivalent to a UK A-Level or RQF Level 3) and carries 11 SCQF credit points, giving it substantial global standing.
Achieving this Nebosh IGC certificate also fulfils the academic prerequisites for Associate Membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Furthermore, it meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, though IOSH generally requires assessments to be completed via a UK-accredited process or sitting alongside relevant professional experience.
Course Delivery: Online Self-Paced
The NEBOSH International General Certificate online gives you the freedom to secure your qualification around your schedule without missing work. All rich media course materials, mock exams, and interactive elements are hosted securely online, allowing you to seamlessly navigate the 103 hours of study at your own speed.
At the start of your course, you’ll:
- Gain instant access to the digital portal containing all syllabus elements, hazard identification guides, and video resources.
- Learn how to systematically plan out your study blocks to effectively balance your guided hours and private research.
- Receive step-by-step framework guidance to confidently prepare for the GIC1 open-book scenario and the GIC2 practical documentation.
You can revisit complex modules as often as necessary. Dedicated tutor support is readily accessible throughout your enrolment, giving you the structure of a premier training course alongside complete personal flexibility.
Common Questions
What professional memberships can I receive after completing the NEBOSH IGC?
Successful candidates qualify for Associate Membership (AIIRSM) with the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management. It can also satisfy the academic standards required for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH) with IOSH, subject to relevant workplace experience and specific regional sitting regulations.
How is the practical assessment (GIC2) completed and graded?
The practical assessment requires you to execute a real-world risk assessment in your workplace. You will identify hazards, assess severity, and pitch a commercial action plan. This is uploaded to the NEBOSH platform within 10 working days of your exam and is marked out of 100, requiring a 60% score to pass.
How are the assessments monitored and verified?
All timelines, authenticity declarations, and text submissions are logged via the secure NEBOSH platform. To protect the integrity of the qualification, every learner must complete a mandatory, unmarked closing interview with their learning provider to verify their identity and ensure compliance with plagiarism policies before results are finalised.
What if I am following the old syllabus (IG1/IG2)?
Learners registered under the legacy October 2018 specification must complete their outstanding units within their standard 5-year registration window. The final opportunity to sit for or resubmit legacy IG1 or IG2 assessments is in August 2026. If not completed by this date, you must transition to the new specification.
If I transition to the new syllabus, do I need to repurchase the course?
No. If you are a registered learner who needs to transition from the legacy syllabus to the updated GIC1/GIC2 structure, your active platform access remains fully valid. You can study the updated syllabus content without repurchasing the course, though your exams must be booked under the new unit criteria.
What you will learn
- Recognise workplace hazards and their potential impacts
- Evaluate existing control measures and suggest improvements
- Understand physical and psychological health risks at work
- Identify safe systems for work, including emergency protocols
- Apply correct procedures for chemical, biological, and fire hazards
- Operate and manage work equipment safely
- Assess and control risks from electricity and other workplace hazards
Topics Covered
This unit focuses on health and safety management in the workplace. It includes the following elements:
- Why we should manage workplace health and safety – Understanding the moral, legal, and financial reasons for effective health and safety
- How health and safety management systems work and what they look like – Overview of ISO 45001 and ILO-OSH2001 standards, key components of an effective safety policy
- Managing risk – understanding people and processes – How human factors affect safety; assessing and controlling risks
- Health and safety monitoring and measuring – Performance measurement, audits, and continuous improvement
This unit focuses on the identification of hazards and risk assessment in real workplaces. It covers the following elements:
- Physical and psychological health – Hazards affecting physical and mental well-being
- Musculoskeletal health – Risks related to posture, manual handling, and repetitive tasks
- Chemical and biological agents – Identifying exposure risks and control measures
- General workplace issues – Slips, trips, falls, environmental hazards
- Work equipment – Safe use and maintenance of machinery and tools
- Fire – Fire risks, emergency planning, and prevention
- Electricity – Electrical hazards, safe practices, and control measures
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Frequently Asked Questions
To pass the qualification, you must clear both units. The digital open-book exam (GIC1) has a provisional pass mark of 45 out of 100 marks (45%). The practical workplace risk assessment (GIC2) uses a strict points-based rubric and requires a minimum score of 60 out of 100 marks (60%) to pass.
Yes. The final qualification grading for the updated 2026 specification completely retains the traditional overarching categories, displaying an overall grade of Pass, Credit, or Distinction on the final certificate once both units are successfully completed.
This overall qualification grade is determined solely by the numerical mark achieved in the GNC1 theory exam, provided that the learner also achieves the required minimum pass threshold of 60% on the GNC2 practical risk assessment.
Candidates who score between 45 and 64 marks on the GNC1 paper will receive a Pass, while those achieving between 65 and 74 marks will be awarded a Credit. For learners who excel and secure 75 marks or higher on the GNC1 theory assessment, the qualification will be awarded with a Distinction.
You have a strict 5-year registration window to successfully complete both units and secure the full qualification. This 5-year timeline begins on the exact date you pass your very first unit (whether it was under the old or updated syllabus specifications).
Learners who have passed only one unit of the legacy (October 2018) syllabus have until August 2026 to pass their remaining legacy unit. If you do not pass both by August 2026, your passed legacy unit will no longer count, and you must transition fully to the updated 2026 syllabus (GIC1 and GIC2).
No. You only need to register and pay for a resit for the specific unit you did not pass (GIC1 or GIC2), provided you are still within your 5-year NEBOSH registration window. The retake price of one unit is £145. You will also retain full access to your self-paced online course materials so you can continue studying and preparing for your next attempt.
The Closing Interview is a mandatory identity and authenticity check conducted online with your Learning Partner after you submit your GIC1 exam. It is not graded or given a mark; its sole purpose is to ensure you completed the exam yourself without plagiarism or external help. Your results will be withheld if you fail to attend.
No, this is a major update for the 2026 syllabus. Results for both the GIC1 exam and the GIC2 practical assessment are now synchronized and released simultaneously on the same day, exactly 60 working days after your GIC1 exam date.
Ideally, the GIC2 practical risk assessment should be carried out in a real, physical workplace (such as your current place of employment). However, if you do not have access to a live workplace, you can consult with your Learning Partner to use an approved, highly realistic simulated environment.
GIC1 and GIC2 refer strictly to the International General Certificate, which focuses on international standards like the ILO codes of practice. GNC1 and GNC2 refer to the National General Certificate, which is tailored specifically to UK legislation and enforcement frameworks.
No. Once you have successfully completed and passed both units, your NEBOSH International General Certificate is a lifetime qualification that never expires. There are no mandatory renewal fees or refresher courses required to maintain the validity of the parchment.
Passing the NEBOSH IGC provides the core academic foundation required for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH). However, structural entry depends on IOSH’s membership criteria at the time of your application, which typically includes verifying your relevant, hands-on workplace health and safety experience alongside your certificate.
