NEBOSH: Qualifications, Levels and How to Study
NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. It is a UK awarding body, established in 1979, that sets globally recognised health, safety and environmental qualifications. If you work in HSE, or want to, you will see NEBOSH named in job advertisements, training brochures and career guides.
This page explains what NEBOSH is and is not, how its qualifications and levels are organised, how they are recognised, how NEBOSH compares with IOSH, and how to choose a genuine provider. When you are ready to choose a course, our NEBOSH Courses in India guide compares the options in detail.
Quick answer
- What NEBOSH is: an awarding body that sets qualifications and assessments. It does not teach courses itself.
- How you study: through a NEBOSH-accredited Learning Partner, such as M2Y Global Academy.
- Where most people start: the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC).
- Next step up: the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma.
- Questions or ready to enrol? Message us on WhatsApp or book a free demo.
What is NEBOSH?
NEBOSH describes itself as an awarding body established in 1979, whose health and safety and environmental management qualifications help raise the competence of safety and environmental professionals and of people at all levels in the workplace. It is a registered charity with its head office in Leicester, in the United Kingdom.
Its qualification portfolio, as NEBOSH states it, consists of 21 qualifications, plus six Masters-level qualifications delivered in partnership with the University of Hull.
Sources: NEBOSH homepage and NEBOSH qualifications.
NEBOSH is not a training provider
This is the most important point for new learners. NEBOSH sets the syllabus and the assessments, and issues the certificates. Training is delivered by accredited Learning Partners. So you choose a course by choosing both the qualification and the Learning Partner. NEBOSH’s Where to Study tool helps you find accredited providers.
How NEBOSH Works, Step by Step
- Choose the qualification that matches your role and goals.
- Enrol with an accredited Learning Partner, which provides tuition and guidance.
- Study the syllabus through live online sessions, self-study or classroom teaching.
- Sit the assessments. Depending on the qualification these can be digital open-book assessments, practical workplace assessments or other formats. NEBOSH publishes details for certificate digital assessments.
- Receive your result and certificate from NEBOSH once you pass every unit.
- Use the qualification. Employers can check your certificate through NEBOSH’s online verification.
NEBOSH Qualification Levels Explained
NEBOSH qualifications fall into four broad groups.
| Level | What it is for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Short courses and awards | A general understanding of health, safety or environmental principles, and a useful introduction to higher-level study | Health and Safety at Work Award, Environmental Awareness, Incident Investigation |
| Certificates | A foundation for managers, supervisors and people starting a career in health and safety | International General Certificate, National General Certificate, Environmental Management Certificate, Process Safety Management |
| Diplomas (Level 6) | Professional-level qualifications for established or aspiring health, safety and environmental practitioners | NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma, NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma |
| Masters | Postgraduate study, delivered in partnership with the University of Hull | Six Masters-level qualifications listed by NEBOSH |
NEBOSH’s own description of its certificates is a good guide: they are a foundation for managers, supervisors and people at the start of a health and safety career, while diplomas suit those developing a long-term professional career.
NEBOSH Qualifications You Can Study with M2Y
| Qualification | Who it suits | M2Y page |
|---|---|---|
| International General Certificate (IGC) | Supervisors, officers and managers who need a broad foundation in managing workplace health and safety | NEBOSH IGC |
| Level 6 International Diploma | Experienced practitioners aiming for senior HSE management or consultancy roles | NEBOSH International Diploma |
| HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management | People working in process industries such as chemical, oil and gas | NEBOSH PSM |
| Environmental Management Certificate | HSE and environmental staff who manage environmental risk | NEBOSH EMC |
| Health and Safety at Work Award | Team leaders, supervisors, HR and facilities staff who need an introduction | NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work |
| Risk Assessment course | People who carry out or review workplace risk assessments | NEBOSH Risk Assessment |
| Incident Investigation course | Supervisors and managers who investigate incidents | NEBOSH Incident Investigation |
| Environmental Awareness course | Anyone who needs a short introduction to environmental issues at work | NEBOSH Environmental Awareness |
| Working with Wellbeing course | Managers and staff interested in workplace health and wellbeing | NEBOSH Working With Wellbeing |
Course names follow M2Y’s course pages. NEBOSH’s exact qualification titles are on the NEBOSH qualifications page. [Confirm which courses are currently scheduled.] For fees, delivery in India and how to choose between them, see our NEBOSH Courses in India guide.
The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)
The IGC is the NEBOSH qualification most learners start with. NEBOSH reviewed and updated it for 2026, and it now has two units:
- Unit GIC1: Management of health and safety, assessed through a digital, scenario-based open-book assessment completed within a 24-hour window
- Unit GIC2: Risk assessment, a practical assessment based on your own workplace
These replace the earlier IG1 and IG2 units. You must pass both to achieve the qualification. Check NEBOSH’s current specification for marking, grading and resit details. Our NEBOSH IGC page explains how M2Y prepares learners for each unit.
IGC or NGC? The International General Certificate is designed for international use, while the National General Certificate is built around UK law. Employers in India and the Gulf usually mean the IGC, but always confirm with your target employer.
The NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma
The NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals is NEBOSH’s advanced health and safety qualification. It has three units:
- DI1: Know: workplace health and safety principles (International)
- DI2: Do: controlling workplace health issues (International)
- DI3: Do: controlling workplace safety issues (International)
NEBOSH sets no formal entry requirements, but the syllabus assumes knowledge equivalent to the IGC or an equivalent Level 3 or Level 4 qualification, so most learners study the IGC first. The diploma is regulated by Ofqual (see the recognition section below).
Source: NEBOSH International Diploma learning partner guide (PDF). Details and M2Y support are on our NEBOSH Diploma page.
How Is NEBOSH Recognised?
