NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

This course is ideal if you:

• Have health and safety responsibilities as part of your role.
• Want a recognised qualification to support career progression.
• Are new to health and safety and need a strong, practical foundation.
• Want to study flexibly, with expert tutor support throughout.
• Prefer structured learning rather than being left to self-study.

Whether you’re looking to improve safety standards in your current role or take your first step into a health and safety career, the NEBOSH National General Certificate provides the knowledge, confidence and credibility to move forward.

Our course focuses on every day, practical solutions to common workplace health and safety challenges. By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to:

• Understand why health and safety improvements are essential and how to justify them within your organisation.
• Confidently advise on duties under UK health and safety legislation.
• Support your organisation in managing contractors and influencing positive health and safety behaviour.
• Carry out a general workplace risk assessment using a clear 5-step approach.
• Take part in incident investigations and help monitor, audit and review the effectiveness of health and safety management systems.

Our tutors bring these topics to life using practical examples, case studies and real workplace scenarios to ensure learning is relevant and engaging.

Our NEBOSH National General Certificate is delivered remotely, giving you the flexibility to study around work and personal commitments, without losing the structure and support of tutor-led learning.

We pride ourselves on the level of support and guidance learners receive throughout the course.

• You’ll be assigned a dedicated, NEBOSH-approved tutor who supports you from start to finish.
• 1-to-1 tutor sessions are available throughout the course to clarify topics, build confidence and prepare for assessments.
• Tutors provide guidance through professional discussions, helping you apply learning to real workplace situations.
• You’ll complete revision papers and exam preparation activities, ensuring you feel confident ahead of the GNC1 open book exam.
• Support is also provided for the GNC2 practical risk assessment, including advice on structure, evidence and submission.

This structured support ensures you’re never left to self-study alone and gives you the confidence to successfully complete both assessments.

The NEBOSH National General Certificate is made up of two units: GNC1 and GNC2, covering 11 key elements of health and safety management.

Unit GNC1 – Management of Health and Safety

This unit focuses on the principles and systems needed to manage health and safety effectively, including:

• Why we should manage health and safety.
• How health and safety management systems work and what they look like.
• Managing risk by understanding people, processes and behaviours.
• Health and Safety monitoring and measuring.

Unit GNC2 – Risk Assessment

This unit is highly practical and focuses on identifying, assessing and controlling workplace hazards, including:

• Physical and psychological health.
• Musculoskeletal health.
• Chemical and biological agents.
• General workplace issues.
• Work equipment.
• Fire.
• Electricity.

We fully prepare you for both assessments and guide you through the process step by step.

GNC1 – Open Book Examination

You’ll have 24 hours to complete the exam, answering questions based on realistic workplace scenarios. Exams are available every month, offering flexibility around work commitments.


GNC2 – Practical Risk Assessment

This involves completing a risk assessment in your own workplace, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned directly. The GNC2 assessment must be completed within 10 days of finishing the GNC1 exam.

You must achieve an appropriate passing mark in both units to gain the qualification.

By completing the course with us, you will:

• Achieve a globally recognised health and safety qualification.
• Be eligible to apply for TechIOSH membership.
• Gain practical knowledge and skills you can immediately apply at work.
• Build a strong foundation for a career in health and safety.
• Improve your confidence when managing health and safety responsibilities.
• Create the skills needed to implement and support a positive safety culture.

Many learners progress from the NEBOSH National General Certificate to the Level 6 NVQ Occupational Health & Safety, a degree-level qualification that significantly enhances career prospects within the health and safety profession.

There are no formal entry requirements, making this an ideal starting point for health and safety training.

You must have a suitable standard of English.

You’ll need access to a computer or laptop, a stable internet connection, Dropbox and a Zoom account.

The course involves 115 hours of study, including taught learning and background reading.

Your final grade (Distinction, Credit, Pass or Refer) is based on the GNC1 exam result, but both units must be passed.

Certification is valid for life.

We offer the NEBOSH National General Certificate via:

• Classroom learning in Dagenham, Essex.
• Blended learning, combining tutor support with flexible study.

Our course is fully accredited by NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health).

We offer in-house training for organisations with 6 or more delegates, with discounts available for group bookings. This allows us to tailor delivery around your business, site and specific risks.