NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

Start Your NEBOSH Journey with HSE Global

The NEBOSH International General Certificate has a world-leading reputation of developing future safety professionals and is a great opportunity for anyone who needs a broad understanding of health and safety issues and to be able to manage risks effectively. Watch the video below to find out more about the structure of the course from your tutor, Dan Davis.

Learner Prerequisites

Course overview

The NEBOSH course has two blocks of study (Unit IGC1 and IGC2). Week 1 covers unit IG1 “Management of Health and Safety”, including elements 1 to 4 of the syllabus. Approximately 35 taught hours, 15 hours self-directed learning, and 4 hours assessment of elements 1-4 (online open book examination). Week 2 covers unit IG2 “Risk assessment”, including elements 5 to 11 of the syllabus. Approximately 40 taught hours and 20 hours self-directed learning, and 4 hours assessment of elements 1, 3 and 5-11 (workplace project).

Unit IGC1

Element 1: Why We Should Manage Workplace Health and Safety

• Morals and Money
• Regulating Health and Safety
• Who Does What in Organisations

Element 2: How Health and Safety Management Systems Work and What They Look Like

• Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Making the Management System Work – The Health and Safety Policy

Element 3: Managing Risk – Understanding People and Processes

• Health and Safety Culture
• Improving Health and Safety Culture
• Human Factors Which Influence Safety-Related Behaviour
• Risk Assessment
• The Management of Change
• Safe Systems of Work
• Permit-to-Work Systems
• Emergency Procedures and First Aid

 Element 4: Health and Safety Monitoring and Measuring

• Active and Reactive Monitoring
• Investigating, Recording, and Reporting Incidents
• Auditing
• Reviewing Health and Safety Performance

Unit IGC2

Element 5: Physical and Psychological Health

• Noise
• Vibration
• Radiation
• Mental Ill Health
• Work-Related Violence
• Substance Abuse at Work

Element 6: Musculoskeletal Health 

• Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
• Manual Handling
• Load-Handling Equipment

Element 7: Chemical and Biological Agents

• Forms of, Classification of, and Health Risks from Hazardous Substances
• Assessment of Health Risks
• Occupational Exposure Limits
• Control Measures
• Specific Agents

Element 8: General Workplace Issues

• Health, Welfare and Work Environment Requirements
• Working at Height
• Working in Confined Spaces
• Lone Working
• Slips and Trips
• Safe Movement of People and Vehicles in the Workplace
• Work-Related Driving

Element 9: Work Equipment

• General Requirements for Work Equipment
• Hand Tools and Portable Power Tools
• Machinery Hazards
• Control Measures for Machinery Hazards

Element 10: Fire

• Fire Initiation, Classification, and Spread
• Preventing Fire and Fire Spread
• Fire Alarm Systems and Fire-Fighting
• Fire Evacuation

Element 11: Electricity

• Hazards and Risks of Electricity
• Control Measures

The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is suitable for a broad range of professionals, including:

• Health and Safety Managers and Officers
• International Project Managers
• Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Safety Consultants
• Environmental Health and Safety Coordinators
• Workplace Safety Advisors
• Safety and Compliance Managers

If you are not sure if this course is right for you and you want to speak to someone about choosing the right qualification you can contact us at nebosh@hseglobal.com or +61 2 9016 1500

Please click here to view HSE Global's training policy for deferments and cancellations (you will also be able to view these at the point at which you register for your training).

How will I be assessed for the NEBOSH certificate?
The assessment consists of an online open-book exam and a practical risk assessment. If you have not taken an online open-book exam before, the NEBOSH website has a good explanation of how it works and what you need to do.

What if I fail the assessment or exam?
If you get a ‘refer’ it means you haven’t achieved enough marks to pass and you’ll need to re-sit the exam. If you need to re-sit the assessment there is a charge of $250 which includes an hour of tutor support in advance of your re-sit. NEBOSH supports the right of Learners and/or Learning Partners to enquire about or appeal against an assessment result. NEBOSH call this an 'Enquiry About Result' (EAR). The timeframe for submitting an appeal is 20 working days from the results notification date of your examination. The NEBOSH website has more information on this, and links to the forms and the fees involved.

Which NEBOSH fees do HSE Global cover, and which do I pay?
HSE Global covers your assessment registration fee, but you will have to pay for other NEBOSH fees if needed, like appealing an exam result, or getting a replacement certificate if you lose it. Here’s a link to the list of NEBOSH fees.

What if I am unhappy with the course and want to make a complaint?
You can log a complaint with HSE Global as part of our complaint process, alternatively you can contact NEBOSH directly via their website.

Dan Davis co-developed New Zealand’s first NEBOSH International Diploma program, which produced the highest performing student globally in 2017. In 2019 Dan was recognised as a global ’40 under 40’ influencer and innovator by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management - and is a trusted, go-to person for health and safety advice for a wide range of clients across the public, private and not for profit sectors. He combines in-the-workplace consulting, workshop facilitation and training to deliver valuable insight to Executive Teams, Governance and Frontline Leaders.\

Dan gained chartered membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in 2009, holds a degree in international communication, diplomas in health and safety and environmental management, and is working towards a master’s degree in health and safety at Victoria University of Wellington. He is an accredited SafePlus Assessor and has experience in leading investigations into fatal incidents as well as assisting clients with regulatory enforcement action.

Dan is passionate about the professionalism of health and safety and to that end is involved in voluntary work for various bodies. He serves as a mentor for the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) and is Deputy Manager of the Hawke’s Bay branch.