NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety Overview
Students who successfully complete the NEBOSH National General Certificate will have developed the skills and confidence to assist in managing health and safety within their organisations. This includes undertaking risk assessments, working with occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and investigating accidents and incidents.
This qualification is suitable for those working within the UK and is also the expected prior learning for the NEBOSH National Diploma.
If you intend to work outside of the UK, we recommend the International General Certificate.
Key Topics
Important key topics covered by the NEBOSH National 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
- The UK’s key legal requirements
- Practical application of knowledge and understanding
This NEBOSH General Certificate is Studied and Assessed Online
Our NEBOSH courses are studied and examined 100% online. Examinations and assessment for the NEBOSH 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 | 108 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, *Due to Covid-19 the scheduled dates may have changed, please check with your course advisor |
| Exam Fees | NG1 written exam fee – £145, NG2 practical assessment fee – £145 |
| Practical Assessment Dates | Monthly |
| 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 National 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.
NEBOSH General certificate level 3 training prepares holders for a higher Diploma level studies, allowing students to build on their existing qualification portfolio and is also a fantastic base for those deciding if they want to focus on more specific roles, such as fire safety, environmental management and construction activities.
Study Method
Online access to your study materials is provided with downloadable content and tutor support.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety e-learning 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 exist to enrol on to this NEBOSH National General Course. This NEBOSH Certificate is equivalent to an A Level and candidates must be prepared to study at this level.
However, 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.
As long as you meet the required standard of English, you can enrol on this NEBOSH Certificate.
Study Syllabus
The qualification is divided into two units, unit NG1: covers the Management of health and safety; and unit NG2: covers topics on how to successfully perform a Risk Assessment.
There are 11 study elements in total, Unit NG1 includes elements 1-4 and Unit NG2 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 NG 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, NG1 and NG2 containing a total of 11 study elements.
- There are 4 elements to study followed by one online written exam for Unit NG1.
- Students must also electronically submit one practical assignment (a risk assessment) – Unit NG2, based on 7 elements of study.
How the course is graded
To achieve certification for the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, learners must pass both units – NG1 and NG2.
NG1 is an open book examination and NG2 is a practical assessment.
The qualification grade is based solely on the NG1 results, however a pass in NG2 must be achieved.
The NG 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).
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 NG1 written exam fee = £145
- 1 x NG2 assessment fee = £145
- Total fees = £290
Unit NG1 / NG2 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 National General Certificate Qualification.
- Enrol on the NEBOSH National General training course with SHEilds.
- Study the elements of the course online.
- Register for and sit the NG1 exam paper, remotely via Internet connection.
- Register for and sit the NG2 practical assessment, submitted remotely via Internet connection.
Once the NG1 online open book exam and NG2 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
According to NEBOSH research, over half of the job vacancies within the industry stipulate a requirement for a NEBOSH certificate level qualification to apply. Also, those who achieve a NEBOSH Diploma qualification can expect more than a 16% pay increase.
Course Guide & Syllabus
NEBOSH NG Certificate Syllabus Overview: What you will learn from this course
NG1: 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 NG1 Assessment
- Online Open Book Examination (OBE).
Unit NG2: 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 NG2 Assessment
- Practical Assessment.
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Course Cost
£495 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
Who is the NEBOSH National General Certificate for?
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is designed for those with a responsibility for health and safety within a UK workplace.
This qualification is also suitable for those looking to enhance their career in Occupational Health and Safety and desire to progress their career and work within the United Kingdom.
How difficult is the NEBOSH National General Certificate?
Students should be aware this certificate level qualification is equivalent to an A-Level in the UK. This means the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a relatively demanding qualification to study.
What should I study after a NEBOSH National General Certificate?
Once certified with a NEBOSH Certificate qualification, we recommend studying a Diploma level training course. NEBOSH Diplomas are available, and NVQ Diplomas for those who prefer a more on-the-job approach to training.
Alternatively expanding into specific areas of health and safety may be an option, such as other NEBOSH certificates, including:
fire safety, environmental risk management, construction safety, oil and gas, etc.
Are payment plans available for the NEBOSH National 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







