NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Mock Test
The leading health and safety qualification for UK professionals.
About the NEBOSH NGC exam
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Mock Test
Overview of the NEBOSH NGC Exam
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH NGC) is a globally recognised and respected qualification that provides a firm foundation in occupational health and safety for managers, supervisors, and staff from all types of organisations. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of UK workplaces and covers the principles of occupational health and safety, identification and control of workplace hazards, and the practical application of UK health and safety law. Achieving this qualification demonstrates a commitment to health and safety and enhances career prospects within the field.
The NEBOSH NGC is suitable for anyone who needs a broad understanding of health and safety issues, including those who are starting a career in health and safety or those who have health and safety responsibilities as part of a wider role. It helps individuals manage risks effectively and protect their workforce, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Understanding the Syllabus for NEBOSH NGC
To excel in the NEBOSH NGC exam, a thorough understanding of its syllabus is crucial. The qualification is divided into two key units, NGC1 and NGC2, each with several elements:
Unit NGC1: Management of Health and Safety
This unit focuses on the theoretical aspects of managing health and safety within an organisation. It covers:
- Why we should manage workplace health and safety: This includes moral, legal, and financial arguments for good health and safety management.
- How health and safety management systems work and what they look like: This element explores the components of an effective health and safety management system, often based on HSG65 or ISO 45001.
- Managing risk – understanding people and processes: This delves into risk assessment methodologies, human factors, and organisational factors influencing safety.
- Health and safety monitoring and measuring: This covers incident investigation, auditing, and performance measurement to drive continuous improvement.
Unit NGC2: Risk Assessment
This unit focuses on practical risk assessment and the control of hazards commonly found in the workplace. It includes:
- Physical and psychological health: Covers hazards such as noise, vibration, radiation, manual handling, and stress.
- Musculoskeletal health: Focuses on risks associated with manual handling, repetitive tasks, and display screen equipment.
- Chemical and biological agents: Deals with the risks posed by hazardous substances, including COSHH regulations.
- General workplace issues: Explores topics like welfare provisions, housekeeping, and working at height.
- Work equipment: Covers the safe use and maintenance of machinery, tools, and lifting equipment.
- Fire: Focuses on fire prevention, protection, and emergency procedures.
- Electricity: Addresses the hazards of electricity and safe working practices.
The knowledge gained from these elements is vital for successfully passing the exam and effectively applying health and safety principles in real-world scenarios.
NEBOSH NGC Test Rules and Format
The NEBOSH NGC assessment has evolved to an 'Open Book Examination' (OBE) format. Previously, it involved two written exams and a practical assessment. Now, Unit NGC1 is assessed by a single open-book exam, and Unit NGC2 is assessed by a practical risk assessment. This mock test focuses on the NGC1 element, which involves structured questions covering the theoretical knowledge.
During the OBE, you will have 24 hours to complete the examination paper, although NEBOSH estimates it should take approximately 4 hours to complete. You can use your own resources, notes, and study materials. However, collaboration with others is strictly prohibited and constitutes malpractice.
The practical assessment (NGC2) requires you to carry out a risk assessment of a workplace and produce a report, which is typically submitted within 14 days of your NGC1 exam. This unit assesses your ability to apply the knowledge learned in a real or simulated work environment.
Scoring and Passing Marks
To achieve the NEBOSH NGC qualification, candidates must successfully pass both Unit NGC1 (Open Book Examination) and Unit NGC2 (Practical Risk Assessment). For NGC1, the passing mark is typically 45% out of 100 marks. For NGC2, the practical assessment is marked on specific criteria including identification of hazards, evaluation of risk, identification of suitable control measures, and clear reporting. Both units must be passed to gain the qualification.
If you pass one unit but not the other, you can retake the failed unit. The marks from successfully passed units remain valid for five years.
Preparation Tips for NEBOSH NGC
Preparing effectively for the NEBOSH NGC is key to success, especially with the OBE format. Here are some essential tips:
- Thoroughly Understand the Syllabus: Don't just memorise; aim to understand the underlying principles and their practical application.
- Practice Risk Assessments: For NGC2, regularly practice conducting risk assessments in various scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the NEBOSH risk assessment form.
- Time Management for OBE: Even though it's open book, time is limited. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
- Organise Study Materials: For the OBE, have your notes, textbooks, and relevant legislation well-organised and easily accessible. Create an index or searchable digital files.
- Focus on Application: NEBOSH questions often require you to apply your knowledge to specific scenarios, not just recall facts. Think critically about how principles apply in practice.
- Review Past Papers/Mock Tests: Working through mock tests and past exam papers (if available) is invaluable for understanding the question style and identifying areas for improvement.
- Understand UK Legislation: A significant portion of the NGC focuses on UK health and safety law. Ensure you have a good grasp of key regulations like HASAWA, MHSWR, and specific topic-related legislation.
- Formulate Structured Answers: For the NGC1 exam, NEBOSH looks for well-structured, logical answers that directly address the question and provide relevant detail.
By following these preparation tips and committing to consistent study, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
Test rules
- All candidates must register with an accredited NEBOSH learning partner.
- The NGC1 Open Book Examination must be completed individually; collaboration with others is strictly prohibited and constitutes malpractice.
- Candidates are given 24 hours to complete the NGC1 OBE paper, although the estimated time to complete the task is around 4 hours.
- Candidates must submit their completed NGC1 OBE paper and NGC2 practical assessment by the specified deadlines.
- The NGC2 practical assessment must be based on a genuine workplace or a realistic simulated environment that the candidate has access to and knowledge of.
- Candidates must adhere to NEBOSH's policies on malpractice, appeals, and reasonable adjustments.
Score grading
To achieve the NEBOSH NGC qualification, candidates must pass both Unit NGC1 (Open Book Examination) and Unit NGC2 (Practical Risk Assessment). The passing mark for NGC1 is 45% (out of 100 marks). For NGC2, candidates must achieve a 'Pass' based on specific criteria for hazard identification, risk evaluation, control measures, and clear reporting. If only one unit is passed, that pass remains valid for five years, allowing candidates to re-sit the failed unit within that timeframe.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is a highly respected qualification designed for managers, supervisors, and staff who require a broad understanding of occupational health and safety principles and practices in a UK context. It covers identification and control of workplace hazards and relevant UK legislation.
The NEBOSH NGC is assessed through two units: Unit NGC1 is an Open Book Examination (OBE) where you answer scenario-based questions within a 24-hour window, and Unit NGC2 is a practical risk assessment completed in your workplace or a simulated environment, submitted after the NGC1 exam.
The total qualification is typically achieved after approximately 80 taught hours plus 50 hours of private study. The examination for NGC1 is 24 hours (estimated 4 hours work), and the NGC2 practical assessment takes a few hours to complete and then submit.
The NEBOSH NGC is a foundational qualification that can lead to roles such as Health and Safety Officer, Coordinator, Advisor, or enhance existing managerial roles by providing essential safety knowledge. It's often a prerequisite for further NEBOSH qualifications and professional memberships.
While the NEBOSH NGC is primarily focused on UK legislation, its core principles of health and safety management are universally applicable. NEBOSH offers an International General Certificate (IGC) for those primarily working outside the UK, but the NGC itself is highly regarded globally as a benchmark of competence in health and safety.