NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety Overview
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is recognised globally as the best entry qualification for health and safety managers and is the expected prior learning for the NEBOSH International Diploma.
Students will learn how to advise management on health and safety issues for improvement, investigate incidents, manage contractors, work within health and safety management systems and positively influence health and safety culture and behaviour.
This qualification is suitable for those working outside the UK. However, if you intend to work within the UK, the National General Certificate is recommended.
Key Topics
Important key topics covered by the NEBOSH International General Certificate include:
- How to effectively manage health and safety
- How to identify and control common workplace hazards
- How to measure if you’ve been successful
- Relevant key international standards
- Practical application of knowledge and understanding
This NEBOSH Certificate is Studied and Assessed Online
Our NEBOSH courses are studied and examined 100% online. Examinations and assessment for the NEBOSH International General Certificate are completed remotely via Internet connection.
Course Details
Quick Course Information
| Brand | NEBOSH |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SHEilds Ltd |
| Study method | eLearning, Online |
| Course Level | Equivalent to A Level, UK college level qualification |
| Time Dedication | 105 hours minimum, plus 7 assessment hours |
| Course duration / eLearning access | 12 months, plus 3 months FREE! |
| Course Start Dates | Any time |
| Average completion time | 8-10 Months |
| NEBOSH Training & Support | Tutor supported, online messaging system, email, telephone |
| Exam Style | Online open book examination |
| NEBOSH Assessment | One online examination, One practical project assessment |
| Exam Dates | Monthly |
| Practical Assessment Dates | Monthly |
| Exam Fees | IG1 written exam fee – £145, IG2 practical assessment fee – £145 |
| Professional Memberships | Associate Membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management, Technical Membership (TechIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Associate Membership (AIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health |
Awarding Body
NEBOSH est. 1979, has been a UK-recognised awarding body since 2000 and received Approved Awarding Body Status from the Qualifications Scottish Authority (QSA) Accreditation in 2009. SHEilds accredited centre number is 548. You can find out more about our awarding body from their official website: www.nebosh.org.uk
Recommended for
The NEBOSH International General Certificate course is designed for individuals with some health & safety responsibilities and will help develop a broad understanding of day to day Health and Safety challenges, this course is also required prior learning to the NEBOSH International Diploma.
Being a general certificate the training will also benefit learners by preparing them for more specific roles, such as fire safety, environmental management and construction activities or as a background for a higher level qualification.
Study Method
Online access to your study materials is provided with downloadable content and tutor support.
The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety elearning course developed by SHEilds has been designed with the learner experience at heart. Using a range of media and providing tutor support from experienced safety practitioners, learners will develop confidence in implementing their learning into real-life situations.
Find out more about eLearning
Entry Requirements
No formal entry requirements to enrol on to this NEBOSH International General Course. This NEBOSH Certificate is equivalent to a certificate of higher education and candidates must be prepared to study at this level.
It will be greatly beneficial for students to have already achieved certification in the IOSH Managing Safely before attempting this nebosh certificate level course, as this greatly improves a students’ potential end-result.
Recommended by NEBOSH, to enrol on this course students should have an appropriate understanding of the English language (International English Language Testing System 6.0 or higher) in order to explain the concepts within the course syllabus.
Questions within NEBOSH examinations are all phrased in English. Your answers are also required to be provided in English.
Study Syllabus
The qualification is divided into two units, unit IG1: covers the Management of health and safety; and unit IG2: covers topics on how to successfully perform a Risk Assessment.
There are 11 study elements in total, Unit IG1 includes elements 1-4 and Unit IG2 includes elements 5-11.
See further below for a detailed course guide and syllabus information.
NEBOSH Training Support
All our NEBOSH Certificate level courses include Tutor Support. You’ll receive all the guidance you need to successfully complete the NEBOSH IG Certificate.
Course Assessment
One Written Exam + One Assignment
NEBOSH exams are now attempted entirely online, and students are no longer required to physically attend an exam centre. There are 2 units, IG1 and IG2 containing a total of 11 study elements.
- There are 4 elements to study followed by one online written exam for Unit IG1.
- Students must also electronically submit one practical assignment (a risk assessment) – Unit IG2, based on 7 elements of study.
How the course is graded
To achieve certification for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, learners must pass both units – IG1 and IG2.
IG1 is an open book examination and IG2 is a practical assessment. The qualification grade is based solely on the IG1 results, however a pass in IG2 must be achieved.
The IG grading boundaries are as follows:
- 0 – 44 marks: Refer
- 45 – 64 marks: Pass
- 65 – 74 marks: Credit
- 75 marks and above: Distinction
Exam fees, Dates & Locations
Important note: Students do not have to pay for NEBOSH exams initially. Exam fees are payable when booking your chosen exam date(s) and are subject to change inline with NEBOSH.
NEBOSH Exam / Assignment sitting locations
The written paper in this exam is now an OBE (Open Book Examination), completed Online via the Internet. This means you can sit this at home as opposed to attending a venue.
Exam / Assignment fees
- 1 x Written exam fee = £145
- 1 x Assignment fee = £145
- Total fees = £290
Unit IG1 / IGC sitting dates
- Monthly
Please note: Students do not have to take the exam & practical assignment at the same time/date. Students must have a suitable device and access to the Internet to complete the course assessment.
Steps to Pass
There are 4 steps to passing the NEBOSH International General Certificate Qualification.
- Enrol on the NEBOSH International General training course with SHEilds.
- Study the elements of the course online.
- Register for and sit the IG1 exam paper, remotely via Internet connection.
- Register for and sit the IG2 practical assignment, submitted remotely via Internet connection.
Once the IG1 online open book exam & IG2 assignment project are submitted, you’ll receive your final grade.
You will receive your results electronically (email), directly from NEBOSH on the results declaration date – information can be found on your booking confirmation slip.
Career Progression
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is recommended before completing the NEBOSH International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals course. Diplomas are available, including NEBOSH Diplomas and NVQ Diplomas for those who prefer a more on-the-job approach to training.
Course Guide & Syllabus
NEBOSH IG Certificate Syllabus Overview: What you will learn from this course
IG1: Managing health and safety
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
Unit IG1 Assessment
- Online Open Book Examination (OBE).
Unit IG2: Risk Assessment
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
Unit IG2 Assessment
- Online Practical Assessment.
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Course Cost
R11,880 Exc VAT
- Your 5 FREE Short courses will automatically be added at checkout.
Exam fees apply – You do not have to pay for exams initially. Exam fees are payable when booking your chosen exam date(s).
Secure Payments







