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

NEBOSH National General Certificate | Everything You Need to Know

March 2025


The NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is the most trusted health and safety qualification in the world. The syllabus is updated consistently with input from thousands of industry experts, organisations, training providers and learners to reflect the real-world health and safety needs of a contemporary workplace.

Over 220,000 people hold a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. That makes it one of the most adopted qualifications by health and safety professionals and organisations around the world. The widespread uptake is indicative of its broad application across numerous industries, with benefits for both the employer and employee.

Because it's a foundation qualification, you don’t need any previous health and safety knowledge or experience before starting. We see Human Resource Managers, Health and Safety Officers, Directors, Public Sector Officials and all manner of employees taking the course to make their workplaces safer.


Why Is the NEBOSH General Certificate Adopted in Every Industry?

Health and safety affects us all. Every industry and profession play a part in keeping their workforce safe so that we can return home safely at the end of the day.

Most accidents and ill-health are often found to have been preventable with good health and safety management. That's why it's so important for companies to have a qualified employees with the skills and understanding to assess risk and put counter measures and processes in place.

The NEBOSH General Certificate is designed to teach learners the skills to become a health and safety specialist in any environment, from office work to construction sites. When compared to other available courses at a similar level, the NEBOSH General Certificate serves as an excellent entry point for learners hoping to eventually specialise within the health and safety profession. Businesses also choose to adopt this qualification to ensure they are remaining compliant with the relevant regulations and laws.

The course has been developed in partnership with businesses from every industry, to make sure those skills fit the needs of the employer. It's no wonder that 90% of health and safety job advertisements now ask for this qualification as a minimum requirement.


What Does the NEBOSH General Certificate Cover?

There are two versions of the course: the NEBOSH National General Certificate and the NEBOSH International General Certificate. They both follow the same structure and have the same learning outcomes; however, they differ slightly in terms of their content and application. The National version of the course covers information directly applicable to the United Kingdom, whereas the International version covers information that has worldwide applicability. If you're unsure about which is right for you, you can read more about the differences between the two courses.

Full Course Syllabus

The course has eleven elements, each with its own learning outcomes:

  • Element 1: Why we should manage workplace health and safety.
  • Element 2: How health and safety management systems work and what they look like.
  • Element 3: Managing risk – understanding people and processes.
  • Element 4: Health and safety monitoring and measuring.
  • Element 5: Physical and psychological health.
  • Element 6: Musculoskeletal health.
  • Element 7: Chemical and biological agents.
  • Element 8: General workplace issues.
  • Element 9: Work equipment.
  • Element 10: Fire.
  • Element 11: Electricity.

The course can take anywhere between 110-125 hours to complete, depending on your chosen learning method. You’ll begin by looking at different types of laws and regulations (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 etc.) and how they apply to employees and the organisation. If the worst should happen and someone dies as a result of a workplace accident, the consequences for the company won't just be financial and a damaged reputation. 

It can also mean time in prison for anyone who has neglected their responsibilities. You’ll learn all about these consequences, the prosecution process and enforcement agencies as you work your way through the course.

Then you’ll learn about how a health and safety management system works. This includes:

  • Writing a health and safety policy.
  • Creating a positive safety culture.
  • Improving health and safety behaviour.
  • Carrying out risk assessments.
  • Control measures and risk reduction.
  • Developing safe systems of work.
  • Investigating, recording and reporting accidents and incidents.
  • Auditing management arrangements.
  • Monitoring, measuring and reviewing performance.

For the rest of the course, you’ll develop the skills to confidently identify and control a wide range of common workplace hazards. For each topic, you’ll learn the key elements of the hazard and the harm they can cause to workers, contractors and the general public. You’ll then learn how to apply appropriate control measures to help reduce the risk of each hazard.


What Learning Methods Are Available for the NEBOSH General Certificate?

We offer the NEBOSH General Certificate through a full range of different methods that will service any need or requirement. The course can be delivered via:

  • Online Learning: Our interactive and multimedia-rich courses are designed for staff to fit in around their other work duties. They are delivered via our innovative Online Learning Campus, which maximises productivity and information retention.
  • OnlinePlus+: Combine the flexibility and ease of Online Learning, supported by virtual training sessions with dedicated tutor support.
  • Virtual Learning: The Virtual Learning Academy is the most modern approach to delivering tutor-led training online without the need to travel.
  • Virtual Essentials: Engage in live sessions with expert tutors, all in a streamlined package. Have access to on-demand session recordings, so you can access your training when and wherever.
  • Classroom: Expert tutor-led delivery, hosted in a professional training environment across 6-sites within the UK. Alternatively, classroom training can be delivered on-site at your premises for multiple learners.
  • On-Site: Professional tutor-led training delivered at your premises for multiple learners.

All of these learning methods have no hidden costs or fees. We are completely transparent about what you're paying for, so you can be sure you've paid all the necessary costs right away. We have a more detailed breakdown of the costs so you can decide the best option for you. If you require funding, there are also a number of funding options available for you to cover the cost of your education.


How Is the NEBOSH General Certificate Assessed?

The NEBOSH General Certificate has 2 assessments, which are named differently depending on whether you're completing the National or International version of the course. They are known as the NG1 and NG2 for the National Certificate, or the IG1 or IG2 for the International Certificate.

