What is the NEBOSH general certificate pass mark?
If you’re looking to build a career in health and safety or enhance your existing knowledge, the NEBOSH General Certificate is one of the most respected qualifications in the field. Recognized internationally, it equips professionals with the skills needed to manage workplace risks effectively and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Understanding the pass mark and grading system for the NEBOSH General Certificate is crucial for candidates preparing for the exam. Knowing what score you need to pass—and what it takes to achieve a Credit or Distinction—can help you set realistic goals and focus your studies accordingly.
In this blog, we will break down:
- What the NEBOSH General Certificate is and who it is for.
- The two-part assessment structure (NG1/IG1 Open-Book Exam and NG2/IG2 Practical Risk Assessment).
- The required pass mark and grading system.
- How results are processed and when you can expect your certificate.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to pass the NEBOSH General Certificate and how to optimize your performance.
Understanding the NEBOSH General Certificate
The NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) General Certificate is a highly regarded qualification designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in health and safety management. It is one of the most popular and widely taken NEBOSH qualifications, valued by employers across various industries.
Who is it for, and why is it important?
The NEBOSH General Certificate is ideal for:
- Health and safety professionals looking to formalize their qualifications.
- Managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for workplace safety.
- Individuals looking to start a career in occupational health and safety.
- Employees wanting to enhance their knowledge of workplace risk management.
Holding a NEBOSH General Certificate demonstrates competence and commitment to health and safety best practices. It can open doors to career advancement, as many employers require this qualification for safety-related roles. Additionally, it lays the foundation for higher-level certifications, such as the NEBOSH Diploma.
Overview of the Two-Part Assessment Structure
To achieve the NEBOSH General Certificate, candidates must complete two units within a five-year period:
- NG1/IG1 – Open-Book Exam (OBE)
- A scenario-based online exam that tests a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge to real-world workplace situations.
- Completed remotely within 24 hours, allowing candidates to research and structure their answers effectively.
- Marked on a 0-100 scale, contributing to the final qualification grade.
- NG2/IG2 – Practical Risk Assessment
- A workplace-based risk assessment where candidates identify hazards and suggest appropriate control measures.
- Graded as Pass or Refer (Fail)—without numerical scoring.
- Assesses practical application rather than theoretical knowledge.
Successfully passing both units is required to obtain the full NEBOSH General Certificate qualification.
NEBOSH General Certificate Pass Mark
To successfully obtain the NEBOSH General Certificate, candidates must meet the required pass marks for both assessments.
NEBOSH General Certificate Pass Mark Requirements
- NG1/IG1 (Open-Book Exam): Minimum 45 out of 100 required to pass.
- NG2/IG2 (Practical Risk Assessment): Must achieve a Pass grade (this assessment is not numerically scored).
Both units must be passed within five years to achieve full certification. If a candidate fails to meet the required pass mark in NG1/IG1, they must resit the exam. Similarly, if they receive a Refer (Fail) for NG2/IG2, they will need to resubmit the practical assessment until they achieve a Pass.
Successfully passing both units results in the award of the NEBOSH General Certificate, a valuable qualification recognized by employers worldwide.
NEBOSH General Certificate Grading System
The grading system for the NEBOSH General Certificate is based solely on the NG1/IG1 Open-Book Exam score. The NG2/IG2 Practical Risk Assessment is simply marked as Pass or Refer (Fail).
NG1/IG1 Grading Scale
NG2/IG2 Grading System
The NG2/IG2 Practical Risk Assessment does not receive a numerical grade. Instead, candidates receive either:
- Pass – Successfully meets the required standard.
- Refer (Fail) – Does not meet the required standard and must be resubmitted.
The final qualification grade (Distinction, Credit, or Pass) is determined only by the NG1/IG1 exam score. The NG2/IG2 assessment must be passed, but it does not contribute to the overall grading scale.
Understanding these grading criteria can help candidates set realistic goals and focus their efforts to achieve the best possible outcome.
