Qualification overview
The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a globally recognised qualification designed for those who need a broad, practical understanding of occupational health and safety principles in an international context.
The qualification provides a solid foundation in identifying hazards, assessing risk, and applying proportionate control measures across a wide range of industries and regulatory environments. It is suitable for organisations operating outside the UK, or within multinational settings where international standards and approaches are required.
What the qualification covers
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is made up of two units.
IG1 – Management of health and safety
This unit focuses on the principles of effective health and safety management, including:
- The moral, financial, and legal reasons for managing health and safety
- International approaches to health and safety regulation and enforcement
- Health and safety management systems and the Plan–Do–Check–Act model
- Risk profiling, organisational culture, and leadership
- Monitoring performance and investigating incidents
Assessment is by an open book examination, which tests understanding, interpretation, and application rather than rote learning.
IG2 – Risk assessment
The practical unit requires learners to complete a risk assessment in their own workplace or a suitable work environment.
It focuses on the ability to:
- Identify common workplace hazards
- Consider who may be harmed and how
- Evaluate risks and existing control measures
- Recommend additional, proportionate controls
- Communicate findings clearly and effectively
This unit assesses the learner’s ability to apply risk assessment principles in practice.
Who the qualification is for
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is suitable for:
- Managers and supervisors with health and safety responsibilities
- Those working in international or multinational organisations
- Individuals seeking a recognised foundation qualification in occupational health and safety
- Employers looking to build internal health and safety competence across global operations
It is widely taken as a first formal health and safety qualification and provides a sound basis for further professional study.
Professional recognition
Successful completion of the qualification supports entry to a range of professional memberships, including Associate membership of IOSH and IIRSM, subject to the requirements of the relevant professional body.
How we deliver the IGC
Our delivery of the NEBOSH International General Certificate is structured, tutor-led, and focused on practical understanding rather than memorisation.
We place emphasis on:
- Clear explanation of core health and safety principles
- Application of risk assessment in real work settings
- Understanding how international standards and systems operate in practice
- Preparation for the open book examination format
- Structured guidance for completing the IG2 practical assessment
Delivery is led by a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner with extensive frontline and consultancy experience across multiple sectors.
Assessment and learner support
We provide clear guidance on:
- What NEBOSH expects from the IG1 open book examination
- How to approach scenario-based questions
- How to structure and complete the IG2 risk assessment
- Common errors and how to avoid them
Support is provided within NEBOSH assessment rules and is focused on helping learners demonstrate competence and understanding.
Practical outcomes
On successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Understand and explain core occupational health and safety principles
- Contribute effectively to health and safety management systems
- Carry out and review suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- Identify proportionate control measures for common workplace hazards
- Communicate health and safety issues clearly within an international context
Course format and next steps
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is delivered through structured tutor-led training, with guided preparation for both assessment units.
For information on upcoming courses, delivery format, and fees, please contact us to discuss your requirements.