Qualification

NEBOSH National General Certificate (SCQF Level 6)

Starts

Flexible start date

Interests

  • Business & Management

Campus

  • Online

Why take this course?

According to the Health and Safety Executive, workplace injuries and ill-health cost UK businesses over £15 billion per year. To go home safely at the end of the working day is a right, not a privilege.

When you achieve the National General Certificate, you will be a huge asset to your employer. You will make a real difference in the workplace. You will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to help protect the health and safety of all workers. You will also be able help your employer to comply with the law and good practice, as well as help them avoid the huge costs from incidents and ill health.

This qualification is designed for anyone (managers, supervisors and workers) in any type of organisation. It’s ideal for anyone who needs a broad understanding of health and safety issues to be able to manage day-to-day risks effectively. Many people take the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NGC) as a first step in a career in health and safety. It gives a valuable overview, and is a sound basis for further professional study.

This course has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation. It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 6 with 11 SCQF credit points.

Holders of the NEBOSH National General Certificate are entitled to Associate Membership (AIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The qualification also meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH) of IOSH.

What you will experience

The NEBOSH National General Certificate is based on UK law. It looks at everyday solutions for general workplace health and safety issues. Two units must be successfully completed to achieve the NEBOSH National General Certificate qualification. When you have completed the qualification, you will be able to:

  • Justify the need for health and safety improvements;
  • Advise on duties under the main pieces of UK health and safety legislation;
  • Help your organisation to manage contractors;
  • Work within a health and safety management system;
  • Positively influence health and safety culture and behaviour;
  • Carry out a general risk assessment (using a five-step approach) of your workplace;
  • Recognise workplace changes and their impacts and understand how to minimise these impacts;
  • Develop basic safe systems of work that include emergency arrangements and know when to use a permit-to-work system;
  • Take part in incident investigations; and
  • Help your employer check the effectiveness of their health and safety management system through monitoring, auditing and review.

Assessment

Two exams

Assessment for this qualification is a two-step process:

  • GNC1 is an open book examination to assess what you know. This 24-hour scenario-based assessment scenario based and will include a mandatory closing interview, you will be asked questions about your submission. Pass mark 45%.
  • GNC2 is a practical risk assessment to assess what you can do. Learners will complete a risk assessment and develop an action plan for their workplace – this is immediately useful and valuable. Pass mark 60%.
Grades

While you must pass both units to complete your NEBOSH National General Certificate Occupational Health & Safety. The qualification grade is based on the result from Unit GNC1:

  • Distinction: 75 marks or higher
  • Credit: 65-74 marks
  • Pass: 45-64 marks

Assessments are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH.  You must successfully complete both units to gain the qualification.

Once a candidate has successfully completed both units (NG1 and NG2), the overall qualification parchment will be issued.

Resits

You can resit your GNC1 exam to improve your grade, even if you passed. There is an additional cost to resit (reviewed each April by NEBOSH), and time limits apply.

If you are referred on an assessment, you can book a resit with our exams team. There is an additional charge for any resits that may be required, current fees are available on the NEBOSH website.

Workplace access

It is recognised that there will be many learners are unable to access their places of work in order to complete their practical applications. NEBOSH are therefore are offering the following three options for learners:

  1. Desk-based assessment –Learners with a good knowledge of their organisation can complete the assessment based on their knowledge of the organisation. If learners have access to technical documents, for example building plans, learners may refer to these.
  2. Deferment – If learners are not able to submit a desk-based assessment then they will be able to defer their assessment submission until it is safe to return to their workplace.
  3. Learners without a workplace – Learners without a current workplace can either complete a desk-based assessment based on their knowledge of a previous employer or defer their assessments.
Fees

The registration fee for the two exams is included in the course.

A completed registration form must be submitted for the relevant examination and this must be received by the College prior to the closing date stated on the form. Late entry fees apply to registrations received after the relevant closing date.

Important dates

We offer exam sessions every two months. The important dates for 2026 are below:

  • 8 April 2026 (registration closes 18 March)
  • 3 June 2026 (registration closes 13 May)
  • 5 August 2026 (registration closes 15 July)
  • 7 October 2026 (registration closes 16 September)
  • 9 December 2026 (registration closes 18 November)

The date for the closing interview depends on the number of learners being interviewed.