NEBOSH General Certificate Syllabus Update | What Our Learners Need to Know

NEBOSH has announced updates to the National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety, with teaching of the revised syllabus beginning on 2 February 2026 and first assessments from 4 March 2026.

The changes are relatively minor, reflecting strong feedback from learners – 99% of International Certificate holders and 96% of National Certificate holders would recommend the qualification. However, there are important adjustments to how the practical risk assessment in unit two is administered and marked.

What's Changing?

Unit Naming

• NG1/IG1 will be renamed GNC1/GIC1.
• NG2/IG2 will be renamed GNC2/GIC2.

Assessments

Unit one (GNC1/GIC1) The 24-hour scenario-based assessment remains unchanged.

Unit two (GNC2/GIC2) The practical risk assessment will see three key changes:

• Submission: You'll submit your assessment through the online NEBOSH Assessment Platform, just like in unit one. The deadline is 10 working days after completing GNC1/GIC1.
• Marking: NEBOSH is moving from a met/not met system to points-based marking with a 60% pass mark. You'll automatically receive a mark breakdown document showing how marks were awarded.
• Results: Both unit results will be issued together, 60 working days after your GNC1/GIC1 assessment, so you'll receive your complete qualification outcome at once.

Important Dates

• 2 February 2026: Teaching begins on revised syllabus
• 4 March 2026: First assessments under new specification
• 6 August 2026: Final assessments under current (October 2018) specification

What This Means for You

If you haven't started NG2/IG2: You'll move to the new specification.

If you've been referred on NG2/IG2: You'll remain on the current specification with until August 2026 to resubmit. If you don't pass by then, you'll move to the new GNC2/GIC2 assessment.

If you've completed NG2/IG2: You'll remain on the current specification until the final assessment date in August 2026.

Final registrations: February 2026 is the last chance to register for the 2018 specification. Contact us at Astutis to ensure you're registered in time.

Recognition Remains Consistent

Both qualifications maintain their SQA Accreditation at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to RQF/CQFW Level 3), and certificate holders remain eligible for:

• Associate Membership (AIIRSM) with IIRSM
• Affiliate Membership (AIOSH) with IOSH, and the qualification meets academic requirements for Tech IOSH with appropriate experience

Questions About the Changes?

If you're currently studying for your NEBOSH General Certificate with Astutis, or considering starting your qualification, contact our team to discuss how these updates affect your learning journey.