NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is the international counterpart to the National. It covers the same ground and carries the same standing with employers, but is assessed against international standards and ILO conventions rather than UK law, which makes it the right choice for roles based outside the UK. More than 265,000 people hold it.

Structure2 unitsGIC1 scenario assessment and GIC2 practical risk assessment

CertificateNever expiresNo refresher and no renewal requirement

Entry requirementsNoneBut a good standard of written English is essential

Results60 working daysBoth units issued together, from your GIC1 date

Who it is for

This qualification suits you if

You work outside the UK, or for an organisation operating internationally
A role or client has named the NEBOSH International General Certificate specifically
You are moving into health and safety as a career in a country without UK legislation
You want a qualification recognised across borders rather than tied to one jurisdiction

Before you commit

There are no formal entry requirements, but this is a substantial qualification
Both units are assessed in writing and only in English
You need access to a real workplace for the GIC2 risk assessment
Expect significant private study alongside taught hours

What it covers

The syllabus mirrors the National General Certificate, with the legal framework replaced by international standards and ILO conventions. It is set by NEBOSH, so content is identical whichever Learning Partner you book with.

Why managing health and safety matters, and the manager's role in it
International standards and the ILO framework rather than UK legislation
Risk assessment principles and how to apply them in practice
Managing common workplace hazards and controlling them proportionately
Incident investigation and finding underlying causes
Measuring, auditing and reviewing safety performance

Assessment and certification

GIC1 is a 24-hour scenario-based open book assessment taken through the NEBOSH Assessment Platform, followed by a closing interview to confirm the submitted work is your own. GIC2 is a practical risk assessment carried out in a real workplace, submitted through the same platform within 10 working days of the GIC1 assessment. Since the 2026 update GIC2 is marked on a points-based system rather than met or not met, with a 60% pass mark and a mark breakdown issued automatically so you can see where marks were gained and lost. Results for both units are released together, 60 working days after the GIC1 date. Holders are entitled to Associate Membership of IIRSM and Affiliate Membership of IOSH, and the qualification meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership of IOSH with appropriate experience.

National or International?

Take the National if you work in the UK and the International if you do not. The distinction is the legal framework: the National is built on UK legislation, the International on ILO conventions and international standards. Employers outside the UK generally expect the International, and UK employers generally expect the National General Certificate. Both carry equal standing and neither expires.

How you can study it

Classroom

Tutor contact, a cohort to work alongside, and a fixed structure that keeps you moving through the material.

Live online

The same tutor-led teaching in a virtual classroom, without travel or overnight stays.

Self-paced e-learning

The most flexible and usually the cheapest route, and the one that asks most of your own discipline.

Common questions

Is the International the same standard as the National?

Yes. Same structure, same two units, same assessment format and the same standing with employers. The only substantive difference is the legal framework: international standards and ILO conventions in place of UK legislation.

Is it still called IG1 and IG2?

No. The units were renamed GIC1 and GIC2 as part of the 2026 update, with teaching of the revised syllabus beginning in February 2026 and assessments from March. The National made the equivalent move from NG1 and NG2 to GNC1 and GNC2. The unit titles are unchanged, the syllabus was a light-touch update rather than a rewrite, and anyone holding a certificate under the old codes holds exactly the same qualification.

What changed in 2026 besides the names?

Three things, all on the second unit. GIC2 is now submitted by the learner through the NEBOSH Assessment Platform rather than via the Learning Partner, with a deadline 10 working days after GIC1. Marking moved from met or not met to a points-based system with a 60% pass mark and a published mark breakdown. And results for both units are now released on the same day, 60 working days after GIC1, instead of arriving separately.

Can I take it if I am based in the UK?

You can, but it is usually the wrong choice. UK employers expect the National General Certificate because it teaches the legislation you actually work under. Take the International if your role or your employer is based overseas.

Does it expire?

No. Like all NEBOSH qualifications, it has no expiry date and no refresher requirement.

Compare International General Certificate dates and formats below

Envico lists scheduled International General Certificate dates from NEBOSH Learning Partners, including classroom, live online and self-paced e-learning. Working in the UK instead? Compare the National General Certificate, or browse the full NEBOSH range.