A Guide to the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

 

The NEBOSH General Certificate is a widely recognised and globally respected qualification in occupational health and safety, often referred to as the gold standard for health and safety training in the UK and internationally.

It typically takes 80-120 hours of study. It’s equivalent to an A Level in academic terms and is suitable for individuals starting or formalising their health and safety careers. The certificate can be achieved through a combination of tuition and self-study.

There are no formal entry requirements to enroll in the NEBOSH General Certificate course. However, it is strongly recommended that learners possess a certain level of English proficiency, specifically suggesting a minimum IELTS score to ensure comprehension of course materials.

 

Introduction to Health and Safety

The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a widely respected health and safety qualification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage safety management effectively in the workplace.

With over 220,000 people holding this qualification, it is considered the gold standard in safety qualifications. The certificate is designed to reflect the needs of today’s employer, giving learners everything they need to know and do to make their workplace safer. It is relevant to every workplace, making it ideal for managers, supervisors, and anyone with health and safety management responsibilities.

 

Key Features:

 
  • Study Time: The certificate requires approximately 80-120 hours of study, including both classroom tuition and independent learning.
  • Units: The certificate is now divided into two units: NG1 (Management of Health and Safety) and NG2 (Risk Assessment, which is a practical assessment).
  • Assessments: Assessment is through an open book exam for NG1, completed remotely within a 24-hour window, and a practical risk assessment with written report for NG2 based on your own workplace.
  • NEBOSH Assessment: If a candidate needs to re-sit their NEBOSH assessment, they should contact their course provider to understand the re-sit process, additional fees, and available support options. Follow-up resources will be provided until the candidate succeeds.
  • Pass Rate: The pass rate for the NEBOSH National General Certificate is high, with some providers like KeyOstas consistently exceeding national average pass rates. Here at KeyOstas, we consistently exceed national average pass rates and have helped thousands of professionals succeed in their careers.
  • Resitting: Candidates have the opportunity to resit failed units.
  • Career Advancement: The NEBOSH General Certificate can open doors to various health and safety roles in the UK and internationally, from Health and Safety Officer or Advisor to full-time safety management positions.
  • Membership: Holders of the NEBOSH General Certificate may be eligible for affiliate or technical membership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
  • Global Recognition: NEBOSH qualifications are recognised in over 130 countries, with over 200,000 people having achieved the certificate worldwide.
  • NEBOSH General Certificate Cost: The cost of the NEBOSH General Certificate can fluctuate based on the delivery method and location. Specific fees related to examinations should be confirmed with the course provider.

 

 

Who Should Take the NEBOSH General Certificate:

The NEBOSH General Certificate is suitable for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of health and safety, as well as those who have some experience in occupational health but want to formalise their knowledge and skills.

It is beneficial for individuals working in a variety of industries and sectors, including those looking to transition into a health and safety role. The qualification is a valuable asset for health and safety professionals looking to advance their careers and is widely recognised by employers and organisations worldwide.

 

Who Should Take the NEBOSH General Certificate: This qualification is particularly valuable for:

 
  • Managers, supervisors, or team leads with health and safety responsibilities
  • Professionals looking to start a career in health and safety
  • Those working in high-risk industries
  • Anyone responsible for conducting risk assessments or incident investigations
  • No prior health and safety qualifications are required, though basic literacy and numeracy skills are needed.
  • Learners undertaking the qualification should possess a minimum level of English proficiency, suggesting an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher.
 

Study and Assessment:

 
  • Study Methods: Study methods can include full-time block release, part-time day release, or open/distance learning. KeyOstas now offer classroom, live virtual classroom options, or on-site courses for companies with larger teams.
  • Open Book Exams: The NEBOSH NG1 is an open book exam, allowing candidates to use resources during the assessment.
  • Minimum Pass Mark: The minimum pass mark for NEBOSH open book exams is 45 out of 100.
  • Exam Structure: The NG1 exam consists of scenario-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate their understanding of health and safety management principles.
 

Topics Covered:

The NEBOSH National General Certificate covers key aspects of health and safety management, including the principles of health and safety management, risk assessment and control, and the legal framework for health and safety in the UK.

The qualification also covers the importance of safety culture and how to develop and implement a safety management system. Learners will gain an in-depth understanding of how to identify and control common workplace hazards and how to effectively manage health and safety in the workplace.

