NEBOSH International General Certificate

The NEBOSH International General Certificate is a globally recognised qualification covering workplace health, safety, risk management, and hazard control. Throughout the course, participants develop practical knowledge of identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Furthermore, they learn how to promote a positive safety culture and improve organisational performance. As a result, learners gain the confidence and competence required to support compliance, reduce workplace risks, and contribute to safer and healthier working environments.

It is suitable for health and safety officers, managers, supervisors, team leaders, operational staff, and anyone seeking a career in occupational health and safety. Whether you are entering the profession or enhancing your existing skills, this qualification provides practical and internationally relevant knowledge. Furthermore, participants develop the ability to identify workplace hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures. As a result, they are better equipped to improve workplace safety, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to a stronger health and safety culture.

There are no formal academic or professional entry requirements for this qualification. However, learners should have sufficient English language proficiency to understand the course content and complete the written assessments. In addition, an IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent level of English is recommended. Although prior health and safety experience is not required, a good standard of written and spoken English will support successful learning. As a result, participants can engage effectively with the course materials and complete the assessments with confidence.

You will learn about safety management systems, workplace risk assessment, safety culture, incident investigation, hazardous substances, work equipment, fire safety, electrical safety, and other common workplace hazards. In addition, you will explore practical methods for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing effective control measures. Furthermore, the course develops your ability to investigate incidents, improve workplace safety performance, and support compliance with international health and safety standards. As a result, you will be better equipped to create safer working environments and contribute to a strong organizational safety culture.

The current course structure contains 11 modules divided between GIC1: Management of Health and Safety and GIC2: Risk Assessment. Throughout the programme, learners build a strong understanding of health and safety principles, risk management, and workplace hazard control. In addition, each module combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to develop workplace competence. Furthermore, the structured learning approach prepares participants for both assessments. As a result, learners gain the confidence and practical skills required to identify hazards, assess risks, and improve health and safety performance in a wide range of workplaces.

The qualification has two assessments: a scenario-based open-book examination for GIC1 and a practical workplace risk assessment with an action plan for GIC2.

GIC1 is a five-hour open-book examination that assesses health and safety management, workplace responsibilities, risk-management processes, monitoring and performance improvement.

GIC2 is a four-hour practical assessment in which learners inspect a workplace, identify hazards, evaluate existing control measures, and recommend further corrective actions. During the assessment, participants apply the knowledge gained throughout the course in a realistic workplace environment. Furthermore, they demonstrate their ability to assess risks systematically and develop practical action plans. As a result, learners show that they can contribute effectively to improving workplace health and safety performance and reducing organizational risks.

Learners must pass both GIC1 and GIC2. The provisional pass mark for GIC1 is 45%, while GIC2 is graded as Pass or Refer according to the assessment guidance.

The qualification includes approximately 63 taught hours, 40 hours of private study and nine assessment hours. Actual completion time depends on the learning format and provider schedule.

Yes. It may be delivered through e-learning, distance learning, classroom instruction, part-time study or intensive block-release training, depending on the approved learning provider.

It can support roles such as Health and Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, HSE Supervisor, Risk Officer and Safety Advisor. Learners may also progress to advanced occupational health and safety qualifications.