Qualification overview
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is one of the UK’s most widely recognised health and safety qualifications. It provides a solid foundation in managing workplace health and safety risks and is suitable for a wide range of industries and roles.
The qualification is recognised by employers, regulators, and professional bodies in the UK and internationally. It is also a key stepping stone towards further professional development in occupational safety and health.
What the qualification covers
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is made up of two units:
NG1 – Management of health and safety
This unit focuses on the foundations of effective health and safety management, including:
- The moral, legal, and financial reasons for managing health and safety
- UK health and safety law and the roles of employers, workers, and regulators
- Health and safety management systems and the Plan–Do–Check–Act model
- Risk profiling, organisational culture, and leadership
- Incident investigation and performance monitoring
Assessment is by an open book examination, which tests understanding, interpretation, and application rather than rote learning.
NG2 – Risk assessment
NG2 is a practical unit that requires learners to complete a workplace-based risk assessment.
It focuses on the ability to:
- Identify hazards in a real working environment
- Consider who may be harmed and how
- Evaluate risk and existing control measures
- Recommend proportionate, practicable controls
- Communicate findings clearly and effectively
This unit assesses whether learners can apply risk assessment principles in practice, not just describe them.
How we deliver the NGC
Our delivery is tutor-led and structured to support understanding, application, and assessment success.
We focus on:
- Clear explanation of legal duties and expectations
- Practical interpretation of NEBOSH syllabus content
- Linking theory directly to real workplace scenarios
- Preparing learners properly for the open book examination format
- Structured support for completing the NG2 practical assessment
We do not rely on self-study platforms alone. Learners are guided through the syllabus by an experienced Chartered Safety Practitioner with extensive frontline and consultancy experience.
Who delivers the course
The course is delivered by Phil Douglas, Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner, with over three decades of frontline and consultancy experience across high-risk industries.
Delivery is informed by real-world application of health and safety law, risk management, and safety systems, not generic training scripts.
Assessment and learner support
We provide clear guidance on:
- What NEBOSH expects from the NG1 open book examination
- How to approach scenario-based questions
- How to structure and complete the NG2 risk assessment
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Support is focused on helping learners demonstrate competence and understanding, while remaining fully compliant with NEBOSH assessment rules. We are clear about what support we can provide and where independent work is required.
Who this course is suitable for
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is suitable for:
- Managers and supervisors with health and safety responsibilities
- Those moving into a health and safety role
- Individuals seeking a recognised foundation qualification
- Employers looking to build internal health and safety competence
It is not a “tick-box” course. Learners should expect to engage with the material and apply it to real workplace situations.
Practical outcomes
On successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Understand and explain key UK health and safety legal requirements
- Contribute meaningfully to health and safety management systems
- Carry out and review suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- Identify practical, proportionate control measures
- Communicate health and safety issues with confidence
The qualification supports improved decision-making and more effective control of workplace risks.
Course format and next steps
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is delivered through structured tutor-led training, with guided preparation for both assessment units.
For upcoming course dates, delivery format, and fees, please contact us to discuss your requirements.