Note: Payments for eLearning courses with a South Africa, UK or UAE billing address (only) are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
SHEilds UK
UK Head Office based in Hull, United Kingdom.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Phone: +44 (0) 1482 806 805
SHEilds South Africa
South Africa regional head office based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Phone: +2711 675 4177
SHEilds UAE
SHEilds Middle East regional office, based in Dubai, UAE.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Phone: +971 4 375 4012
Why study with SHEilds?
Established since 2002, SHEilds are an accredited NEBOSH centre. SHEilds are one of the worlds largest NEBOSH training providers, become one of the thousands of students studying with us today.
The World’s First Online NEBOSH Provider
Beating the competition since 2005, we’re very proud to claim, SHEilds are the very first provider in the world to offer NEBOSH & IOSH training entirely online!

What is eLearning?
As a SHEilds student, online access to our easy to use NEBOSH eLearning platform is provided. Students use the eLearning platform to study learning materials, receive tutor support and interact with online activities to aid learning.
Find out more about the benefits of studying by eLearning, see our examples and learn, what is eLearning?

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NEBOSH International General Certificate?
This qualification is designed to be a benchmark standard globally for the health and safety industry.
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is desired by most employers looking for health and safety employees / managers because of the robust examination protocols, which provides the confidence employers require.
Who is the NEBOSH International General Certificate for?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is designed for those looking to progress in a career within Occupational Health and Safety, working outside the United Kingdom.
If you intend on working within the United Kingdom, you must study the National General Certificate as this covers the requirements of UK Law and Legislation.
How difficult is the NEBOSH International General Certificate?
Students should be aware this qualification is equivalent to a Certificate of Higher Education. This means the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a relatively demanding qualification to study, approximately equivalent to an A-level (or UK college level qualification).
What level is the NEBOSH International General Certificate?
Both the National and International, NEBOSH General Certificate courses are classed as a Level 3 qualification on the NQF, a Level 6 on the SCQF.
To progress further, we suggest moving on to a Level 6 NVQ or NEBOSH International Diploma course.
See the National Qualification Framework below to compare qualifications.
Are payment plans available for the NEBOSH International General Certificate?
Yes, payment options are available through our course advisers. They’ll work with you to find the best plan tailored to your needs. Register your interest and one of our experts will be in contact shortly.
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Payment Plans
SHEilds UK
West Court, Hesslewood Hall, Ferriby Road, Hessle, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU13 0LH, United Kingdom - GB
Telephone: +44 (0) 1482 806 805
E-mail: success@sheilds.org
Price Range: £49-£2495
SHEilds UAE
Block 11, Office F01, Knowledge Park, Dubai, Dubai, PO Box: 501725, United Arab Emirates - AE الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Telephone: +971 4 375 4012
E-mail: success@sheilds.me
Price Range: 250-12475AED
SHEilds South Africa
Block 4, Clearwater Office Park, Corner Christiaan de Wet & Millennium Blvd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1735
South Africa - ZA Suid-Afrika
Telephone: +2711 675 4177
E-mail: success@sheilds.co.za
Price Range: R1176-R59880







