The NEBOSH General Certificate is designed to give you a solid understanding of workplace health and safety principles and risk management.
NEBOSH offers two versions of this qualification:
- The National General Certificate (NGC) for those working in the UK.
- The International General Certificate (IGC) for those working outside the UK or in multinational organizations.
So, NEBOSH National vs International General Certificate, which one is right for you?
The NEBOSH National General Certificate focuses specifically on UK health and safety regulations and enforcement, while the International General Certificate (IGC) covers global standards and best practices.
The NGC is ideal if you:
- Currently work in the UK
- Plan to build your health and safety career in Britain
- Need detailed knowledge of UK health and safety legislation
- Work for a UK-based organization
I recommend the IGC to students who:
- Work outside the UK
- Have international career aspirations
- Plan to work in multiple countries
- Need flexibility in applying health and safety principles globally
- Are particularly interested in working in the Middle East, Dubai, or African nations
Are NEBOSH NGC and IGC the same qualification?
Both qualifications share a common goal: they teach you how to manage health and safety in high risk work environments.
Both the NGC and IGC are Level 3 qualifications, meaning they’re ideal for those just starting in health and safety or looking to formalize their knowledge.
Each certificate covers the same core areas: understanding workplace hazards, managing risk, and building health and safety systems using the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” approach.
But despite their similarities, the major difference between the two comes down to where you plan to work and what legal frameworks you’ll be using in your day-to-day role.
Differences between NEBOSH NGC and IGC
The first difference is the geographic relevance.
NGC focuses on UK-specific laws and regulations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
It also covers UK enforcement agencies like the Health and Safety Executive.
NEBOSH International certificate focuses on international standards and best practices. Instead of UK-specific laws, it refers to guidelines set by global organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ISO standards.
Another difference is the recognition and career impact of these two certifications.
The NGC is highly respected within the UK. Employers often require it, and it’s a prerequisite for many higher-level health and safety roles.
The IGC, being internationally recognized, is valued across various countries and industries, opening more doors globally. If you’re looking for a qualification that can help you move between countries or companies, the IGC is a better fit.
NEBOSH National vs International General Certificate: which is right for you?
If you work in the UK, you should go for the NEBOSH National General Certificate.
If you work in the UK or plan to, the NEBOSH NGC is your go-to qualification.
This course is compliant with UK health and safety laws. It prepares you for roles in the UK and ensures that you’re equipped to manage safety in line with British regulations, which is crucial if you’re aiming for roles in the UK’s public or private sector.
You’ll learn about UK-specific safety laws, which means your knowledge is directly applicable to the workplace.
If you work outside the UK or plan to move abroad, NEBOSH International General Certificate is for you.
If your career takes you beyond the UK, the NEBOSH International General Certificate is the more suitable choice for you or your team.
Instead of focusing on a single country’s regulations, the IGC uses a global framework based on international standards like those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ISO 45001. It’s designed for professionals working in multinational organizations or anyone aiming for roles across different countries.
The IGC teaches international best practices, which makes it easier to transfer your skills to different countries or industries. It’s also widely recognized, with employers worldwide valuing it as a top-tier health and safety qualification.
Is one qualification more popular than the other?
In the UK, the National General Certificate is understandably more popular.
But globally, the Nebosh International General certificate course is more widely taken. In fact, over 120,000 people around the world have taken the NEBOSH General Certificate since its inception, with a significant portion opting for the IGC .
Whether you choose the NGC or IGC, both qualifications can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level certifications like the NEBOSH Diploma. However, the focus of your certification will influence your career direction:
- The NGC is perfect for those aiming to grow their career within the UK, especially in sectors that demand detailed knowledge of UK legislation.
- The IGC is better suited for those with an international career path, where broader health and safety management principles apply across borders.
Book NEBOSH General Certificate Course Today With THS
The NEBOSH NGC and IGC are two sides of the same coin. Both provide a comprehensive grounding in health and safety management, but their focus differs based on geographic and legal requirements.
If you’re rooted in the UK, the NGC is your best bet. If you’re looking for a more global perspective or plan to work in various countries, the IGC offers the flexibility and international recognition you need.
If you’re ready to take your next step in health and safety, book your NEBOSH General Certificate Course today with Train In Health And Safety.
Call us: +44 (0) 20 8059 3633 to request a call back or email us at info@traininhealthandsafety.com and we’ll get in touch.