What’s the Difference between the NEBOSH National and the International General Certificate?
When it comes to occupational health and safety, all organisations share the common goal of the well-being and safety of their workforce. This begins by educating the workers about the significance of safer workplaces and ensuring the appropriate skills to address the challenges effectively.
NEBOSH qualifications are the right choice to uplift the best practices in occupational health and safety. However, most are confused about choosing between the NEBOSH NGC and International General Certificates (IGC).
Let us explore the key differences between the above two NEBOSH qualifications.
Are both qualifications the same?
To speak technically, both are different qualifications. However, both are versions of the General Certificate and serve as a base for health and safety.
Both hold similarities in level, and value, contain the same units, elements, and learning outcomes and adopt the same exam structure and grading system. Both deal with managing health and safety on the basis of the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” management system.
So, what’s the core difference here?
Legal Framework
The NEBOSH National Certificate emphasises UK-specific health and safety legislation.
The NEBOSH International Certificate focuses on international health and safety standards and regulations, thus is applicable in diverse countries.
Who are these courses for?
The NEBOSH General Certificate is suitable for all in health & safety.
For UK-Based Professionals:
The NEBOSH National General Certificate aligns with UK laws and regulations. Hence, if you are looking to start an HSE career in the UK, the NEBOSH National Certificate is recommended.

For International Career Aspirants outside the UK
The NEBOSH International General Certificate gives a broad understanding of the best practices and international guidelines of the regulating organisations. Hence, aspirants seeking abroad career scopes can find enrolling in this NEBOSH qualification as advantageous.
Which is the most popular NEBOSH qualification?
Since more than 35,000 individuals from various industries take a NEBOSH certificate course every year, both are popular qualifications.
The National General Certificate is popular in the UK, while the international certificate is popular across the world.
Are both qualifications recognised everywhere?
Yes, both NEBOSH qualifications are recognised in 170+ countries. More than 83% of HSE job advertisements mandate NEBOSH qualification.
Are both qualifications available for all?
Certainly! No matter whether you are in the UK or outside the UK, you can enrol in NEBOSH national or international qualification. Thanks to online learning mode, students are allowed to take a NEBOSH of their choice in the comfort of their place.
Start Your NEBOSH Journey with Green World Group
Whatever your career goals, a health and safety career in the UK or outside the UK, choosing between a NEBOSH NGC or NEBOSH IGC, GWG is with you every step of the way. With flexible learning choices like e-learning and online learning and expert tutors, we empower you to prepare for a successful HSE career with prestigious NEBOSH qualifications.
Explore more about industry-leading NEBOSH courses by contacting GWG today!