RRC's NEBOSH International General Certificate (IG/IGC) Course

The NEBOSH IG1/IGC1 exam changed on 1 July 2020.

The exam is undertaken at home in what is called an “Open Book” exam.  Exam papers will be sent at a notified time and you will then have 24 hours to complete and return them. The exam should only take a few hours to complete and the 24 hours is to meet the needs of all learners in different time zones around the world.

The exam itself comprises scenario based questions, where you will be given a set scenario(s) and asked questions which test the knowledge you would have gained studying the course. You will be able to access books, but must document all the sources you reference.  This is extremely important as NEBOSH will be using software to check that answers are not just copied from textbooks.

After the exam you will be interviewed by a Tutor who will be checking that you have an understanding of the responses you gave in the exam along with checking your ID.

The IG1 exam is completed at home. The IG2 practical assessment is undertaken at your workplace. There is no need to attend an assessment centre.

There are two assessments, one per Unit and both must be passed within 5 years.

• Unit IG1 is assessed by an open book, scenario based assessment which is completed at home and should take around 4 hours to complete
  The exam questions will only cover the topics in the IG1 course
• Unit IG2 is assessed by a practical assessment. This will be marked by NEBOSH and if you are unsuccessful you will be allowed to improve your work and resubmit at the next exam date

Pass Standards

• Unit IG1: 45 marks
• Unit IG2: Pass (Only Pass or Fail available for this assessment)

The qualification grade is based on the result from Unit IG1

• Distinction: 75 marks or higher
• Credit: 65-74 marks
• Pass: 45-64 marks

You can however choose to resit IG1 even if you have passed to improve your grade.

IG1 should be studied before the IG2 practical assessment is undertaken.

Whilst the IG2 assessment primarily assesses elements 5 – 11, the knowledge from elements 1.1, 1.2 and 3.4 is required to complete the assessment.

This will depend on how you choose to study. The Classroom and Live Online courses are taught over 2 weeks (10 days) plus assessments. For Online study on average, learners complete this course in around 3-6 months.

RRC are delighted to have been evaluated as a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, the highest level in the NEBOSH Learning Partner programme.

NEBOSH introduced a Learning Partner Programme in September 2019 which recognises those Learning Partners that provide learners with the best possible learning experience.  

All NEBOSH Learning Partners have been classified based on their performance against the programme’s principles which represent global best practice in the provision of course tuition and support. The key principles are:

• Ensure all learners understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from their Learning Provider
• Create a learning environment that is engaging and encourages interaction that is appropriate for the course and type of delivery
• Provide accurate course materials and continually update and improve them
• Ensure tutors are qualified, knowledgeable, competent and engaging
• Give learners feedback on their progress and provide appropriate support
• Review course delivery and learner feedback and action as necessary

Learner Partner Status

Learning Partners can be identified as follows:

• Gold - greatly exceeds the principles
• Silver - exceeds the principles
• Bronze - meets the principles

Course fees can be paid in up to a maximum of four monthly instalments, see here for more information.

Live Online is delivered in real time through Zoom and is very similar to a classroom course. The tutor will deliver the course with breaks to allow time for group work, exercises, and private study.

The National Certificate is based on UK legislation and is recognised worldwide. The International Certificate is based on International Standards of Best Practice and is recognised by employers outside of the UK.

Yes, the Certificate is the exact same. You cannot tell the method of study from the Certificate.

If you are looking to study a higher level H&S qualification, the NEBOSH Diploma will be the most suitable course to study.

Alternatively, you can broaden your knowledge by studying one or more of the more specialist NEBOSH Certificate courses.

No. The Certificate can be studied by students with no prior health and safety experience.

The General Certificate is a level 3 qualification (EQF) which is the equivalent to A-levels in the UK.

If you do not pass either (or both) of your assessments, you can book a resit with our exams team.

For IG2 (the practical assessment) you will receive feedback from the NEBOSH examiner which will help to improve your work. You can then resubmit at the next exam date.

Exams are undertaken at home or in the workplace and are submitted online.

As NEBOSH have changed the assessments on 1 July 2020, previous exam papers will not help you in your studies.

Please visit our Professional Recognition page for the full list of recognitions you are eligible for with the NEBOSH International General Certificate.