📚 NEBOSH IGC Course Structure
NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
| Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety – Assessed by the Question Paper | |
|---|---|
| Element 1 | Why We Should Manage Workplace Health and Safety |
| Element 2 | How Health and Safety Management Systems Work and What They Look Like |
| Element 3 | Managing Risk – Understanding People and Processes |
| Element 4 | Health and Safety Monitoring and Measuring |
| Unit IG2: Risk Assessment – Assessed by the Practical Assessment | |
| Element 5 | Physical and Psychological Health |
| Element 6 | Musculoskeletal Health |
| Element 7 | Chemical and Biological Agents |
| Element 8 | General Workplace Issues |
| Element 9 | Work Equipment |
| Element 10 | Fire |
| Element 11 | Electricity |
NEBOSH IGC consists of 2 units:
1. IG1 – Management of Health and Safety
A theory-based unit covering safety management systems.
IG1 Topics:
| Element | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Why we should manage workplace health and safety |
| 2 | How health and safety management systems work |
| 3 | Managing risk – understanding people and processes |
| 4 | Health and safety monitoring and measuring |
Exam Format:
Open Book Exam (OBE) at home
Scenario-based questions
Word count: ~3,000 words
Pass Mark: 45%
2. IG2 – Risk Assessment (Practical)
A practical unit where learners carry out a real workplace risk assessment and prepare a report.
IG2 Covers:
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment
- Risk control
- Justification for controls
- Action planning
Report Requirements:
Word count: 1,000 words (approx)
Format: MS Word/PDF
Pass Mark: ‘Pass’ or ‘Refer’ (not a % score)
📄 Assessment Pattern
| Unit | Type | Format | Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IG1 | Open Book Exam (OBE) | Scenario-based questions (24-hour) + closing interview | 45 out of 100 |
| IG2 | Practical | Risk assessment report submission | Pass/Fail |
🕒 Duration
- Training: 15–30 days (depends on full-time/part-time)
- Self-study: 1–2 months
- Total effort: ~80–100 hours
📆 Upcoming Exam Dates (Online OBEs)
NEBOSH conducts IG1 exams monthly. You must register in advance through your training provider.
🎓 Eligibility for NEBOSH IGC
No strict educational requirements
Basic understanding of English is essential (NEBOSH recommends IELTS 6.0 level)
🌐 Language and Availability
Exam offered in English (only)
Available in 100+ countries through approved learning partners
🎓 Result & Certification
Results in 50 working days (IG1) and 10 working days (IG2)
Issued by NEBOSH UK
Certificate Valid for Life
🌐 Recognition
Where Is NEBOSH IGC Accepted?
- Globally Recognised: 130+ Countries
✅ UAE / Saudi / Oman / Qatar
✅ UK / Canada / Singapore / Malaysia
✅ India (especially oil & gas, construction, pharma)
✅ Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya) - Fulfils academic requirement for:
- TechIOSH (IOSH Membership)
- AIIRSM (Associate Member)
💼 Career Scope after NEBOSH IGC
| Job Title | Countries |
|---|---|
| HSE Officer | India, UAE, KSA |
| Safety Supervisor | Gulf, Africa |
| Safety Engineer | Oil & Gas, Construction |
| Safety Manager | Multinational Companies |
💸 NEBOSH IGC Fees in India (2025)
- ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 depending on provider (includes training + exam fees)
🧑💼 Sample Career Progression:
| Level | Title | Years of Exp | Salary (India / Abroad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | HSE Officer | 0–2 | ₹25K–₹80K / ₹1.5L–₹3L |
| Mid | HSE Supervisor | 2–4 | ₹60K–₹1.2L / ₹3L–₹4.5L |
| Senior | HSE Manager | 5+ | ₹1.2L–₹2.5L / ₹5L–₹8L |
| Director | QHSE Lead | 8+ | ₹2.5L+ / ₹10L+ per month |
📈 After NEBOSH IGC: Jobs & Expected Salaries
🌎 GLOBAL CAREER AFTER NEBOSH IGC – Top Countries That Prefer NEBOSH-Certified Safety Officers
| Country | Job Role | Salary Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | Safety Officer | ₹30,000 – ₹90,000/month |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | HSE Officer | ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 lakh/month |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Safety Supervisor | ₹1.8 – ₹4 lakh/month |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Safety Adviser | £25,000 – £45,000/year |
| 🌍 Africa | HSE Engineer | $1500 – $3500/month |
💼 Popular Certifications After NEBOSH IGC
🎓 What Comes After NEBOSH IGC?
