NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Practice Test

54 questions available

Build your confidence for NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
3 hours Time Limit
Your practice
54 Practice questions
54 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 45 Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from NEBOSH
NEBOSH54 practice questions
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Exam overview and details

The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health and Safety is a globally recognized, gold-standard qualification for health and safety practitioners. Designed for managers, supervisors, and operational staff across all industries, it provides a comprehensive foundation in risk management principles applicable to international workplaces. The certification equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement and manage health and safety systems, conduct risk assessments, and ensure legal compliance within a global context. Achieving the NEBOSH IGC demonstrates a serious commitment to workplace safety, significantly enhancing an individual's professional credibility and their organization's safety culture. It is often a mandatory or highly desirable requirement for health and safety roles worldwide, serving as a critical stepping stone for career progression and a prerequisite for more advanced NEBOSH qualifications.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Element 3: Managing risk - understanding people and processes

At the shopping-centre service yard in Qatar, a warehouse introduces a new automated wrapper during peak season. Operators bypass the interlock when film jams because production bonuses depend on throughput. The risk assessment lists guarding as adequate but did not involve operators or consider bonus pressure. The control was listed as complete during the last review, although no one checked it on the night shift. Which option is the best response for a NEBOSH IGC candidate to recommend, and why?

Element 5: Physical and psychological health

At the quarry workshop in Malaysia, a customer-service team faces abusive calls after a product recall. Call volumes double, breaks are missed and supervisors tell workers to be resilient because the recall will end soon. A new agency worker and an experienced employee are both exposed to the same task. Which option is the best response for a NEBOSH IGC candidate to recommend, and why?

Element 3: Managing risk - understanding people and processes

At the automotive paint booth in Kenya, a charity shop uses volunteers, paid staff and visiting contractors. A manager excludes volunteers from consultation because they are not employees, even though volunteers sort donations, use stepladders and report trip hazards. The control was listed as complete during the last review, although no one checked it on the night shift. Which option is the best response for a NEBOSH IGC candidate to recommend, and why?

Element 1: Why we should manage workplace health and safety

At the pharmaceutical packaging suite in Malaysia, a manufacturing director signs a health and safety policy but delegates every budget decision to supervisors. Maintenance guards are overdue, contractors are selected by price only, and the safety adviser has no authority to stop work. Workers say managers support safety only after incidents. No enforcement notice has been served, but two near misses have been reported in the last quarter. Which option is the best response for a NEBOSH IGC candidate to recommend, and why?

Element 9: Work equipment

At the bakery night shift in South Africa, a packing line has a fixed guard, but jams occur beyond reach of the normal access panel. Operators remove the whole guard with a spanner during production because the guard design blocks visibility. The supervisor is under time pressure because the client visit starts in two hours. Which option is the best response for a NEBOSH IGC candidate to recommend, and why?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $90,150– Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (SOC 19-5011), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Exam insights and study advice

The NEBOSH International General Certificate is a cornerstone credential for occupational health and safety professionals seeking international career mobility and recognition. It is held in high esteem by employers, regulatory bodies, and clients globally, signaling a proven, benchmarked level of competence. Possessing this certification directly impacts career advancement, often leading to roles such as HSE Officer, Advisor, or Coordinator, and can significantly increase earning potential. It provides the practical knowledge to protect people, assets, and reputation, making certified individuals invaluable assets in fostering a proactive safety culture and driving organizational resilience.

What this exam covers

01Controlling workplace hazards

Topics

  • Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards
  • Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards

Learning objectives

  • Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards: Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards; Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards
  • Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards: Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards; Understand the principles of controlling workplace hazards

02Managing health and safety

Topics

  • Understand the basis for managing health and safety
  • Understand how to manage health and safety

Learning objectives

  • Understand the basis for managing health and safety: Understand the legal requirements for health and safety; Understand the principles of health and safety management
  • Understand how to manage health and safety: Understand the principles of risk assessment; Understand the principles of hazard identification and risk control; Understand the principles of health and safety monitoring and review

03Measuring health and safety performance

Topics

  • Understand the principles of measuring health and safety performance

Learning objectives

  • Understand the principles of measuring health and safety performance: Understand the principles of measuring health and safety performance; Understand the principles of measuring health and safety performance

Exam Details IGC | 3 hours

Exam Code IGC
Vendor NEBOSH
Passing Score 45
Time Limit 3 hours
Question TypesOpen Book Examination (scenario-based questions), Practical Assessment
Retake Policy Candidates who refer (fail) may resit at the next available examination sitting. Full exam fee required for resit. No limit on number of attempts.
Exam Format Open Book Examination (OBE) — scenario-based written paper plus practical workplace assessment
Online Proctoring Available
Exam rules Open Book Examination (OBE): all learning materials and resources may be used. Candidates must work independently without assistance from tutors or peers. Responses must be in the candidate's own words; plagiarism is a breach of NEBOSH policy. A 24-hour window is given to complete the OBE task paper.
Available In
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the NEBOSH International General Certificate?

How is the NEBOSH IGC assessed, and what is the pass mark?

Is the NEBOSH IGC recognized outside of the UK?

What is the typical validity or renewal period for the NEBOSH IGC certification?

How does the NEBOSH IGC support membership with professional institutions like IOSH?