NEBOSH General Certificate

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

This course delivers the official NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety — the industry benchmark for occupational health and safety knowledge and competence. More than 200,000 professionals worldwide hold this qualification, and 87% of UK employers ask for it when recruiting into health and safety roles.

Built around current best practice and the NEBOSH syllabus, the course gives you a thorough foundation in workplace risk management — identifying, assessing and controlling hazards in any sector. It is equally suited to people moving into their first health and safety role and to experienced managers, supervisors and staff who need a credible qualification to formalise their knowledge.

Awarded by NEBOSH, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, the certificate is a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A-Level) and is accredited by Qualifications Scotland. Successful learners can also apply for Affiliate IOSH Membership (AIOSH).

Course Units

• Unit GNC1: Management of Health and Safety
• Unit GNC2: Risk Assessment

Course Highlights

• Free exam briefing ahead of your NEBOSH assessment
• Option to buy the course without exam fees and book the exam later
• Scenario-based questions, key concept videos and podcasts
• Pause and resume your learning anytime
• 82% first-time pass rate

What Does the NEBOSH National General Certificate Cover?

• Risk assessment, hazard identification and the hierarchy of risk control
• Health and safety management systems and the role of management commitment
• Legal responsibilities, regulatory frameworks and the role of enforcement
• Workplace incident and accident investigation
• Safety culture, leadership and worker consultation
• Common workplace hazards across physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial categories
• Practical risk assessment of a real workplace of your choosing

NEBOSH National General Certificate – FAQs

Who needs the NEBOSH National General Certificate?

This qualification is suited to anyone serious about a career in health and safety — health and safety officers, advisors, managers, supervisors, line managers, site managers and people moving into HSE from another discipline. It is also widely taken by professionals who want to formalise existing knowledge with a globally recognised credential. There are no formal entry requirements.

What level is the NEBOSH National General Certificate?

It is a Level 3 qualification, broadly equivalent to A-Level, and is accredited by Qualifications Scotland. On successful completion you can apply for Affiliate IOSH Membership (AIOSH), strengthening your professional profile.

How long does the NEBOSH National General Certificate take?

NEBOSH recommends 110–125 hours of study to complete the qualification. The online course gives you 12 months of access from enrolment so you can fit study around work. Virtual classroom and in-person classroom learning are delivered as 10 days of teaching across two split weeks. OnlinePlus+ combines around 16 hours of live tutor-led tutorials with 92 hours of self-study.

Can I take the NEBOSH National General Certificate online?

Yes. The course is fully available online with on-demand, self-paced learning. It is also offered through virtual classroom, in-person classroom, OnlinePlus+ and on-site corporate formats. You can also choose to buy the online course without exam fees and book the exam at a later date.

How is the NEBOSH National General Certificate assessed?

Assessment is in two parts. GNC1 is a scenario-based open-book exam taken electronically via NEBOSH's online assessment platform — you have 24 hours from 11:00am UK time on exam day to complete and submit. Pass mark is 45, with Credit at 65 and Distinction at 75. GNC2 is a practical risk assessment of a workplace of your choosing, submitted via the same platform within 10 working days of GNC1. The GNC2 pass mark is 60%. Your final grade is based on your GNC1 mark, and you must pass both units.

What jobs can I get with the NEBOSH National General Certificate?

Roles you can apply for with this qualification include Health and Safety Officer, Health and Safety Advisor, Health and Safety Manager and Safety Coordinator. 87% of UK employers request a NEBOSH qualification when recruiting into health and safety roles, making the General Certificate one of the strongest career investments in this field.

Is the NEBOSH National General Certificate recognised internationally?

Yes. NEBOSH qualifications are recognised worldwide and are the most requested HSE credential by employers. Over 200,000 professionals globally hold the General Certificate, and it is the standard entry-level qualification for serious health and safety careers in the UK and internationally.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. You will receive an official NEBOSH certificate after successfully completing both GNC1 and GNC2.