🧭 Certification Roadmap – Suggested Route for Career Growth :
✅ NEBOSH IGC (Level 3) – (what you’re doing now)
🔧 ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
🧯 NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate
🧬 Occupational Health Certification
🧠 Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) Course
🎓 NEBOSH International Diploma (Level 6)
🧪 Hazardous Materials Safety / HAZOP
🏅 GradIOSH → TechIOSH → CMIOSH → MIIRSM
🌍 Environmental Safety (ISO 14001)
✔ OSHA 30 Hours (USA Standard)
✔ First Aid & CPR
🧭 How to Crack NEBOSH IGC
- Understand command words (Identify, Describe, Explain)
- Study NEBOSH Books (provided by accredited centres)
- Practice writing scenario-based answers
- Practice past OBE questions
- Attend full mock sessions
- Learn how to write an IG2 Risk Assessment
- Use real-life examples in IG2 risk assessment
✅ Benefits of Certification
- Strong CV value
- Increases career opportunities globally
- Foundation for safety career
- Qualifies you for safety-related roles (Safety Officer, HSE Engineer, etc.)
- Required in many countries for safety positions
- Helps you apply international standards (ISO 45001, ILO)
- Gateway to IOSH and IIRSM memberships
📘 Study Materials Available
If you want, I can provide:
- NEBOSH IGC notes (IG1 + IG2)
- Sample OBE Question Papers
- IG2 Sample Risk Assessment
- Command Word Guide
Just reply with “Send NEBOSH IGC study materials” or ask for a specific topic!
🧠 IG1 Question Format (OBE)
- Based on a workplace scenario (e.g., manufacturing, construction)
- A mix of long and short questions
- Command words used: Identify, Explain, Describe, Evaluate, Outline
🧾 Example IG1 Questions
Q: Identify hazards in the loading area of a factory.
Q: Explain how risk assessments help reduce workplace incidents.
Q: Describe how health and safety culture can be improved.
📂 IG2 Report Structure
- Description of the organisation
- Risk assessment methods
- Hazard identification
- Control measures
- Justification
- Action plan
Must follow NEBOSH format and use appropriate terminology.
Here is your NEBOSH Command Word Guide – a critical tool for answering questions correctly in both IG1 Open Book Exam (OBE) and IG2 practical.
✅ NEBOSH Command Word Guide
NEBOSH uses specific command words in questions. Each word tells you how much detail is needed in your answer.
| 📘 Command Word | 🧠 Meaning | ✍️ How to Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Identify | Name or list something | One or two words or short phrase only. No explanation needed. ✅ Example: Identify two types of PPE: Gloves, Helmet |
| Give | Provide a short answer | Similar to “identify”, but usually used for facts, examples, or terms. |
| Outline | Give the key features | One or two sentences per point. Not detailed but more than just listing. ✅ Example: Outline the purpose of a risk assessment: To identify hazards and evaluate risks to reduce harm. |
| Describe | What it is / what it looks like | Say what something is and include its features. Make it clear and detailed. ✅ Example: Describe a permit-to-work system: A formal system used to control high-risk work by ensuring hazards are identified and precautions are in place. |
| Explain | How or why something happens | Show cause and effect. Answer the why or how. More detailed than “describe”. ✅ Example: Explain why PPE is the last control: Because it protects the worker only, without eliminating the hazard. |
| List | A series of items (no explanation) | Just bullet points or comma-separated list. |
| State | Provide a fact clearly | Short sentence or phrase. No need to explain. |
| Define | Provide a precise meaning | Short and exact explanation of a term. ✅ Example: Define hazard: A source with potential to cause harm. |
| Compare | Show similarities and differences | Use side-by-side explanation. |
| Justify | Give valid reasons | Explain why a particular option or choice is right or suitable. |
🧠 NEBOSH Exam Tip:
🔍 Always underline the command word in your question and answer according to its depth of detail.
Here is a Sample NEBOSH IG1 OBE (Open Book Exam) Question Paper with realistic format, as per NEBOSH standards. These are based on workplace scenarios and require detailed written responses using correct command words.
📘 NEBOSH IG1 Sample OBE Question Paper
Scenario: You are a newly appointed safety officer at a manufacturing company. The company has recently expanded and now operates multiple machines with unguarded moving parts. Several near-miss incidents involving maintenance workers have been reported.
🔹 Section A – Questions (Total: 100 marks)
You must answer all questions based on the scenario. Use command words correctly and give practical, scenario-based responses.
✅ Q1. (10 marks)
Identify ten hazards that could be present in the company’s maintenance activities.
✅ Q2. (15 marks)
Explain why it is important to investigate near-miss incidents in the workplace.
✅ Q3. (10 marks)
Outline what should be included in the company’s health and safety policy.
✅ Q4. (15 marks)
Describe how the organization can improve its safety culture following recent near-miss reports.
✅ Q5. (20 marks)
Explain how the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model can be used to implement an effective health and safety management system in the company.
✅ Q6. (15 marks)
Identify and explain the likely root causes of the recurring maintenance near-miss incidents.
✅ Q7. (15 marks)
Justify the need for using a permit-to-work system during machine maintenance.
🔍 Bonus Tips for Writing Answers:
- Use realistic examples from the scenario.
- Follow the meaning of each command word (refer to command word guide).
- Be concise and relevant.
- Structure long answers into short paragraphs or bullet points.
