NEBOSH NGC Vs IGC
National or International Legislation?
Many people ask us what the difference is between the NEBOSH National and International General Certificate courses, which one is better or which one should they do; to help clarify the matter we have broken it down for you here.
The NEBOSH National and International General Certificate courses are very similar, out of the 3 units in each qualification, they share 2 “common units” (GC 2 & 3). Between the two qualifications there are a total of 4 units:
- NGC1 – Management of Health & Safety
- IGC1 – Management of Health & Safety
- GC2 – Hazard & Risk Control (Common Unit)
- GC3 – Practical Assessment (Common Unit)
Should you wish to complete both qualifications you are only required to complete the above 4 units, however you must complete them all within a five-year period.
The difference between the qualifications is surrounding the legal aspect, the National General Certificate teaches the student about UK law and refers to UK legislation, whereas the International General Certificate teaches international codes of best practice and refers to many different international examples.
Outside of the UK, the International General Certificate is accepted globally by many governments and multinational organisations as the benchmark in quality and best practice for health and safety qualifications, this is due to the robust NEBOSH examination process and the continual consultation on the course syllabus.
Both qualifications can be studied anywhere in the world because of the nature of SHEilds eLearning platform and examinations can be arranged in most countries.
Quick Course Comparisons
| NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health | NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health | |
| Course title abbreviation: | NGC | IGC |
| Units | NGC1 GC2 GC3 |
IGC1 GC2 GC3 |
| Examinations | 2 x 2 Hour written exams 1 x practical assessment |
2 x 2 Hour written exams 1 x practical assessment |
| This course is based upon: | UK law & legislation | International codes of best practice |
| UK Qualification Framework | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| Qualification equivalent | A-Level | Certificate of Higher Education |
| Who should take this course | General Managers Health & safety reps Health & safety students |
General Managers Health & safety reps Health & safety students |
| Where is this course recognised? | Predominantly within the UK | Predominantly outside of the UK |
| Recognised memberships levels | AIOSH – Associate TechIOSH – Technician AIIRSM – Associate |
AIOSH – Associate TechIOSH – Technician AIIRSM – Associate |
| Natural progression: | NEBOSH National Diploma | NEBOSH International Diploma |
Explore our National & International NEBOSH courses
Note:
The NGC1 is a common unit for the NEBOSH National Fire and Construction qualifications.
The IGC1 is a common unit for the NEBOSH International Fire and Construction qualifications.
If you still have questions about the different merits and applications of the qualifications, our course advisors are only a click away with the ‘LIVE CHAT’ button and will happily answer all your queries.
Patrick Frayne, MD
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