NEBOSH General Certificate Assessment Process
The NEBOSH General Certificate assessment is designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical application of health and safety principles. It consists of two distinct parts:
NG1/IG1 – Open-Book Exam (OBE)
- A scenario-based exam completed online.
- Candidates have 24 hours to submit their responses.
- Tests the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations, rather than just recall facts.
- Requires clear, well-structured answers with relevant justifications.
- Graded on a 0–100 scale, with a pass mark of 45.
NG2/IG2 – Workplace-Based Practical Risk Assessment
- A practical assignment where candidates must identify hazards in a real or simulated workplace.
- Requires candidates to propose effective risk control measures based on health and safety principles.
- No numerical score – graded as Pass or Refer (Fail).
- Must be submitted within the required timeframe after the NG1/IG1 exam.
What Candidates Need to Do to Pass
For NG1/IG1:
- Study key health and safety concepts thoroughly.
- Practice writing structured, well-reasoned answers.
- Review past NEBOSH exam questions and scenarios.
For NG2/IG2:
- Ensure the risk assessment is detailed, well-organized, and meets NEBOSH criteria.
- Follow the structured approach to hazard identification and risk control.
To achieve full certification, both assessments must be passed within five years.
NEBOSH Results & Certification
After completing the assessments, candidates receive their results and certification as follows:
Results Timeline
- Results are emailed to candidates within 50 working days of completing the exam and submitting the NG2/IG2 assessment.
- Candidates will receive individual scores for NG1/IG1 and a Pass/Refer result for NG2/IG2.
Receiving the Certificate
- A hard copy certificate is sent out 6–8 weeks after passing both units.
- The certificate will display the final qualification grade, based on the NG1/IG1 score:
- Distinction: 75+ marks
- Credit: 65–74 marks
- Pass: 45–64 marks
Candidates who fail to pass either unit will have the opportunity to resit or resubmit their assessments.
Conclusion
The NEBOSH General Certificate is a valuable qualification that provides essential health and safety knowledge for professionals across various industries. To achieve certification, candidates must:
- Pass NG1/IG1 with a minimum of 45 marks.
- Pass the NG2/IG2 practical risk assessment.
- Complete both units within a five-year period.
Importance of Preparation
Success in the NEBOSH General Certificate depends on thorough preparation:
- Understanding the assessment format and requirements.
- Developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills for the open-book exam.
- Practicing structured risk assessments to meet NEBOSH standards.
Aim for the Highest Grade
While 45 marks is the minimum pass requirement, aiming for a Distinction (75+ marks) can set candidates apart in the workplace and boost career prospects. With proper study, preparation, and practice, candidates can achieve a high grade and gain a strong foundation in health and safety management.
Good luck to all future NEBOSH candidates!
Get started on your journey with Horizon’s NEBOSH courses today! Click here to learn more and book now.
FAQ
What is the pass mark for the NEBOSH General Certificate?
The pass mark for the NG1/IG1 Open-Book Exam is 45 out of 100. The NG2/IG2 Practical Risk Assessment is graded as either Pass or Refer (Fail), with no numerical score.
How is the NEBOSH General Certificate graded?
The final grade is based on the NG1/IG1 exam score only:
Distinction: 75+ marks
Credit: 65–74 marks
Pass: 45–64 marks
Refer (Fail): 0–44 marks
The NG2/IG2 assessment must be passed, but it does not contribute to the overall grade.
How long does it take to receive NEBOSH results?
NEBOSH will email results within 50 working days after the exam and/or submission of the NG2/IG2 assessment.
What happens if I fail the NEBOSH General Certificate?
If you fail NG1/IG1, you can resit the exam to improve your score. If you fail NG2/IG2, you will need to resubmit the practical risk assessment. Candidates must pass both units within five years to qualify.
When will I receive my NEBOSH certificate?
After passing both units, a hard copy certificate is issued within 6–8 weeks and will show your final qualification grade (Pass, Credit, or Distinction).