NEBOSH General Certificate Further Study | What Comes Next?

You've completed the NEBOSH General Certificate, a huge achievement that sets you apart in the health and safety profession. It’s one of the most widely recognised health and safety qualifications in the world, and it’s often the first major step professionals take into the industry.

But what now?

Whether you're aiming to climb the career ladder, specialise in a particular field, or simply expand your knowledge, there are plenty of progression routes available. At Astutis, we've supported thousands of learners and businesses to make smart choices about what comes next after NEBOSH.

What’s Next After You Complete the NEBOSH General Certificate?

The NEBOSH General Certificate gives you a strong foundation in health and safety principles. It’s ideal for managers, supervisors, or anyone taking on HSE responsibilities. After finishing the course, most professionals fall into one of three categories:

• Those looking to secure their first role in health and safety.
• Those aiming to progress within their current organisation.
• Those interested in specialising further and taking on additional qualifications.

As a Product Expert at Astutis, who has supported thousands of learners and businesses with choosing the right qualification for them, I am perfectly placed to help you decide on what’s next. Depending on which category you fall into your path is going to differ slightly.

What Jobs & Salary Can You Get with a NEBOSH General Certificate?

With the NEBOSH General Certificate under your belt, you’re well-positioned to apply for roles such as:

• Health and Safety Officer
• HSE Advisor
• Compliance Coordinator
• Risk Assessor
• Facilities Manager (with H&S responsibilities)

In the UK, starting salaries typically range from £28,000 to £40,000, depending on location, experience, and industry. With a couple of years of experience, professionals often move into more senior roles such as Health and Safety Manager or Compliance Manager, where salaries can exceed £50,000+. Most looking to achieve this level of success will need to be gather a portfolio of experience whilst investing in further study along the way.

Employers view the NEBOSH General Certificate as a minimum benchmark for health and safety roles, it proves you're competent, committed, and capable. For more information, we have a guide on what jobs you can apply for with the NEBOSH General Certificate.

What Is the Next Level After NEBOSH?

If you’re aiming for more senior roles or want to specialise in a niche area, you’ll need to keep learning. The NEBOSH General Certificate is a Level 3 qualification and the next step after that is usually a Level 6 qualification or higher e.g. the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma or the NEBOSH Construction Certificate.

The Best Courses After the NEBOSH General Certificate

At Astutis, we always ask learners: “What’s your end goal?” Your next step should align with the career path you want, whether that’s becoming a safety leader or a subject-matter expert in a specific industry.

Let’s take a closer look at the top course options.

NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma

This is the gold standard. If you're serious about a career in health and safety, the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals is your next big step. There are both National and International versions of this course available, similarly to the General Certificate.

Why choose the Diploma?

• It’s often required for Head of HSE or Safety Director roles.
• It meets the academic requirements for GradIOSH status, a key step towards Chartered Membership (CMIOSH).
• It’s respected by employers globally as the gold standard of health and safety qualifications.

The NEBOSH Diploma is a demanding course, think degree-level study, but it's manageable with the right support. At Astutis, we offer flexible learning formats (online, live virtual, or classroom) to suit your schedule. We also have unparalleled customer service, evidenced by our three-time Feefo Platinum Award win.

Curious to see what learners thought of the NEBOSH Diploma? We interviewed our award winning graduates at the NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony to see how they found the course.

NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety

If fire safety is a big part of your role, or if you're looking to branch out into a fire safety specialist or just expand on another area of your role, this is a smart next step. There is separate legislation and requirements specifically for fire safety so educating yourself on them is vitally important in health and safety.

Benefits of this course:

• Recognised by fire risk assessors and enforcement agencies.
• Suitable for facilities managers, fire marshals, and risk managers.
• Focuses on fire prevention, protection, and risk management in workplaces.

It’s a shorter, focused qualification and a great way to upskill without committing to a long programme like the NEBOSH Diploma.

Sector Specific Qualifications

Some industries demand highly specialised knowledge. That’s where these targeted NEBOSH qualifications come in.

NEBOSH Construction Certificate

The NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction is guided by the latest Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the specific duties of each role within a project. You’ll gain insight into the responsibilities and accountabilities placed on you and your organisation by the law and health and safety management systems and the practical actions needed to meet these obligations. 

Perfect if you work in construction or plan to specialise in health and safety for the sector in the future. This qualification will enable you to:

• Identify construction-specific risks (e.g. working at height, demolition).
• Advise on duties and manage construction risks under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Lead on-site management responsibilities.
• Manage contractors.
• And much more!

It’s widely respected across the UK and often required for supervisory and managerial positions on site. To find out more, you can head over to the NEBOSH Construction Certificate course page.

NEBOSH Process Safety Management

Process safety management is essential for those in high-hazard industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, or manufacturing.

Why it’s worth considering:

• It focuses on catastrophic event prevention and process control.
• Developed alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• Suitable for engineers, managers, and safety professionals working with complex systems.

Acquiring specialist knowledge is essential if you currently work in these industries due to the unique legislation and standards that govern them. Find our more about the Process Safety Management course and try out a free online demo on our course page.

NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate

For professionals interested in sustainability or environmental compliance, this course provides:

• A broad understanding of environmental management systems.
• Practical skills to manage environmental risks.
• A stepping stone to more advanced environmental qualifications (e.g. IEMA).

We’re seeing more and more occupational health and safety professionals have environmental responsibilities woven into their roles, so if you find yourself in that position, this is the perfect gateway to getting educated on the topic. Read more about the course, it’s FAQs and the available learning methods on the course page.

No matter your next step, we’re here to guide you. We've helped thousands of learners find the right course at the right time. If you’re unsure which route to take, speak with one of our expert advisors, we'll help you make the best decision for your future.

Ready to take the next step in your health and safety career? Explore our full range of NEBOSH and industry-specific courses today.