How the NEBOSH General Certificate exam works: GNC1, the closing interview and GNC2

The NEBOSH National General Certificate changed in 2026. NEBOSH renamed its two units from NG1 and NG2 to GNC1 and GNC2, teaching on the new syllabus began on 2 February 2026, and the last sittings of the old units were on 5 and 6 August 2026. If you're starting now, or retaking a unit, it's the new GNC units you'll sit.

This guide explains how each assessment works, using NEBOSH's own rules, and what that means for how you prepare.

GNC1: the open-book exam

GNC1 is an open-book, scenario-based exam. On one of NEBOSH's exam dates the paper becomes available at 11am UK time, and NEBOSH gives you 24 hours to access, complete and submit it online. The questions are about a realistic workplace scenario, so you're applying what you've learned to that situation, not reciting definitions.

Open book doesn't mean easy. You can use your notes and course material, but the marks go to answers that use the scenario and answer the question asked. NEBOSH warns learners to leave enough time to submit before the end of their slot, or they'll be marked as absent, so don't leave the upload to the last minute.

The closing interview

The biggest change is that NEBOSH says GNC1 "will include a closing interview": you'll be asked questions about your submission. In practice that means you need to understand and be able to talk through what you wrote.

The best preparation is simply to write your answers yourself, in your own words, and to know why you made each point. If you've done that, the interview is a conversation about your own work.

GNC2: the practical risk assessment

GNC2 is practical. You carry out a risk assessment of your own workplace and develop an action plan, and NEBOSH suggests it takes about three hours. You submit it online by one of NEBOSH's submission deadlines, up to midnight UK time on the day.

NEBOSH has moved GNC2 marking to points, with a pass mark of 60%. Pick an area of your workplace with a good range of hazards, and make your action plan specific: who does what, and by when.

Marking and results

Both units are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH, and you need to pass both for the certificate. NEBOSH publishes a "results due by" date for each exam date, and results are sent to the email address on your learner record. Our guide to NEBOSH exam dates for 2027 lists them.

Tips for a 24-hour open-book exam

• Plan the day. Read the whole scenario and every question first, then decide how long each answer deserves. The 24-hour window lets you work around a shift or family commitments, but don't plan to need all of it.
• Use the scenario. Point to the people, tasks and conditions it describes. General answers that could fit any workplace earn fewer marks.
• Answer the question asked. If it asks you to explain, give reasons; if it asks you to recommend, say what should be done and by whom.
• Keep your notes organised before the day, so looking something up takes seconds, not minutes.
• Submit early. Check your files and upload with plenty of time to spare.

How long to prepare

NEBOSH recommends at least 66 hours of learning plus about 40 hours of private study and reading. If you can give it around eight hours a week, that's roughly three months before you're ready for GNC1.

How to study for it

• At your own pace: the NEBOSH General Certificate by distance learning starts on any day, online from anywhere in the UK, with a tutor to contact when you need help.
• With a tutor and a class: the NEBOSH General Certificate live online runs on fixed dates, taught in real time.

Not sure the General Certificate is the right one? If you work on construction sites, the NEBOSH Construction Certificate may suit you better; our guide Which NEBOSH certificate? General or Construction compared sets out the differences. Training a team around Sheffield? See health and safety training in Sheffield for live online, classroom and in-house options.