NEBOSH 2026 Update: The General Certificate is Changing (Everything You Need to Know)

If you’ve been following the health and safety news cycle, you might have seen a flurry of activity yesterday. NEBOSH officially announced a significant update to the National and International General Certificates for 2026.

Here at Compassa, we know that the words “syllabus update” can send a cold shiver down a student’s spine. Questions like “Is my course outdated?”, “Is the exam getting harder?” or “Will this still be recognised by NEBOSH?” are probably racing through your mind right now.

We have gone through the new specifications with a fine-tooth comb so you don’t have to. The short answer? Don’t panic. The changes are actually really positive, especially regarding how your practical assessment is marked, and the value of the qualification remains exactly the same.

Here is the breakdown of exactly what is changing, what is staying the same, and what this means for your studies.

1. The Names are Changing (Goodbye NG, Hello GNC)

First off, the content of the course, the actual health and safety principles you are learning, remains largely the same.

However, the acronyms and unit codes we all use are getting a refresh starting February 2026:

The Exam (Unit 1):

• Old Name: NG1 (National) / IG1 (International)
• New Name: GNC1 / GIC1
• What’s different? Nothing but the name. It is still the same 24 hour, open-book, scenario-based exam you’re preparing for.

The Practical (Unit 2):

• Old Name: NG2 (National) / IG2 (International)
• New Name: GNC2 / GIC2
• What’s different? Quite a lot, and it’s mostly good news.

2. The Risk Assessment: A Fairer Way to Pass

For years, the Unit 2 Risk Assessment was graded on a “Met/Not Met” basis. You had to hit every single criteria to pass. If you missed one minor detail? It was a “Refer” (fail).

NEBOSH listened to feedback, and for the 2026 specification, they are changing the game:

• Points-Based Marking: You are no longer fighting for a simple “Met.” The practical will now be marked using a points system.
• The Pass Mark: You need to achieve 60% to pass.
• Real Feedback: You will now receive a mark breakdown. This means if you don’t pass the first time, you will know exactly which section needs work.
• Submission Window: You will submit your practical assessment via the NEBOSH online platform after your Unit 1 exam.

3. Dates, Results & Recognition

• If you are thinking of enrolling or sitting exams soon, here are the details you need:
• Teaching of the new syllabus starts: February 2, 2026.
• First exams under the new names (GNC/GIC): March 4, 2026.
• Results Timeline: Under the new system, NEBOSH will release results for both units on the same day (60 working days after your Unit 1 exam).
• Why the wait? NEBOSH is streamlining the process so you get your full qualification result in one go, rather than in dribs and drabs.
• Recognition: Crucially, the qualification status has not changed. It remains equivelant to A Level and continues to offer the same eligibility for IOSH (TechIOSH) and IIRSM membership.

4. “I’m already studying the NEBOSH General Certificate. What about me?”

If you are currently midway through your course with us, take a deep breath. You are in a safe pair of hands.

NEBOSH has put transition arrangements in place to ensure no learner is left behind:

• If you are midway through and have failed the Unit 2 project, you will remain on the old specification (NG2/IG2) and you will have until August 2026 to pass.
• If you have not yet attempted Unit 2, then you will be automatically transfered to the new specification (GNC2/GIC2).
• If you are just starting, you will be automatically transferred to the new specification (GNC1/GNC2 and GIC1/GIC2)

We view these changes as a big win for learners. The shift to a points based practical assessment makes the qualification fairer, transparent, and more rewarding.

As your learning partner, we are already updating our platforms, support guides, and resources to align with these changes. Whether you are aiming for the GNC or the GIC, we’re ready to help you smash your NEBOSH General Certificate in 2026 and onwards!

Confused about which exam you should book? Just drop our support team a message. We’ll check your status and tell you exactly which path you’re on.

Happy studying!

Team Compassa