Question 1

What is the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?

Accepted Answer

The NEBOSH International General Certificate course will provide you with an excellent grounding in the principles and practice of health and safety management. It’s relevant to practitioners from all sectors and combines international standards with an understanding of the New Zealand business environment.

The course is suitable for anyone looking to grow their knowledge and understanding of health and safety and to have it recognised through an internationally accredited qualification. It is the must-have qualification for site health and safety advisers.

Question 2

Where can I find out more about this course?

Accepted Answer

For more information about the course click here to view our Learner Handbook or here to view the qualification syllabus.

Question 3

Who should take this course?

Accepted Answer

This course suits managers, supervisors, workers, and developing health and safety practitioners who need a solid understanding of workplace health and safety. It is particularly useful for people managing day-to-day risk, advising others on health and safety responsibilities, or supporting stronger health and safety performance across an organisation.

Question 4

Is the NEBOSH International General Certificate mandatory in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The NEBOSH International General Certificate course will provide you with an excellent grounding in the principles and practice of health and safety management. It’s relevant to practitioners from all sectors and combines international standards with an understanding of the New Zealand business environment.

The course is suitable for anyone looking to grow their knowledge and understanding of health and safety and to have it recognised through an internationally accredited qualification. It is the must-have qualification for site health and safety advisers.

Question 5

Who is NEBOSH?

Accepted Answer

NEBOSH (the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) is a globally recognised awarding body specialising in health, safety, and environmental qualifications. NEBOSH qualifications are studied worldwide and are designed to help individuals and organisations improve workplace health and safety performance. IMPAC has been a NEBOSH Learning Partner since 2008 and is a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner approved to deliver the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

Question 6

Is this course relevant to New Zealand workplaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this course is designed to be highly relevant to New Zealand workplaces while drawing on internationally recognised NEBOSH standards. IMPAC’s delivery connects the qualification content to the New Zealand business environment and to the practical expectations organisations face when managing risk, incidents, and health and safety responsibilities under local workplace requirements.

Question 7

Can this course support a health and safety career pathway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many learners use the NEBOSH International General Certificate as an early step in a longer health and safety career pathway. It provides a recognised foundation for further professional development and, as noted in the course overview, may contribute towards NZISM Practitioner membership alongside other requirements.

Question 8

Do I need existing health and safety knowledge before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, learners should already have a working knowledge of health and safety equivalent to a NZQA Level 3 qualification. The programme builds on existing understanding and focuses on health and safety management principles, risk assessment, and workplace application rather than introductory concepts.

Question 9

What English level do I need?

Accepted Answer

Learners need written and spoken English capability equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. This is important because the course includes tutor-led learning, written assessments, and a practical workplace project where learners need to understand instructions and explain their reasoning clearly.

Question 10

How is the course delivered?

Accepted Answer

Public courses are typically delivered face-to-face over two 5-day classroom blocks, with scheduled dates available in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. In-house delivery is also available for organisations wanting to run the programme for their own teams. This structure gives learners time between blocks to apply learning, complete self-study, and prepare for assessment activities.

Question 11

How long is the course?

Accepted Answer

The course runs over 10 days, allowing learners to work through the NEBOSH syllabus, practical health and safety management concepts, workplace risk management, and assessment preparation in a structured way.

Question 12

How much study time should I allow for this qualification?

Accepted Answer

Learners should expect a significant study commitment alongside the scheduled training sessions. This includes attending two 5-day block courses, completing revision and practice activities during each block course week, and allowing time for self-directed study between the blocks and before the final assessment.  As a guide, learners should allow approximately 20 hours of revision and assessment preparation between block courses and a further 10 hours of preparation before the GIC1 examination. IMPAC also recommends taking the day of the examination off work to allow full focus on the assessment.

Question 13

How long do I have to complete the qualification?

Accepted Answer

Learners have up to five years to successfully complete the qualification. This provides flexibility for people balancing study alongside work and other commitments while still allowing them to progress through the assessment requirements.

Question 14

What assessment is involved?

Accepted Answer

The qualification is assessed through the Unit GIC1 open book exam and the Unit GIC2 practical workplace risk assessment project. Together, these assessments confirm learners can apply health and safety management knowledge and carry out a practical workplace risk assessment.

Question 15

Can this qualification contribute towards NZISM membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The NEBOSH International General Certificate may contribute towards NZISM Practitioner membership, subject to NZISM's current membership requirements. Learners should refer to NZISM directly for the latest membership criteria and eligibility requirements.

Question 16

Can this course be delivered for our organisation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this course is available for in-house delivery for organisations wanting to train their own teams together. In-house delivery can help organisations build a more consistent understanding of occupational health and safety management, risk management, and workplace responsibilities across managers, supervisors, and health and safety personnel.

Question 17

What do learners need to bring to training?

Accepted Answer

Please bring the following to training:• A driver’s licence or another form of photo identification• A laptop suitable for course activities and assessments If bringing a laptop is not possible, please contact IMPAC at training@impac.co.nz to discuss alternative arrangements. For public face-to-face courses, morning tea and lunch are provided. If you have specific dietary requirements such as allergies, vegan, or gluten-free needs, please contact IMPAC at training@impac.co.nz at least two working days before training. Please note that dietary preferences cannot be accommodated.

Question 18

What certificate do learners receive at the end of the course?

Accepted Answer

Learners who successfully complete both assessments will be awarded the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification and receive a qualification parchment from NEBOSH. This internationally recognised qualification supports capability in workplace health and safety management across a wide range of industries.

Question 19

What is the cost of this course?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the delivery method. Public (face-to-face): $5950 + GST per person. In-house: pricing is available on application.

NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

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