See the latest updates to the NEBOSH General Certificate, including new unit codes and assessment submission, marking and results - plus a full overview for new students.

If you’re already enrolled, there are no changes for you. These changes apply for first teaching from 2 February 2026. If you’re new here, course changes will apply to you. We’ll also explain what the course covers, who it’s for, and how it’s structured. This post is the living changelog and overview.

What’s new in the NEBOSH General Certificate (January 2026 update)

NEBOSH has reviewed the National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety and confirmed that only minor updates will be introduced from 2026.

First teaching starts 2 February 2026, with first assessments from 4 March 2026.

Unit codes will change:

  • NG1 / IG1 to GNC1 / GIC1
  • NG2 / IG2 to GNC2 / GIC2

Unit 1 will remain a scenario-based assessment, with updated syllabus content examinable from March 2026.

Unit 2 will remain a practical risk assessment, but with improvements to submission, marking and results:

  • Online submission via NEBOSH’s assessment platform
  • Points-based marking (pass mark 60%) instead of pass/fail
  • Learners will receive a detailed mark breakdown

Results for both units will be issued on the same day, giving learners their full qualification outcome at once.

Why these updates matter

Following a review, feedback from NEBOSH learners showed the National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety qualifications remain highly valued, relevant and effective.

Championed by Make UK, the changes are designed to streamline the assessment process while maintaining the strong reputation and value of the qualification.

Course overview

The NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is one of the most widely recognised health and safety qualifications in the UK and internationally.

The NEBOSH Certificate develops the knowledge and skills needed to identify hazards, assess risks, and control workplace health and safety issues. These skills are applicable across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, services, education, and healthcare.

The qualification is split into two units:

  1. Management of Health
  2. Safety and Risk Assessment

By the end of the course learners will not only understand health and safety theory but also apply it in real workplace situations.

Who should take this course

The NEBOSH Certificate is designed for managers, supervisors, and anyone with health and safety responsibilities who needs a strong, practical foundation.

Next steps

Existing students:

New students: