Why Should You Study the NEBOSH National General Certificate?
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is a globally recognised qualification in health and safety management, designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage risks and create a safe working environment.
This qualification is an essential step for anyone seeking a career in occupational health and safety, and it provides learners with both theoretical and practical knowledge. Whether you are looking to enhance your current role or transition into a health and safety position, this NEBOSH General Certificate is a crucial qualification.
💡 Did You Know? The NEBOSH National General Certificate is accredited by SQA at SCQF Level 6 (11 credits), equivalent to RQF Level 3 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Who is the NEBOSH National General Certificate For?
The NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is ideal for those responsible for health and safety within their organisation or for those looking to enter the field. Whether you're a manager, supervisor, team leader, or health and safety professional, this course provides the skills and knowledge needed to manage risks, improve safety protocols, and comply with legal requirements.
It is suitable for managers and supervisors who want to strengthen their safety management knowledge, health and safety professionals seeking to advance their careers with a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, and team leaders or business owners aiming to enhance workplace safety and risk management using the NEBOSH qualification to foster a safer and more compliant work environment.
NEBOSH National General Certificate Course Programme
The NEBOSH General Certificate is structured to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of health and safety management. The course consists of two core units, providing comprehensive knowledge to apply in real-world scenarios:
Unit NG1: Management of Health and Safety
This unit provides the foundation of health and safety management systems. Key topics include:
- Legal and moral reasons for managing health and safety.
- Health and safety legislation and the roles of employers and employees.
- Understanding and applying the risk assessment process.
- Developing and implementing safe systems of work, including emergency arrangements and the use of permit-to-work systems.
- Creating a positive safety culture and improving the health and safety performance of the workplace.
Unit NG2: Risk Assessment
This unit focuses on practical risk assessment and real-world application. You will learn to:
- Identify workplace hazards and assess risks using the 5-step risk assessment approach.
- Evaluate risks and decide whether further controls are needed.
- Develop control measures to effectively manage identified risks.
- Apply your skills in a practical risk assessment of your own workplace.
- Learn the human factors that influence health and safety performance and how to address them.
Learning Outcomes of the NEBOSH General Certificate
Upon completing the NEBOSH General Certificate online course, you will be able to:
- Identify and assess workplace hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
- Understand and apply health and safety legislation to your workplace.
- Develop and implement safe systems of work and emergency arrangements.
- Conduct practical risk assessments in various workplace environments.
- Promote a positive safety culture and improve the organisation's overall safety performance.
Benefits of the Course
The NEBOSH National General Certificate provides you with reliable training and trusted benefits:
- ✓ Globally recognised qualification highly valued by employers worldwide.
- ✓ Opportunities for career advancement in health and safety management roles.
- ✓ Practical skills that can be immediately applied in your workplace for better safety management.
- ✓ Enhanced employability, increasing your chances of securing top-tier health and safety roles.
- ✓ Improved workplace safety and the ability to implement safety systems for a more compliant environment.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the NEBOSH National General Certificate, but it is recommended that learners have a basic workplace knowledge and a suitable standard of English to fully engage with the course content.
NEBOSH advises that learners should have an English proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher to understand and articulate the concepts in the syllabus. This course is open to anyone seeking a career in health and safety, from managers to entry-level workers.
How Long is the NEBOSH National General Certificate Course?
The duration of the NEBOSH General Certificate depends on the learning method you choose. We offer various learning options, including face-to-face classroom sessions, distance learning, onsite training, and self-paced online learning. If you choose to study full-time, the course usually takes around 2-3 weeks to complete. However, with flexible learning options, you can tailor your study schedule to suit your needs, whether you prefer to study at your own pace or attend full-time sessions.
NEBOSH National General Certificate Assessment
To complete the NEBOSH General Certificate, you cannot proceed with self-study. You must first enrol in a course with an accredited learning partner.
Once you have completed your course with the learning partner, they will register you for the assessment. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email from NEBOSH containing your login details for the NEBOSH portal.