NG1 / IG1: Open Book Exam

This assessment covers the same learning outcomes from Elements 1-4, but with scenario-based questions. This helps to test your understanding and application of the knowledge, rather than memory recall. The exam is taken entirely online, so you can use digital resources and textbooks to help you.

The exam is 24-hours, which is plenty of time for you to fully work through everything and even get a bit of rest in between. You could tackle the assessment around midday, giving yourself a chance to take a rest and come back with a fresh mind the following morning. Whatever strategy you decide on, use your time well. Refine, refine, refine.

For more information on how to complete this assessment, we have a full guide for the NEBOSH NG1/IG1 assessment.

NG2 / IG2: Risk Assessment

The NG2/IG2 assessment is a practical work-based assignment that assesses the ability to conduct the foundational skill of any health and safety professional - a risk assessment and control of hazards.

You can take as long as you want on your assignment, but it should only take you around 3 hours to complete.

For this assignment, you'll be asked to carry out a risk assessment of a workplace. We recommend you use your own, but you can use any workplace of your choice (even a fictional one).

The assessment is split into 4 sections, each with its own marking criteria which needs to be met:

  1. Description of organisation and methodology.
  2. Risk assessment.
  3. Action plan.
  4. Review and communicate.

We have a more detailed guide for the NG2/IG2 assessment available so you can complete a thorough and air-tight risk assessment.

Do not fear failure either, there are a number of actions you can take should you be unsuccessful on your first attempt.

You're now fully prepped with all the information you need to know about the NEBOSH National General Certificate. You can now head over to our course page below to try a course demo, read our FAQs and pick out your preferred learning method.




Related Blogs

  • How Businesses Can Reduce Their Plastic Pollution | UNEP World Environment Day Image
    Kathryn Jenkins PIEMA, MSc, BSc (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    How Businesses Can Reduce Their Plastic Pollution | UNEP World Environment Day

    Find out how businesses can reduce plastic pollution and the key policies and legislation that governs them.
    02.06.25
  • The Truth About AI & The Environment: Pros and Cons Image
    Enock Ebbah

    The Truth About AI & The Environment: Pros and Cons

    Discover the positive and negative effects of AI on the environment, and understand the future implications of it's increased use in our day-to-day lives.
    30.05.25
  • Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Metrics for Health and Safety Image
    Tom Lea BScHons, GradIOSH, AIEMA

    Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Metrics for Health and Safety

    Discover the most important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics for health and safety in the workplace, that every department needs to measure progress.
    29.05.25
  • IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce Review: Is It Worth It? Image
    William Gaunt MA, BA (Hons)

    IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce Review: Is It Worth It?

    Read a review of the IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce course from, Astutis employee, Will Gaunt and find out how it’s impacted his role and approach to sustainability.
    28.05.25
  • Do Consumers Prefer Sustainable Businesses and Products? Image
    Enock Ebbah

    Do Consumers Prefer Sustainable Businesses and Products?

    Discover why more consumers are picking environmentally aware businesses that have strategies for improving sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
    23.05.25
  • How to Develop a Positive Safety Culture in the Workplace | Health and Safety Leadership Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    How to Develop a Positive Safety Culture in the Workplace | Health and Safety Leadership

    Find out how to embed a safety culture in workplaces of any size, with our step-by-step guide for implementation and measuring subsequent results.
    21.05.25
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
  • "Great service, with everything very clear. Quick answer to any doubs."

    11.06.2025
  • "I loved this course. Having previous experience in LCA I already knew some of the concepts. Still, this course allowed me to broaden my horizons on how companies report their carbon footprint, the places where you can find the best emission factors, and how to address some of the most common problems when accounting for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Both instructors were very clear in their explanations and always ready to clear any doubts."

    11.06.2025
  • "Course materials arrived well in advance. Rhys was great answering all my queries and chasing up on my behalf and always very courteous. All in all the staff I dealt with at Astutis were very professional."

    Miranda Palmer
    11.06.2025
  • "I've been in EH&S for over 20yrs and dealt with many different topics throughout my career, but it was great to revisit some of those areas and to hear others experiences though virtual learning."

    Miranda Palmer
    11.06.2025
  • "It was a hreat experience throughout"

    02.06.2025
  • "It was a great learning experience and add value"

    02.06.2025
  • "Astutis always give great customer service, and from the 3 course I've completed with yourself I've always had great knowledgeable tutors. I recommend Astutis to all my colleagues."

    21.05.2025
  • "Great course, lots of areas some may find not the most interesting, however, the tutor made sure it was delivered in a fun way!"

    21.05.2025
  • "The course its self was very well presented and included valuable information. the tutor was very knowledgeable and was able to provide us with real life examples to help understand further. My only downside was the lack or exam practice within the course, the tutor allowed for students to practice exam questions and submit to him for feedback and opened the class half an hour earlier for people to attend to discuss the results. However, this topic was not covered as part of the cause so if you could not attend earlier or have time to submit after you have no feedback on completing the exam questions and no prep for how you should be responding."

    Samantha
    12.05.2025
  • "The course content was very valuable."

    Samantha
    12.05.2025