NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is an internationally recognised health and safety qualification that gives learners a broad grounding in managing workplace risk. It is designed to build practical capability in areas such as risk assessment, incident investigation, contractor management, and health and safety management systems, making it valuable for both operational leaders and people moving into health and safety roles.

For more information about the course click here to view our Learner Handbook or here to view the qualification syllabus.

This course suits managers, supervisors, workers, and developing health and safety practitioners who need a solid understanding of workplace health and safety. It is particularly useful for people managing day-to-day risk, advising others on health and safety responsibilities, or supporting stronger health and safety performance across an organisation.

The NEBOSH International General Certificate is not a mandatory qualification under New Zealand law, but it is widely recognised as a professional health and safety qualification. It is often completed by people who want to strengthen their understanding of workplace health and safety management, risk control, and international health and safety practice. The qualification may also support professional development and membership pathways with organisations such as NZISM and IOSH.

NEBOSH (the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) is a globally recognised awarding body specialising in health, safety, and environmental qualifications. NEBOSH qualifications are studied worldwide and are designed to help individuals and organisations improve workplace health and safety performance.

IMPAC has been a NEBOSH Learning Partner since 2008 and is a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner approved to deliver the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

Yes, this course is designed to be highly relevant to New Zealand workplaces while drawing on internationally recognised NEBOSH standards. IMPAC’s delivery connects the qualification content to the New Zealand business environment and to the practical expectations organisations face when managing risk, incidents, and health and safety responsibilities under local workplace requirements.

Yes, many learners use the NEBOSH International General Certificate as an early step in a longer health and safety career pathway. It provides a recognised foundation for further professional development and, as noted in the course overview, may contribute towards NZISM Practitioner membership alongside other requirements.

Yes, learners should already have a working knowledge of health and safety equivalent to a NZQA Level 3 qualification. The programme builds on existing understanding and focuses on health and safety management principles, risk assessment, and workplace application rather than introductory concepts.

Learners need written and spoken English capability equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. This is important because the course includes tutor-led learning, written assessments, and a practical workplace project where learners need to understand instructions and explain their reasoning clearly.

Public courses are typically delivered face-to-face over two 5-day classroom blocks, with scheduled dates available in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. In-house delivery is also available for organisations wanting to run the programme for their own teams. This structure gives learners time between blocks to apply learning, complete self-study, and prepare for assessment activities.

The course runs over 10 days, allowing learners to work through the NEBOSH syllabus, practical health and safety management concepts, workplace risk management, and assessment preparation in a structured way.

Learners should expect a significant study commitment alongside the scheduled training sessions. This includes attending two 5-day block courses, completing revision and practice activities during each block course week, and allowing time for self-directed study between the blocks and before the final assessment.

As a guide, learners should allow approximately 20 hours of revision and assessment preparation between block courses and a further 10 hours of preparation before the GIC1 examination. IMPAC also recommends taking the day of the examination off work to allow full focus on the assessment.

Learners have up to five years to successfully complete the qualification. This provides flexibility for people balancing study alongside work and other commitments while still allowing them to progress through the assessment requirements.

The qualification is assessed through the Unit GIC1 open book exam and the Unit GIC2 practical workplace risk assessment project. Together, these assessments confirm learners can apply health and safety management knowledge and carry out a practical workplace risk assessment.

Yes. The NEBOSH International General Certificate may contribute towards NZISM Practitioner membership, subject to NZISM's current membership requirements. Learners should refer to NZISM directly for the latest membership criteria and eligibility requirements.

Yes, this course is available for in-house delivery for organisations wanting to train their own teams together. In-house delivery can help organisations build a more consistent understanding of occupational health and safety management, risk management, and workplace responsibilities across managers, supervisors, and health and safety personnel.

Please bring the following to training:• A driver’s licence or another form of photo identification• A laptop suitable for course activities and assessments

If bringing a laptop is not possible, please contact IMPAC at training@impac.co.nz to discuss alternative arrangements.

For public face-to-face courses, morning tea and lunch are provided. If you have specific dietary requirements such as allergies, vegan, or gluten-free needs, please contact IMPAC at training@impac.co.nz at least two working days before training. Please note that dietary preferences cannot be accommodated.

Learners who successfully complete both assessments will be awarded the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification and receive a qualification parchment from NEBOSH. This internationally recognised qualification supports capability in workplace health and safety management across a wide range of industries.

Pricing depends on the delivery method.

Public (face-to-face): $5950 + GST per person.

In-house: pricing is available on application.