Level 3 RQF qualification (units GNC1 and GNC2): the UK’s flagship occupational health and safety qualification, held by 200,000+ H&S professionals.
3 learning types available
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is aimed at H&S advisers, line managers, supervisors, and anyone moving into a workplace H&S role. There are no formal entry requirements, but NEBOSH recommends English to roughly IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Most learners study alongside full-time work.
The NEBOSH General Certificate is the UK’s flagship Level 3 RQF qualification in occupational health and safety. Formally the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, it’s held by over 200,000 H&S professionals worldwide and is the academic credential employers list as preferred when hiring for workplace H&S roles across virtually every UK industry.
The NEBOSH General Certificate course is structured around two units. GNC1 (formerly NG1 under the 2018 spec) covers the principles of H&S management, why we manage H&S, how management systems work, managing risk and monitoring performance. GNC2 (formerly NG2 under the 2018 spec) is a workplace-based risk assessment, applying the technical content to your own organisation. KeyOstas teaches the latest 2026 GNC1 + GNC2 syllabus with the new points-based GNC2 marking and 60% pass mark.
You can take the NEBOSH General Certificate online as a live virtual classroom course (£1,141 +VAT), face-to-face in our UK training centres (£1,535 +VAT), or as in-company training (price on application). The qualification is set by NEBOSH, the UK’s leading H&S examination board, and KeyOstas is a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner. Want to know how much the NEBOSH General Certificate costs in your specific case? See the three learning options or talk to a tutor for an in-company quote.
The qualification is made up of two units (previously NG1 and NG2 under the 2018 spec):
For the full unit-by-unit syllabus and topic breakdown, read our NEBOSH National General Certificate guide.
Most candidates do the NEBOSH General Certificate first, then add a sector-specific specialism on top. Whichever route you take, your General Certificate stays the recognised academic foundation employers list as preferred.
Specialist Level 3 fire-safety qualification, FSC1 + FSC2 covering risk assessment, evacuation and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Specialist RQF Level 4 / SCQF Level 7 construction H&S qualification, Unit CN1 covering CDM 2015 duty-holder roles, working at height, contractor management and Building Safety Act 2022 competence.
Level 6 qualification, recognised by IOSH for Graduate Membership (GradIOSH) and the established route to Chartered (CMIOSH) status.
A scenario-based open-book examination for GNC1 with a short closing interview, and a practical workplace risk assessment for GNC2.
Every KeyOstas tutor is an active occupational H&S practitioner with real cross-sector H&S experience to bring to the room.
Structured tutor support through the ~3,000-word workplace risk assessment, from scoping to submission.
Top-tier accreditation status with NEBOSH, the recognised mark for centres meeting the highest delivery and learner-outcome standards.
One of NEBOSH’s longest-standing accredited centres, centre number 009, trading and training since 1984.
Across our NEBOSH portfolio. We invest in tutor coaching, mock papers and GNC2 walk-throughs to keep that number high.
We run our NEBOSH General Safety courses across three venues so you can pick the location that suits you, head office in Southam plus regional centres in Bromsgrove and Manchester Airport.
Our flagship classroom centre. Tutor-led GNC1 + GNC2 delivery, free parking, lunch and refreshments included.
Hotel-based classroom delivery for learners across the Midlands. On-site parking and catering included.
A convenient northern delivery venue for NEBOSH General Certificate delivery. Close to motorway and rail links.
professionals worldwide hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate.
of UK health-and-safety job adverts require at least one NEBOSH qualification.
most-widely-held UK health-and-safety qualification, the academic credential employers ask for.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provided by KeyOstas has been key to improving our safety protocols. The practical approach and expert guidance have equipped us with the skills needed to manage workplace safety effectively.
Speak to a senior NEBOSH tutor about your situation, study mode and start dates.
Talk to a tutor →Or talk to a tutor: 0330 056 9534
Last reviewed: April 2026 by KeyOstas senior tutors.