The NEBOSH assessment comprises two components:
- NG1 – Digital Open Book Examination: This examination has been permanently replaced with a digital assessment. You will have 24 hours to complete the exam, starting at 11 a.m. UK time on the specified examination date. NEBOSH sets specific dates for NG1 each month; check with your learning partner for the exact dates, or refer to the NEBOSH website for updated schedules.
- NG2 – Practical Risk Assessment: This component involves completing a risk assessment in your workplace. You will be required to identify hazards, assess risks, and develop an action plan to manage them. After completing the risk assessment, you will submit your findings for evaluation. Your learning partner will provide detailed guidelines on how and when to submit your assessment.
Results for both assessments will be available within 50 working days. Upon passing both components, you will receive your NEBOSH certificate and be eligible for memberships with professional bodies such as IOSH (Affiliate Membership) and IIRSM (Associate Membership), which can significantly enhance your career in health and safety management.
Certification and Grading
Upon completing both NG1 and NG2 assessments, you will receive the NEBOSH National General Certificate. The certification process includes:
- Distinction: 75+ marks
- Credit: 65-74 marks
- Pass: 45-64 marks
- Refer: 0-44 marks
Can I Do the NEBOSH General Certificate Online?
Yes, the NEBOSH General Certificate is available online. Full-time study usually takes around 2-3 weeks to complete. However, if you can dedicate more focused time, many learners are able to finish in just 10 working days. The flexibility of online learning lets you set your own pace, making it a great choice for those wanting to complete the qualification quickly.
What Payment Plans Are Available for the NEBOSH General Certificate?
We offer flexible payment options to suit your budget, so you can pay for your course in manageable instalments. Whether you prefer a lump sum or a spread-out payment plan, we’ve got options to make the cost of the NEBOSH General Certificate more accessible.
The NEBOSH General Certificate course starts from £700, although costs may vary depending on the provider. Additionally, there is an exam fee of £250. While the overall cost may seem significant, choosing a reputable training provider ensures that you receive high-quality education and support, delivering the best value for your investment.
What Career Opportunities Are Available After the NEBOSH General Certificate?
Upon completing the NEBOSH General Certificate, you’ll be qualified for a wide range of roles in health and safety management across multiple industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more.
Some of the roles you can apply for include:
- Health and Safety Officer
- Health and Safety Manager
- Risk Assessor
- Safety Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
This qualification opens the door to a variety of career paths, with many roles offering competitive salaries. Health and safety professionals can earn between £30,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on their experience, industry, and location. With experience, these roles offer potential for further career advancement and higher earnings, making this qualification a valuable investment in your future.
How Can I Advance My Career After the NEBOSH General Certificate?
Upon completing the NEBOSH National General Certificate, you can enhance your expertise further by pursuing one of the NEBOSH Level 6 Diplomas. These diplomas are designed for those who want to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers in health and safety management.
We offer two options for progression:
- NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma: This qualification is ideal for those wishing to specialise in health and safety within the UK. It provides an in-depth understanding of UK-specific health and safety regulations and practices.
- NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma: For those who want to pursue health and safety careers globally, this diploma offers a broader perspective and is recognised internationally, making it suitable for those working in different countries or multinational organisations.
Both diplomas offer advanced knowledge and qualifications, helping you progress into higher-level roles such as Health and Safety Director, Senior Safety Advisor, and more. Additionally, both diplomas can lead to Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) with IOSH, further enhancing your career prospects.
These qualifications provide a clear route for professional growth in health and safety, offering opportunities for greater responsibility, higher salary potential, and career advancement.
Why Book With Us?
Booking through our platform means you get reliable NEBOSH training with trusted benefits:
- ✓ 100,000+ learners trained nationwide
- ✓ Accredited courses delivered by qualified instructors
- ✓ Simple online booking with instant confirmation
- ✓ Cost-effective options for both individuals and groups
- ✓ Certificates recognised across all UK industries