✅ NEBOSH IGC2 Practical Assessment Report
Learner Name: Mohammad Rizwan Khan
Learning Partner: [Name of Learning Provider]
Assessment Date: 15 June 2025
Location of Workplace: ABC Engineering Construction Site, Lucknow, India
Number of Workers: 60
1. Description of the Organisation (150–200 words)
ABC Engineering is a medium-sized construction company engaged in residential and commercial building projects across India. The company currently operates a site in Lucknow where a four-story apartment complex is under construction. The site employs 60 workers including engineers, masons, helpers, electricians, scaffolders, and machinery operators.
Work activities include excavation, working at height, concrete mixing, steel cutting, electrical wiring, scaffolding, and material handling. The organisation has a basic health and safety policy and employs one HSE Officer at the site. Although PPE is issued, enforcement is inconsistent. The organisation aims to improve health and safety standards to comply with Indian legislation and international best practices.
2. Methodology (100–150 words)
The risk assessment was carried out over a period of 2 hours during a site walkthrough. Observations were made visually, and photos were taken for reference (if allowed). Discussions were held with workers and supervisors to understand safety practices. Site documentation including inspection records and permits to work were also reviewed.
Risk levels were calculated using a standard 5×5 risk matrix based on likelihood and severity. Control measures were evaluated using the hierarchy of controls, and recommendations were made based on legal requirements (Indian Factories Act 1948, ILO-OSH 2001) and NEBOSH guidelines.
3. Observation Sheet (Minimum 10 hazards from at least 5 hazard categories)
| Hazard Category | Hazard Observed | Persons at Risk | Consequences | Existing Controls | Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating | Additional Controls | Timescale | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working at Height | Workers on scaffolding with no mid-rails or harnesses | Workers | Falls, serious injury or death | Helmets provided | Likely | Major | High | Install mid-rails, harnesses, supervisor checks | 1 day | Site Supervisor |
| Electricity | Damaged extension cords near water | Electricians, labourers | Electric shock, electrocution | None | Likely | Major | High | Replace cables, install GFCIs, toolbox talk | 1 day | Electrician |
| Housekeeping | Tools and debris scattered on walkways | All site workers | Trips, slips, falls | None | Possible | Moderate | Medium | Assign storage areas, regular cleanup | 2 days | Site Foreman |
| Manual Handling | Workers lifting cement bags manually | Labourers | Back injury, muscle strain | None | Possible | Moderate | Medium | Provide lifting trolleys, training | 3 days | Storekeeper |
| Fire | No fire extinguishers near electrical panel | All workers | Burns, property damage | None | Unlikely | Major | Medium | Install CO₂ extinguishers, fire training | 3 days | HSE Officer |
| Noise | No hearing protection near concrete mixer | Masons, helpers | Hearing loss | None | Likely | Moderate | High | Provide earplugs, rotate jobs, noise signage | 2 days | Safety Officer |
| Chemicals | Paints and solvents stored without labels | Painters, others | Skin/eye irritation, fire hazard | Some containers closed | Possible | Major | High | Label all containers, provide MSDS | 2 days | Store In-Charge |
| PPE Non-compliance | Some workers not wearing safety shoes | Labourers, masons | Foot injuries | Shoes issued but not enforced | Possible | Major | High | Enforce PPE use, conduct PPE audits | 1 day | HSE Officer |
| Machinery Safety | Concrete mixer without guard on moving parts | Operators | Cuts, amputations | Warning sign only | Possible | Major | High | Install guards, train operators | 3 days | Plant Operator |
| Access/Egress | Blocked emergency exit route | All workers | Delayed evacuation, injury | Exit signs installed | Unlikely | Major | Medium | Clear exit path, regular checks | 1 day | Supervisor |
4. Actions and Justifications (Minimum 3 actions)
✅ Action 1: Provide fall protection (harnesses and mid-rails) on scaffolds
- Justification: Falls from height are a leading cause of death in construction. Installing mid-rails and providing full-body harnesses with lanyards will significantly reduce the risk. This complies with local safety laws and ILO-OSH recommendations.
✅ Action 2: Replace damaged electrical cables and install GFCIs
- Justification: Exposed live wires, especially near water, pose a high risk of electric shock or fatal electrocution. GFCI outlets instantly cut off current during a fault and are a practical control. This action is critical under Indian Electrical Safety Standards.
✅ Action 3: Provide hearing protection and conduct noise awareness training
- Justification: Prolonged noise exposure from concrete mixers and cutting machines can lead to permanent hearing loss. Earplugs or earmuffs are cost-effective and easy to implement. Training will increase compliance.
5. Review, Communicate, and Monitor (Approx. 150 words)
This risk assessment will be reviewed monthly and whenever there is a major change in activity or incident. The findings will be discussed in the weekly toolbox talks and displayed on the notice board. The HSE Officer will monitor implementation using inspection checklists and PPE compliance records.
Progress will be tracked during daily safety walkarounds, and non-compliance will be corrected immediately. The effectiveness of controls will be evaluated through incident reports, near-miss records, and worker feedback. A formal review is scheduled after 30 days or post-incident, whichever comes first.
✅ Word Count: ~950 (within NEBOSH limit of 700–1000 words)