NEBOSH unveils new-look General Certificates

2 January 2020

What's changed in the new-look General Certificate course?

The NEBOSH National General Certificate has been revised to include an updated syllabus to teach learners about health and safety in the modern workplace. NEBOSH have updated the language to make it easier for people to understand. In addition, the structure has also been modified so there is now less emphasis on exams and a bigger focus on practical application.

The new specification now spans only 2 units:

NG1 – Management of Health and Safety (Written Exam - to assess what you know)

NG2 – Risk Assessment (Practical - carrying out and writing a risk assessment to assess how you apply what you know)

How has NEBOSH made the language easier?

They are dropping the use of 'Command Words' to change with the times and if you are wondering if this is a direct result of the NCRQ becoming more popular - then try getting a job with just an NCRQ qualification. However, it is the market opening up to other qualifications which is most likely the driver for the new-look NEBOSH General Certificate.

How does the new General Certificate syllabus compare on learning time?

The new syllabus actually means the course is now shorter! The new specification recommends 113 hours of learning compared to 133 on the old specification. However, if studying in a classroom the course will still need the same time commitment, it's the external 'home study' which is slightly reduced. You’ll have 5 years to complete your NEBOSH General Certificate. This time frame starts from when you pass your first module exam.

If you have already passed a NEBOSH Certificate, your qualification is still valid

Once you have passed your NEBOSH Certificate, you will be pleased to know it cannot be retracted and will still be relevant for health and safety job applications. Furthermore, you can still use it to apply for membership of professional membership organisations such as IOSH and IIRSM.

In fact, you do not need to say which specification you studied. All that matters is that you have achieved your qualification.

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