Online, Virtual and Classroom Courses
Fully Certified NEBOSH, IOSH, ISEP Accredited
7-Day Customer Service
Dafydd Jenkins MSc, BSc (Hons), FdSc, GradIOSH, SIIRSM

Astutis Introduces: NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety New Online Course

Discover everything you need to know about the online course and why you should consider online learning over a classroom course!

October 2019

Taking the NEBOSH General Certificate Online format is one of the most convenient ways to get your entry qualification into health and safety. You can work from anywhere, from any device with the online course meaning you can complete the Certificate in your own time, at your own pace.

What’s the difference between the NEBOSH General Certificate Online and Classroom courses?

In theory, very little. Whether learning online or in the classroom environment those who pass the assessment will ultimately receive the same NEBOSH General Certificate qualification.

The only real difference is the route taken to reach that point. Classroom learning requires you to be present and attend a venue at specific times. By contrast, e-learning allows for greater flexibility, which means you can learn from the comfort of your own home, on a train or anywhere.

This means you can take the course around your existing responsibilities including family life, work commitments or even other courses! It means less disruption and it is often a more cost effective way of learning.

Why pick the online e-learning course?

Home learning is becoming a hugely popular way to study. In fact, since the year 2000 e-learning has grown by 900% which is reflected in the growth in students choosing to take the NEBOSH Certificate online. This is largely down to the flexibility it brings.

Companies can be reluctant to grant extended time out of the business for employees to work towards qualifications. E-learning provides the option of studying in your spare time, meaning everyday productivity will remain high.

There is also no real urgency to pass the course quickly. Students have 12 months to complete all modules and the assessment itself which actually only requires a recommended 113 hours of study. With online learning, this time can be broken down in a way that works best for you. Just over 2 hours a week over a year will bring you up to that total for example.

The course material is bright, engaging and interactive – helping those with limited prior experience in health and safety to gain insight and context. Research shows that e-learning increases retention rates by 25 – 60%! Similarly, those with a background in the sector are free to focus only on modules in which they are less experienced, as opposed to following a set structure laid out by a tutor in a classroom.

Research conducted by Astutis found no real difference in the rate of first time passers between classroom and online learners, proving there is no disadvantage to studying in your own time.

There is little in the way of entry requirements for the NEBOSH General Certificate online. You don’t need any special software or a state-of-the-art computer. All you need to access your training materials is a laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone.

NEBOSH General Certificate online taster

If you want to get a feel for the materials for the online NEBOSH General Certificate, a short trial version of the course is available. It is identical to the real thing and you can make sure that you get the training you’re expecting before committing. Access your online course preview here!

What is the NEBOSH General Certificate Online like?

  • The e-learning platform is a modern, interactive and engaging experience that is designed by in-house learning designers and multimedia developers. Everything you need to pass is in this course. It will teach you what you need to know and prepare you to complete activities that test your knowledge and reinforce your learning.
  • A thriving online community and active tutor will be available to you and you'll have continual access to your tutor via email and over the phone if needed. The forum meanwhile, provides an excellent way to communicate with other learners to share study techniques.
  • Exam guidance and help using a step-by-step guide to prepare you for the exam and practical. It builds your knowledge on all the topics with activities, short answer questions and practice exam questions with feedback at every stage. You also have practice exams (that are marked) using past papers, webinars and revision guides!

Is the e-learning NEBOSH Certificate the same value as the classroom?

The NEBOSH Certificate is awarded no matter what method you choose to study, there is no difference between a qualification earned by studying online or in the classroom. Everyone has different demands from their employer and it won’t affect your qualification if your circumstances require you to study the e-learning version of the NEBOSH Certificate.

Astutis are proud to offer the NEBOSH General Certificate in a myriad of learning formats to help maximise the potential of each and every learner. Take a look at all of our formats on the NEBOSH General Certificate page.

Related Blogs

  • First Aid at Work | Requirements, Training, and Responsibilities Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    First Aid at Work | Requirements, Training, and Responsibilities

    Understand what UK law requires for first aid at work, how to run a needs assessment, and which first aid training your workplace needs.
    04.06.26
  • A Maximum Working Temperature Could Be on the Table. What’s Already on Yours Is a Legal Duty. Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    A Maximum Working Temperature Could Be on the Table. What’s Already on Yours Is a Legal Duty.

    Discover what the law really asks of you on workplace heat, why no legal maximum doesn't mean no duty, and the steps to take before next summer.
    02.06.26
  • Why Is the Green Economy Growing Twice as Fast as the Rest? Image
    Kathryn Jenkins PISEP, MSc, BSc (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    Why Is the Green Economy Growing Twice as Fast as the Rest?

    Discover why the green economy is growing twice as fast as the rest, the climate risks facing UK businesses, and the opportunities ahead.
    27.05.26
  • 80% of Workers Want Mental Health Training. Less Than a Third Get It, NAMI Survey Finds Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    80% of Workers Want Mental Health Training. Less Than a Third Get It, NAMI Survey Finds

    Discover why eight in ten workers want mental health training but fewer than one in three get it, and what HSE data means for safety leaders.
    26.05.26
  • ISEP Foundation Certificate Further Study | What Comes Next? Image
    Oliver Newman AISEP, BA (Hons)

    ISEP Foundation Certificate Further Study | What Comes Next?

    Discover the best courses to take after the ISEP Foundation Certificate, from the full ISEP Certificate to carbon and net zero qualifications.
    21.05.26
  • ISEP Foundation Certificate | Key Employer Benefits and ROI for Businesses Image
    Oliver Newman AISEP, BA (Hons)

    ISEP Foundation Certificate | Key Employer Benefits and ROI for Businesses

    Discover the ROI of the ISEP Foundation Certificate for learners and employers, with current data on the green skills gap and ISO 14001 returns.
    20.05.26
Section Curve
Case Studies

Real Life Stories

Find out how learners look back on their training with Astutis. Our case studies give our learners, both individual and corporate, a platform to share their Astutis experience. Discover how training with Astutis has helped past learners and delegates make the world a safer place, one course at a time.
More Image
Bottom Curve
What People Say

Hear What Our Learners Have To Say

We're always there for our customers. 98% of our learners rated their overall experience as good or outstanding. We will always pride ourselves on our customer service. But don’t take our word for it, here is what our customers have to say
  • "Brilliant, as always! 3rd or 4th time with Astutis now and have no need to go elsewhere."

    Andy
    01.06.2026
  • "Cleverly broken down in to 4 bitesize sessions withy really good quality learning materials supplied too. Online tutors were very helpful and no amount off questions was too m much. 10/10 yet again!"

    Andy
    01.06.2026
  • "Professional delivery excellent content"

    12.05.2026
  • "very good, very informative"

    12.05.2026
  • "seemless and easy to engage"

    29.04.2026
  • "The course lead was knowledgable, engaging and provided a comfortable space for people to engage and learn. The breakout rooms provided an opportunity for us to work independently on tasks."

    29.04.2026
  • "Really excellent and well organised."

    29.04.2026
  • "Really informative."

    29.04.2026
  • "Clear and precise instruction."

    24.04.2026
  • "Very informative."

    24.04.2026