Is it time to get your NEBOSH qualification?

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At +IMPAC, we’ve seen how a single qualified professional can influence an organisation from being reactive to genuinely resilient. NEBOSH provides the framework for that shift, offering internationally recognised training that goes beyond compliance in order to build true capability.

Across New Zealand, demand for NEBOSH is increasing, not just in high-risk industries but also in offices and national and local government agencies. Professionals are seeking credibility that travels across industries and borders, while businesses want assurance that their people have the skills to reduce risk and improve performance.

+IMPAC is a Gold Learning Partner for NEBOSH, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our courses are designed to be practical, rigorous, and directly relevant to the realities of local workplaces. In this guide, we’ll explain what NEBOSH is, who benefits most, the qualifications we deliver, and why studying with us gives you an edge.

What is NEBOSH?

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (better known as NEBOSH) is an internationally recognised awarding body that sets the gold standard for health and safety training. Its qualificationsare designed to give people the knowledge and practical skills to manage risks effectively, no matter the industry or country they work in.

The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is often the first step for professionals who want a recognised qualification. Gaining the NEBOSH IGC proves they can assess hazards, design safer systems of work, and communicate clearly about safety at every level of an organisation. From there, many go on to the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professional. This is considered a higher-level qualification for those looking to shape organisational strategy or advise senior leaders.

In New Zealand, NEBOSH training has become particularly relevant. Organisations are expected not only to meet local regulatory standards but also to align with international best practice, especially if they work with global partners or contractors. Holding a NEBOSH qualification signals that you can bridge both worlds by applying internationally recognised frameworks in the New Zealand business environment.

The strength of NEBOSH lies in its balance of theory and practice. It isn’t about memorising legislation for the sake of exams. It’s about learning how to conduct a proper risk assessment, influence workplace culture, manage contractors effectively, and respond to real incidents. In other words, it gives people the tools to protect workers and improve organisational performance in a way that lasts.

Which industries benefit from NEBOSH training?

While NEBOSH training is broad enough to apply across all sectors, some industries in New Zealand have found it especially transformative. The qualifications are relevant wherever there are people, processes, and potential risks, which, in reality, is almost every workplace.

Here are some of the sectors where NEBOSH-trained professionals make the biggest impact:

• Construction and infrastructure: High-risk tasks, multiple contractors, and shifting project conditions mean risks are constant. NEBOSH training helps site managers and supervisors carry out meaningful risk assessments, keep contractor safety in check, and avoid costly shutdowns caused by incidents.

• Manufacturing and engineering: With machinery, chemicals, and complex workflows, the chance of harm is never far away. Staff with a NEBOSH qualification are better able to embed systems that reduce accidents without compromising productivity.

• Healthcare and community care: From manual handling injuries to infection control, healthcare environments face unique safety challenges. NEBOSH-trained staff are equipped to protect both patients and workers, while also addressing emerging issues like workplace stress and fatigue.

• Transport and logistics: Moving goods or people safely is no small feat. Professionals with NEBOSH training can design safer systems for fleet operations, warehouse management, and supply chain oversight.

• Public sector and education: Local councils, schools, and government agencies have wide-ranging responsibilities for staff, contractors, and the public. NEBOSH gives its leaders the tools to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

The advantages of NEBOSH

For individuals, the advantages are clear:

• A qualification that is recognised globally, creating opportunities not just in New Zealand but internationally.

• The confidence to take on advisory or leadership roles in health and safety.

• Practical skills that apply directly to day-to-day challenges, from contractor management to incident response.

• Pathway to gaining accreditation to NZISM.

For employers, the benefits are just as tangible:

• Reduced incidents and associated costs, from injury claims to downtime.

• Independent assurance that health and safety practices are benchmarked against global standards.

• A stronger organisational culture, where safety is part of business as usual rather than a compliance exercise.
  
  

NEBOSH International General Certificate with +IMPAC

The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is one of the most widely recognised health and safety qualifications in the world. It is considered the “foundation level” NEBOSH course, providing a strong base of knowledge and practical skills that apply across industries.

What you’ll learn on the IGC:

• How to carry out structured risk assessments and implement control measures.

• The role of health and safety legislation, and how duties apply in the workplace.

• Methods for managing contractors and ensuring their work meets safety standards.

• Ways to positively influence organisational culture and behaviour.

• Practical systems of work, including emergency planning and permit-to-work processes.