Recognition comes from regulators, professional bodies and employers, and it differs by qualification.
- Regulation: Ofqual has recognised NEBOSH as an awarding body since 2023. Ofqual regulates NEBOSH’s two Occupational Health and Safety Diplomas, taken internationally and in the UK. Other NEBOSH qualifications have different accreditation, so check the qualification page for each one.
- Professional bodies: NEBOSH lists a number of professional bodies that accept its qualifications, including IOSH, INSHPO and SAOSH. Its diploma recognition information also confirms that recognition by BCSP, BCRSP and IIRSM is unaffected by the move to Ofqual regulation.
- Membership rules change: professional bodies set their own entry requirements. IOSH, for example, retains the right to change its standards and grade entry requirements, so always check the latest criteria when you apply.
- Employers: many employers name NEBOSH in job advertisements, but requirements vary by employer, sector and country. NEBOSH is not a statutory qualification in India.
Sources: NEBOSH regulatory recognition and NEBOSH diploma recognition.
NEBOSH vs IOSH: What Is the Difference?
People often mix them up, but they are different kinds of organisation.
| NEBOSH | IOSH | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An awarding body that sets qualifications and assessments | A chartered professional membership body for health and safety |
| What you get | A qualification certificate once you pass every unit | Membership grades, plus training courses such as Managing Safely |
| How you progress | From short courses and certificates to diplomas | From Affiliate to Technical, Certified and Chartered membership |
| Relationship | Many NEBOSH qualifications are accepted towards IOSH membership, but IOSH sets and may change its own rules | Check IOSH’s membership levels for current requirements |
Many professionals use both: a NEBOSH qualification for knowledge and an IOSH membership for professional standing. If you are comparing routes, see our IOSH Managing Safely, IOSH Level 3 and IOSH Level 6 Diploma pages.
Who Should Study NEBOSH?
- Health and safety officers, supervisors and managers
- Engineers, plant supervisors and construction professionals who carry safety responsibilities
- Graduates and career changers who want to enter the health and safety profession
- Professionals in oil and gas, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, facilities and similar sectors
- HR, facilities and team-leader roles that need a practical introduction to workplace safety
Roles NEBOSH qualifications can support
HSE officer, safety supervisor, safety engineer, safety auditor, environmental coordinator, risk assessor, safety trainer and, with more qualifications and experience, HSE manager or consultant. Pay and requirements vary by employer and country, so check current job advertisements. For interview preparation, see our top 50 HSE job interview questions.
Studying NEBOSH Online with M2Y
M2Y Global Academy delivers NEBOSH training online, with live sessions led by tutors.
What you need
- A reliable internet connection and a modern computer, laptop or tablet
- A quiet space for live sessions and assessments
- Good reading and writing skills in English
- Regular weekly study time
See the M2Y training calendar and current offers.
NEBOSH Fees and Dates
Fees vary by qualification, provider and what is included.
Message us on WhatsApp for current fees and dates or see our NEBOSH Courses in India guide.
How to Choose a NEBOSH Learning Partner
- Check the listing. Search NEBOSH’s official Where to Study tool for the provider and the specific course.
- Confirm the exact qualification name, for example “International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety”.
- Ask for the current specification and unit names. For the IGC they are GIC1 and GIC2.
- Ask what practice and feedback you get before the assessment.
- Ask what the fee includes, for example NEBOSH registration and assessment fees, materials and resits.
- Be careful with statistics. If a provider quotes pass rates or salary figures, ask for the source and date.
- Check your certificate afterwards. Employers can use NEBOSH’s online verification.
Where NEBOSH Can Take Your Career
| Goal | Next step |
|---|---|
| Move into management | NEBOSH International Diploma |
| Work towards a senior global credential | Certified Safety Professional (CSP). BCSP lists the NEBOSH National and International Diplomas among its qualified credentials, though you also need a degree, experience and a pass in the CSP exam |
| Add professional-body qualifications | IOSH Level 6 Diploma or OTHM Level 6 Diploma in OHS |
| Add audit skills | ISO Lead Auditor courses |
| Add US-standard training | OSHA 30-Hour |
| Explore more | All M2Y HSE training |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. It is a UK awarding body, established in 1979, that sets health, safety and environmental qualifications.
NEBOSH is an awarding body. It sets qualifications and assessments, and you study through an accredited Learning Partner such as M2Y Global Academy.
NEBOSH qualifications include short courses and awards, certificates, Level 6 diplomas, and Masters-level qualifications delivered with the University of Hull.
No. NEBOSH qualifications are professional qualifications. The Level 6 International Diploma sits at a level comparable to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree, but it is not a degree.
Most learners start with the International General Certificate. If you only need an introduction, the Health and Safety at Work Award may be enough. If you already hold the IGC or an equivalent, the Level 6 International Diploma is the next step.
Yes, the IGC and the Health and Safety at Work Award are aimed at people starting out. The IGC practical unit is based on a workplace, so you need access to one. Confirm M2Y's entry requirements before you enrol.
NEBOSH is an awarding body that sets qualifications. IOSH is a chartered professional membership body that also runs training courses. Many NEBOSH qualifications count towards IOSH membership, but IOSH sets its own requirements.
NEBOSH qualifications are widely asked for by employers across the region, and are recognised by professional bodies. Requirements vary by employer, sector and country, so check what your target employer asks for.
Search NEBOSH's official Where to Study tool for the provider and the course, and ask for the exact qualification name. Employers can verify your certificate through NEBOSH's online verification service.
Yes. M2Y Global Academy offers NEBOSH training online, and NEBOSH's certificate assessments are completed digitally.
Fees vary by qualification, provider and what is included. Contact M2Y on WhatsApp for current fees and start dates.
