⚠️ Health & Safety

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

The UK's most widely held health & safety qualification. Recognised by employers, regulators and IOSH worldwide.

11 Weeks Online & Blended Intermediate NEBOSH
4.9 (1,240 reviews)
CC-HS-001

Key Facts

  • Duration11 Weeks (140 hrs)
  • Start DateFlexible Enrolment
  • AssessmentsNG1 (OBE) + NG2
  • CertificateNEBOSH Issued
  • ValidityLifetime

Course Overview

The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is the most widely held health and safety qualification in the UK and is internationally recognised across every industry sector. It provides a broad understanding of health and safety principles, equipping learners with the knowledge and practical skills to identify, evaluate and control workplace hazards.

This qualification covers the essentials of risk assessment methodology, UK health and safety legislation, hazard identification and the practical application of control measures. You will study how management systems operate, learn about the role of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and develop the ability to apply the hierarchy of controls in real workplace scenarios.

Delivered through our flexible online learning platform with dedicated tutor support, this course is designed for working professionals who want to gain a recognised health and safety qualification without disrupting their career. Whether you are new to health and safety or looking to formalise your experience, this certificate opens doors to professional membership and career advancement.

Who Is This Course For?

  • Health & Safety officers and coordinators
  • Managers and supervisors with H&S responsibilities
  • HR professionals managing workplace compliance
  • Facility managers and site supervisors
  • Anyone seeking IOSH membership eligibility
  • Career changers moving into Health & Safety

What You'll Learn

  • Understand UK health and safety legislation and the role of the HSE
  • Conduct comprehensive workplace risk assessments
  • Identify and control common workplace hazards
  • Manage fire safety and emergency planning
  • Understand occupational health monitoring and assessment
  • Investigate workplace incidents and near-misses
  • Apply the hierarchy of risk controls effectively
  • Prepare for the NEBOSH open-book examination

Course Syllabus

The NEBOSH General Certificate is divided into two units: NG1 (Management of Health and Safety) and NG2 (Risk Assessment). The twelve modules below cover the full guided learning programme of 140 hours.

1 Why We Should Manage Workplace Health & Safety
8 hrs
An introduction to the moral, legal and financial reasons for managing workplace health and safety. Covers accident and ill-health statistics, the human cost of poor safety management, and the business case for investing in a safe working environment.
2 How Health & Safety Management Systems Work (PDCA)
12 hrs
Explores the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle as the foundation of effective health and safety management systems. Covers policy creation, organising for safety, planning and implementing controls, performance measurement, and audit and review processes.
3 Managing Risk — Understanding People & Processes
12 hrs
Examines how human factors, organisational culture and individual behaviour influence workplace safety. Covers the risk assessment process, hierarchy of controls, safe systems of work, and permit-to-work systems.
4 Health & Safety Monitoring and Measuring
8 hrs
Covers the techniques for active and reactive monitoring of health and safety performance. Includes workplace inspections, incident investigation, reporting requirements under RIDDOR, and how to use data to drive continual improvement.
5 Physical and Psychological Health
10 hrs
Addresses occupational health hazards including noise, vibration, radiation and temperature extremes. Also explores workplace stress, mental health, violence and harassment, and the employer's duty to manage psychosocial risks.
6 Musculoskeletal Health
8 hrs
Focuses on manual handling, repetitive strain injuries and display screen equipment (DSE) risks. Covers ergonomic assessment methods, control measures and the legal requirements for managing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
7 Chemical and Biological Agents
12 hrs
Covers the classification, labelling and safe handling of hazardous substances. Includes COSHH assessment methodology, exposure monitoring, workplace exposure limits, control strategies and health surveillance requirements for chemical and biological hazards.
8 General Workplace Issues
10 hrs
Examines general workplace welfare requirements including lighting, ventilation, temperature, sanitation and workspace layout. Covers slips, trips and falls, working at height, and the management of contractors and visitors in the workplace.
9 Work Equipment
12 hrs
Covers the safe use, maintenance and inspection of work equipment under PUWER and LOLER. Includes machinery guarding, lifting equipment, mobile plant, hand tools and the requirements for competency and training of equipment operators.
10 Fire Safety
10 hrs
Covers fire risk assessment, the fire triangle, sources of ignition and fuel, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment, emergency evacuation planning, and the legal requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
11 Electricity
8 hrs
Examines the hazards of working with electricity, including electric shock, burns and fire. Covers the principles of electrical safety, safe isolation procedures, portable appliance testing (PAT), and compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations.
12 Practical Risk Assessment (NG2)
30 hrs
The practical assessment unit where you conduct a real workplace risk assessment. You will identify hazards, evaluate risks, recommend proportionate control measures, and produce a professional risk assessment report with an improvement action plan for submission to NEBOSH.
Total Guided Learning Hours 140 hours

Assessment Structure

The NEBOSH General Certificate is assessed through two units. Both units must be passed to achieve the full qualification.

NG1

Open Book Examination (OBE)

A scenario-based exam completed online within 24 hours. You receive a realistic workplace scenario and must answer questions demonstrating your knowledge of health and safety management. The exam tests your ability to apply knowledge to practical situations rather than rote learning.

NG2

Practical Risk Assessment

A practical workplace risk assessment of your own workplace. You'll identify hazards, evaluate risks, recommend controls and create an action plan. Submitted as a written report, this assessment demonstrates your ability to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course in a real-world setting.

Grading
Pass, Merit, Distinction
Pass Mark
45% for each unit
Resit Policy
Unlimited resits within 5 years (£95 per unit)
Results Timeline
Within 50 working days

Learner Reviews

4.9
1,240 reviews
5
82%
4
14%
3
3%
2
1%
1
0%
SM
Sarah M.
2 weeks ago

Excellent course. The online platform made studying around work really manageable. The content was well structured and the tutors were always available when I needed support. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get into health and safety.

Verified Purchase
JT
James T.
1 month ago

The tutors were incredibly supportive. Passed with a Distinction on my first attempt. The mock exams and practice scenarios were particularly useful in preparing for the NG1 open-book examination.

Verified Purchase
PS
Priya S.
2 months ago

Very comprehensive content. Would have liked more practice scenarios for NG1, but overall the course material was thorough and well-presented. The NG2 guidance was excellent and I felt confident submitting my practical assessment.

Verified Purchase
DO
David O.
3 months ago

Changed my career. Now working as an H&S advisor after completing this qualification. The NEBOSH General Certificate gave me the credibility and knowledge I needed to make the switch. Compliance College delivered the course brilliantly.

Verified Purchase
Explore More

You May Also Like

Ready to Start Your NEBOSH Journey?

Join thousands of professionals who have advanced their careers with the NEBOSH General Certificate.

Enrol Now Contact Us