The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is the most widely held health and safety qualification in the UK with over 175,000 people having gained the award since it was launched in 1989.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Course fees are determined by individual course providers and vary depending on the format of the course. You should plan your study around a minimum of 80 taught hours and approximately 49 hours of private study and background reading.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety course certificate has 5 years validity.
It is recommended that you check with your course tutor for information on NEBOSH - National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety refresher courses and their recommended frequency or the next step qualification.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is suitable for Managers, supervisors and staff from all types of organisations who need a broad understanding of health and safety issues. The certificate helps them manage risks effectively.
Many people take the NEBOSH National General Certificate as a first step in a career in health and safety. It provides a valuable overview, and is a sound basis for further professional study.
No previous health and safety knowledge is required but candidates should note the assessment includes a requirement to write a short report.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate covers the main legal requirements for health and safety in the UK, identification and control of workplace hazards, and the practical application of this knowledge.
The syllabus is mapped to the National Occupational Standards for Health and Safety owned by Proskills.
The qualification is divided into three units, each of which is assessed separately:
Management of Health and Safety (NGC1)
Controlling workplace hazards (GC2)
Health and safety practical application (GC3)
Units NGC1 and GC2 are taught units each assessed by a two-hour written examination.
Each written examination consists of ten short-answer questions and one long-answer question. All questions are compulsory.
Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH.
Unit NGC3 is assessed by one two-hour practical examination carried out in the candidate´s own workplace.
The assessment must normally be taken within 10 working days of a written examination.
The practical examination is internally assessed by the programme organiser and externally moderated by NEBOSH.
Candidates will be awarded a unit certificate for each unit passed. Once a candidate has successfully completed all three units (NGC1, GC2 and GC3), the overall qualification parchment will be issued.