The health and safety landscape is evolving, and so is its most recognized qualification. NEBOSH has officially announced a major update to the National and International General Certificates for 2026.
If you are a safety professional, an aspiring learner, or an employer, these changes will impact how the course is taught and assessed starting in February 2026. This guide breaks down the transition, the new unit names (GNC & GIC), and the critical shift in the practical risk assessment.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Old Specification (2018) | New 2026 Specification |
| Unit 1 Name | NG1 / IG1 | GNC1 / GIC1 |
| Unit 2 Name | NG2 / IG2 | GNC2 / GIC2 |
| Practical Marking | Met / Not Met (Pass/Fail) | Points-Based (60% Pass Mark) |
| Submission | Separate Deadlines | 10 Days after Unit 1 |
| Results | Separate Dates | Unified Results Day |
What is Changing in the 2026 NEBOSH Syllabus?
While the core principles of health and safety remain the same, NEBOSH has refined the syllabus to better prepare learners for real-world risk management.
1. New Unit Designations
The familiar NG/IG prefixes are moving to a more streamlined naming convention:
- National General Certificate: Now Unit GNC1 and GNC2.
- International General Certificate: Now Unit GIC1 and GIC2.
2. Major Overhaul of Unit 2 (The Risk Assessment)
The most significant change is how the practical risk assessment is graded. Previously, learners faced a "Met/Not Met" barrier—missing one small detail meant a total referral.
- Points-Based Marking: The new GNC2/GIC2 uses a points system. This provides a fairer assessment where learners receive a mark breakdown.
- The Pass Mark: You must achieve at least 60% to pass the practical unit.
- Streamlined Submission: You will now submit your practical via the NEBOSH Online Assessment Platform within 10 working days of your Unit 1 exam.
3. Faster, Unified Results
No more waiting for results at different times! NEBOSH will now issue results for both units on the same day—60 working days from the date of the GNC1/GIC1 assessment.
Important Dates for Your Calendar
If you are planning to study in 2026, keep these milestones in mind:
- 2 February 2026: Teaching of the revised 2026 syllabus begins.
- 4 March 2026: The first assessments under the new GNC/GIC specification take place.
- 6 August 2026: Final date for assessments under the old (2018) specification.
- Pro Tip for Learners: If you have already started your NG2/IG2 but haven't passed yet, you have until August 2026 to finish under the old rules. If you haven't started yet, you will likely be transitioned to the new, fairer points-based system.
Why the Update? (The Feedback)
NEBOSH’s review found that the qualification remains the "gold standard." In fact:
- 99% of International and 96% of National learners recommend the course.
- 9 out of 10 learners feel fully prepared to conduct workplace risk assessments after qualifying.
The 2026 update ensures the qualification maintains its SQA Accreditation (SCQF Level 6) and remains the primary route to Tech IOSH and AIIRSM memberships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the 2026 update change the level of the qualification?
No. It remains at SCQF Level 6, which is comparable to an RQF Level 3 in England and Wales.
Q: Can I still get Tech IOSH with the new certificate?
Yes. The 2026 specification meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (Tech IOSH) of IOSH, provided assessments are taken in the UK.
Q: What happens if I fail my NG2 resit after August 2026?
You will be transitioned to the new GNC2/GIC2 unit assessment.
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