• How to participate in incident investigations and apply findings to strengthen systems.

• Approaches for monitoring, auditing, and reviewing health and safety management systems.
  
  

The IGC is designed for anyone who needs a comprehensive understanding of health and safety, whether you’re already in a safety role or responsible for managing teams. It is especially relevant for site advisers, supervisors, and those looking to formalise their skills with an internationally accredited qualification.

NEBOSH International Diploma with +IMPAC

The NEBOSH International Diploma is a step up from the certificate, designed for those who want to lead on health and safety strategy rather than just implement it. It is widely regarded as the flagship NEBOSH qualification, respected by employers worldwide and often a requirement for senior health and safety roles.

+IMPAC delivers the diploma as a blended learning package. Learners combine self-paced study with access to online resources, live webinars, tutor support, and activities that test their ability to apply concepts to real-world challenges. It is flexible, allowing completion over 18 months to five years, depending on the learner’s circumstances.

What you’ll learn on the Diploma:

• How to develop and advise on organisational health and safety policy and strategy.

• Approaches for influencing leaders and boards to make safety a genuine priority.

• Advanced techniques in risk management, from identifying hazards to implementing proportionate controls.

• How to manage contractors and supply chains in line with international expectations.

• Systems for proactive and reactive monitoring, auditing, and continuous improvement.

• Ways to engage staff at every level to build a sustainable culture of safety.

• The broader legal, ethical, and international frameworks that shape workplace safety.
  
  

Who it’s for:

The Diploma is aimed at health and safety professionals who want to deepen their expertise and take on senior responsibilities. It suits those advising organisations, managing safety teams, or stepping into leadership positions where strategic oversight is required.

Why study NEBOSH with +IMPAC?

When it comes to NEBOSH, who delivers the training matters just as much as the content itself. +IMPAC is proud to be the only Gold Learning Partner for NEBOSH based in New Zealand. Gold status is the highest recognition available, awarded only to providers who consistently meet rigorous quality standards and achieve outstanding learner results.

Here’s why learners and organisations choose +IMPAC:

• Local expertise with international reach: We deliver NEBOSH qualifications in the New Zealand context, while ensuring they remain globally relevant.

• Proven track record: Since 2008, we’ve supported over 990 learners to achieve their NEBOSH qualifications.

• Gold Learning Partner status: Independent recognition that we meet NEBOSH’s highest standards for teaching, learner support, and outcomes.

• Depth of experience: With more than 17 years as a NEBOSH partner, we understand how to make the training practical, relevant, and engaging.

• Support at every step: From enrolment through to assessment, our tutors and resources ensure learners are set up for success.
  
  

Choosing NEBOSH with +IMPAC means more than gaining a certificate. It means learning from specialists who care about real-world application, not just exam results. It means equipping yourself or your staff with knowledge that will improve safety today and leadership capability tomorrow.

If you think your organisation could benefit from internationally recognised training, or if you’re ready to take the next step in your own career, we’d love to hear from you. Book a course, or reach out to our helpful team for more information. 

NEBOSH training FAQs

Is NEBOSH training recognised in New Zealand?

Yes. Although NEBOSH is not listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) it is well-regarded by industry. The NEBOSH IGC is considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree, which is NZQA Level 4-5, while the NEBOSH Diploma is considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree, which is NZQA Level 7. A NEBOSH qualification in NZ shows that you’ve met a global benchmark while still being able to apply your knowledge in the local regulatory environment.

What is the difference between the NEBOSH certificate and the NEBOSH diploma?

The NEBOSH certificate is a foundation-level qualification suited to advisers, managers, and supervisors who want practical health and safety skills. The NEBOSH diploma is a higher-level course that prepares professionals to lead on strategy, manage complex risks, and influence organisational culture. 

Does NEBOSH training cover workplace wellbeing and stress?

Yes. NEBOSH training is about more than physical hazards. It includes modules on topics such as well-being and psychosocial risks, with specific focus areas like managing stress. These elements give learners the tools to create safer, healthier workplaces that account for both mental and physical health.

What are the entry requirements for a NEBOSH course with +IMPAC?

Learners enrolling in the NEBOSH IGC course must have a working knowledge of health and safety equivalent to a NZQA Level 3 qualification. Learners undertaking the NEBOSH Diploma will need to have knowledge of health and safety equivalent to that provided by the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC).

Both courses require learners to be proficient in their use of written English.