 

Business Benefits:

The NEBOSH General Certificate can help employers reduce workplace injuries and improve overall health and safety performance. It can also contribute to a significant reduction in workplace incidents and help employers manage health and safety in the UK.

The qualification is a valuable asset for employers looking to improve their health and safety management and can help them win business and strengthen their reputation.

 

Career Opportunities in Health and Safety

The NEBOSH General Certificate is a stepping stone to success for those embarking on a health and safety career. It can lead to a first safety advisor position and provide individuals with real satisfaction in knowing they’ve made a difference to frontline safety.

The qualification is also beneficial for individuals looking to transition into a health and safety role and can provide a foundation for further study, including NEBOSH diplomas.

With the NEBOSH General Certificate, individuals can develop their safety expertise and become a valuable asset to their organisation.

 

Topics Covered: The NEBOSH General Certificate curriculum includes:

 

To effectively grasp the concepts contained in the NEBOSH General Certificate syllabus, a suitable standard of English language proficiency is essential. This ensures that learners can understand and articulate the necessary information.

  • Understanding the UK’s legal framework for health and safety
  • Identifying and controlling common workplace hazards (fire, manual handling, noise, vibration, etc.)
  • Managing risk through hierarchy of control
  • Developing and auditing Health & Safety management systems
  • Incident and accident investigation
  • Employee involvement and behavioural safety
  • Environmental management
 

Business Benefits: Beyond personal career advancement, organisations benefit from employees with NEBOSH qualifications through:

  • Improved compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Enhanced safety culture and reduced incident rates
  • Potential reduction in insurance premiums
  • Foundation for developing more comprehensive health and safety management systems
  • The Health and Safety Executive quantifies the significant financial impact of workplace injuries and ill-health on UK businesses, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety regulations
 

Resources:

  • Textbooks: Numerous textbooks are available to support learning, including Introduction to Health and Safety at Work and A Study Book For The NEBOSH National General Certificate.
  • Revision Guides: Revision guides can help candidates summarise and review key concepts.
  • Learning Partners: NEBOSH has a network of learning partners who provide training and support to candidates. Quality providers like KeyOstas offer industry-experienced tutors and personalised learner support throughout the qualification process.
  • Background Reading: Engaging in background reading is crucial for candidates studying for the NEBOSH General Certificate. It helps to enhance understanding and preparation by going beyond the taught hours.

 

 

FAQs

 

What is the NEBOSH general certificate in occupational health and safety?

The NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a widely recognised NEBOSH qualification that provides essential knowledge and skills to manage workplace health and safety effectively. It covers key areas such as risk assessment, hazard control, and legal requirements, making it ideal for managers, supervisors, and health and safety practitioners.

 

How difficult is the NEBOSH general certificate?

The NEBOSH General Certificate is considered moderately challenging. It requires an in depth focus on both theoretical concepts and practical applications of health and safety. With proper study and training, including practical examples, most candidates can successfully complete it.

 

What is the pass rate for a NEBOSH general certificate?

The pass rate for the NEBOSH General Certificate typically ranges between 60% and 70%. Successful learners, who achieve this qualification through dedicated study and assessment, demonstrate proficiency by passing the required exams. Success depends on the candidate’s preparation, study method, and course provider support.

 

How quickly can you complete NEBOSH?

You can complete the NEBOSH General Certificate in as little as 10 to 12 weeks with intensive study. Flexible learning options, such as online or blended courses, allow many candidates to progress at their own pace, often finishing within 3 to 6 months. The course includes a practical risk assessment based on a workplace environment, which students must complete and submit via email, emphasising the real-world application of the skills learned throughout the course.

 

Success Story: From Team Leader to Safety Manager

After completing the NEBOSH General Certificate with KeyOstas, one warehouse supervisor took on the role of Health and Safety Coordinator across multiple sites. Within 6 months, she had introduced new risk assessment procedures and reduced manual handling injuries by 35%.

 

Start Your NEBOSH Journey Today

Investing in NEBOSH training is an investment in your career and your workplace. Whether you’re upskilling a team or taking the next step yourself, KeyOstas will support you every step of the way.

 

Explore our next available NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety courses at NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety – KeyOstas or contact us at Contact – KeyOstas to find out which format is right for you.