One of the most common questions asked by people interested in the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) course is: “What does the exam actually look like?”
In 2026, due to the changes that have been introduced, this question is asked even more often, so we want to clearly explain how the exam works.
From 2026, NEBOSH operates under an updated qualification structure. While the overall logic of the exam remains similar, the unit names have changed, the assessment approach (especially for GIC2) has been clarified, and there is an even stronger focus on the practical application of knowledge.
In this article, we explain in a clear and simple way:
- what parts the exam consists of,
- what each part looks like,
- when you will receive your results,
- and when and how you will receive your certificate.
What parts does the NEBOSH IGC exam consist of?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate exam consists of two mandatory units:
- GIC1 – Management of Health and Safety
- GIC2 – Risk Assessment
To be awarded the NEBOSH IGC certificate, both units must be passed.
Passing means:
- achieving at least 45% in GIC1, and
- achieving at least 60% in GIC2.
Below, we explain in detail how each unit is assessed.
GIC1 – Management of Health and Safety (Open Book Exam)
What does the GIC1 exam look like?
GIC1 is assessed through an Open Book Examination (OBE). This means that during the exam you may use:
- course materials,
- your own notes,
- documents provided during the course.
The exam is not about memorising definitions. Its purpose is to check whether you can analyse real workplace situations and make appropriate decisions related to health and safety management.
The exam is based on one scenario describing a specific workplace situation. Based on this scenario, you answer open questions that require:
- analysing problems,
- identifying hazards,
- assessing risk,
- proposing realistic control measures.
Where does the GIC1 exam take place?
The GIC1 exam is conducted entirely online. There is no need to attend an exam centre. You can sit the exam from anywhere in the world, provided you have:
- a computer,
- a stable internet connection,
- a quiet place to work.
What does the GIC1 exam day look like?
The GIC1 exam takes the form of a 24-hour open book examination, starting at a date and time set by NEBOSH. The exam is completed on a dedicated NEBOSH exam platform. You receive access to the platform in advance so you can log in and check that everything is working correctly.
On the exam day:
- at 11:00 UK time, the scenario and exam paper become available on your account,
- from that moment, the 24-hour exam window begins, during which you review the paper, prepare your answers, and submit your completed work for marking – all in one place.
During the exam:
- only technical contact with NEBOSH or your Learning Partner is allowed (for example, if you have problems with the platform),
- contact with other people is not allowed,
- the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is not permitted.
All work must be completed independently. Submitting your work is a declaration that it has been produced in line with NEBOSH rules on independent work and academic integrity.
Closing Interview – mandatory interview after GIC1
After submitting the GIC1 exam, each learner takes part in a short verification interview, known as the Closing Interview.
- the interview lasts approximately 15 minutes,
- it takes place online,
- the date and time are agreed with the Learning Partner.
The purpose of the interview is to confirm that:
- the work was completed independently,
- the learner understands the content included in their answers.
The Closing Interview is not marked, but it is a mandatory part of the assessment process.
GIC2 – Risk Assessment (practical assessment)
What does GIC2 involve?
The second part of the exam, GIC2, is practical and involves completing a risk assessment in a real or realistic workplace environment.
This is not a test or a written exam. The learner is required to:
- describe the organisation and scope of the assessment,
- identify hazards,
- assess risks,
- propose appropriate control measures,
- select one priority hazard and analyse it in more detail,
- describe how findings will be communicated, monitored, and reviewed.
The risk assessment should:
- be based on real working conditions,
- comply with NEBOSH guidance,
- be practical and realistic.
If a learner does not have access to a suitable workplace, the Learning Partner helps arrange a realistic scenario.
How long does GIC2 take to complete?
NEBOSH does not set a strict “desk time” limit for completing the GIC2 risk assessment. It recommends that completing the full assessment should take around 4 hours, but this is only guidance related to the expected scope of work, not a formal time limit.
At the same time, NEBOSH clearly defines the deadline for submitting the GIC2 assessment. The completed risk assessment must be uploaded to the NEBOSH platform within 10 working days from the start of the 24-hour GIC1 exam.
For example, if the GIC1 exam starts on Wednesday 4 March 2026, the GIC2 assessment must be submitted no later than Wednesday 18 March 2026. It is strongly recommended not to leave submission until the last moment. After the deadline, the system will not accept submissions.
The GIC2 risk assessment must be completed using the official NEBOSH assessment template. The template and detailed instructions on how to complete it are provided by the tutor during the course.
When will I receive my exam results and what are the pass requirements?
Results for the NEBOSH International General Certificate are issued after both units, GIC1 and GIC2, have been assessed.
Results release date
NEBOSH releases the results for both units on the same day, usually within 60 working days from the start date of the 24-hour GIC1 exam. This means learners receive the final result for the whole qualification at the same time, not separately for each unit.
How is GIC1 assessed?
The GIC1 – Management of Health and Safety unit is assessed using a points-based system.
- maximum number of marks: 100
- minimum pass mark: 45% (45 marks)
Based on the number of marks achieved, the final qualification grade is awarded:
- 75 marks or more – Distinction
- 65–74 marks – Credit
- 45–64 marks – Pass
- 0–44 marks – Refer
The overall NEBOSH IGC qualification grade is based solely on the GIC1 result, but the certificate is only issued if both units are passed.
How is GIC2 assessed in the new version?
The GIC2 – Risk Assessment unit has a revised assessment approach.
- the assessment is marked out of 100 marks,
- the pass mark is 60% (60 marks).
GIC2:
- does not affect the overall qualification grade (Distinction, Credit, Pass),
- is assessed only as:
- Pass (60% or more)
- Refer (59% or less).
Each section of the risk assessment has a defined number of marks. The official template and guidance documents clearly explain how marks are awarded and what content is required.
When and how will I receive my certificate?
After successfully passing both units, NEBOSH issues the official NEBOSH International General Certificate, known as the qualification parchment.
The certificate is normally issued within 40 working days from the date the final unit is passed, meaning when the full qualification has been completed. NEBOSH issues one certificate confirming the whole qualification. Individual unit certificates are available only upon written request.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at biuro@newhse.pl. We will be happy to clarify any doubts and support you in your preparation.
