How Long Does the NEBOSH General Certificate Take?

When You Book Multiple Courses.

The NEBOSH General Certificate is one of the most widely recognised health and safety qualifications in the UK. Before you book, most people want to know how long it takes to complete. The answer depends on the study format you choose and how you approach the assessments.

This guide breaks down the full course duration, study time requirements, assessment deadlines, and what affects how quickly you can achieve your certificate.

How Long Is the NEBOSH General Certificate?

The NEBOSH General Certificate typically takes between six and twelve weeks to complete. This includes taught study time and the assessment period. The exact duration varies based on whether you study in the classroom, online, or through a blended format.

The qualification itself has two assessed units:

NG1 — Managing Health and Safety (open book examination)
NG2 — Risk Assessment (practical assessment carried out in your workplace or a suitable environment)

You must pass both units to achieve the full NEBOSH General Certificate.

Classroom Study: How Long Does It Take?

Classroom delivery runs over ten taught days. Most providers split these across two weeks, running Monday to Friday on consecutive weeks. Some providers spread the days over several weeks to allow delegates time to study between sessions.

After the taught days, you then sit the NG1 open book examination and complete the NG2 risk assessment. NEBOSH sets examination dates throughout the year, so the gap between finishing your taught study and sitting the exam depends on the next available date.

In total, most classroom delegates complete the full NEBOSH General Certificate within eight to twelve weeks from their course start date.

Online Study: How Long Does It Take?

Online study gives you more flexibility over pacing. NEBOSH recommends around 150 hours of total study time for the General Certificate. Online learners can spread this across several weeks or months depending on their availability.

Some online learners complete the taught content in six to eight weeks by studying consistently. Others take longer if they study part-time around work commitments. The assessment deadlines are the same regardless of study format. You must submit your NG2 risk assessment within a set window after your examination date.

How Long Is the NEBOSH NG1 Open Book Exam?

The NG1 open book examination is a 24-hour assessment. NEBOSH releases the question paper at a set time, and you have 24 hours to submit your answers. The exam tests your ability to apply health and safety principles to realistic workplace scenarios. You can use your study materials during the exam, but the questions require genuine understanding, not just retrieval of information.

The NG1 is not a test you can complete by simply looking up answers. Most delegates spend the majority of the 24-hour window actively working on their responses.

How Long Is the NEBOSH NG2 Practical Assessment?

The NG2 risk assessment is a written practical task. You carry out a workplace risk assessment and produce a report. NEBOSH gives you a submission window after your NG1 examination date. Most delegates complete the NG2 within one to two days of focused work, though the quality of your risk assessment matters far more than the time you spend on it.

Your tutor or training provider can review your NG2 before submission. Target Zero tutors provide guidance during the assessment period to help you structure your report correctly.

When Do You Receive Your Results?

NEBOSH typically releases results within twelve weeks of the examination date. Once you receive your results, NEBOSH issues your certificate within a further few weeks if you have passed both units. The full process from course start to certificate in hand usually takes four to six months.

What Affects How Long NEBOSH Takes?

Several factors influence your total study timeline:

Study format: Classroom study is more structured and often faster to complete. Online study is more flexible but requires self-discipline to maintain pace.
Examination dates: NEBOSH sets fixed exam windows throughout the year. If you finish your taught study shortly before or after an exam date, your timeline adjusts accordingly.
Prior experience: Delegates with a background in health and safety, construction management, or site supervision often find the content more familiar. This can reduce the study time needed for the NG1.
Resits: If you do not pass a unit first time, you can resit. Each resit adds time to your overall timeline.

How to Book NEBOSH with Target Zero

Target Zero Training delivers the NEBOSH General Certificate in classroom and online formats across multiple UK locations including Chelmsford, Sheffield, Waltham Abbey, and online nationwide. Our tutors support you through both the NG1 open book exam and the NG2 practical assessment.

Target Zero holds a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating on both Trustpilot and Reviews.io, with over 10,000 reviews collectively. To check upcoming NEBOSH dates or discuss which format suits your schedule, call our team on 01245 379496 or email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the NEBOSH General Certificate take to complete?

Most delegates complete the full qualification in eight to twelve weeks, including taught study and assessments. Online learners who study part-time may take longer depending on their schedule.

How many days is the NEBOSH General Certificate course?

The taught element of the NEBOSH General Certificate runs over ten days. Classroom courses typically deliver these across two consecutive weeks, though some providers spread them further apart.

How long is the NEBOSH open book exam?

The NG1 open book examination is a 24-hour assessment. NEBOSH releases the paper at a set time and you must submit your completed responses within 24 hours.

Can you do NEBOSH while working full time?

Yes. Many delegates complete NEBOSH while working. Online study allows you to fit learning around your job. Classroom courses require you to be available for the ten taught days, so you need to take time off or find a provider offering evening or weekend sessions.

How long after NEBOSH do you get your results?

NEBOSH typically releases results within twelve weeks of the examination date. Your certificate follows a few weeks later once results are confirmed.

Is NEBOSH harder than SMSTS?

NEBOSH and SMSTS assess different things. SMSTS is a five-day operational course focused on construction site management. NEBOSH is a broader academic qualification requiring written assessments and a practical risk assessment. Most delegates find NEBOSH more demanding in terms of study time and written output.

Why choose Target Zero?