شرح دليل تصحيح NEBOSH GIC2: كيفية منح الدرجات في عام 2026

NEBOSH GIC2 Marking Rubric: How the New Points System Works

The 2026 NEBOSH curriculum update replaced the old IG2 "Met / Not Met" grading with a transparent, points-based marking rubric. This is the single biggest change affecting learners — and understanding the rubric is the fastest way to improve your GIC2 score.

Why NEBOSH Changed the Marking System

Under the old IG2 format, many learners received a "Refer" result without understanding specifically where they went wrong. Feedback from both learners and learning partners highlighted three issues:

• Lack of transparency — it was unclear how marks were distributed
• Binary grading felt arbitrary — two similar submissions could receive different outcomes
• Limited learning value — a simple pass/fail didn't help candidates improve

The new points-based rubric addresses all three concerns by showing exactly how marks are allocated.

GIC2 Rubric Structure Overview

The GIC2 practical risk assessment is marked across four scored sections, each carrying a specific points allocation:

Note: NEBOSH has not published exact point values publicly. The weightings above are based on guidance shared with Gold Learning Partners and may be refined. Always refer to the official NEBOSH assessment guidance for the definitive rubric.

Section A: Management Summary & Introduction

This section sets the scene for your assessment. Examiners look for:

What scores well:

• Clear description of the workplace, its activities, and the scope of your assessment
• Number of workers affected and their roles
• Brief explanation of why the assessment was conducted
• Professional, concise writing

Common mistakes that lose marks:

• Overly long introductions that repeat information
• Failing to state the scope and boundaries of the assessment
• Missing the number of people affected
• Generic descriptions that could apply to any workplace

Section B: Hazard Identification & Description

This carries the heaviest weighting and is where most marks are won or lost.

What scores well:

• Minimum 10 distinct hazards across different categories
• Specific, observable hazards (not vague categories)
• Clear identification of who is at risk and how
• Photographic evidence with descriptive captions
• Hazards from multiple categories: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial, fire, electrical

How to maximise points:

• Be specific: "Frayed electrical cable on the portable grinder in the workshop" scores higher than "electrical hazard"
• State the harm: "Could cause electrocution or electrical burns to the operator"
• Include context: location, frequency of exposure, number of people affected
• Use photographs to support every hazard — label them clearly

Common mistakes:

• Listing fewer than 10 hazards
• Using generic hazard categories instead of specific observations
• Failing to identify who is at risk
• Poor or missing photographic evidence
• Only identifying one type of hazard (e.g., all physical)

Section C: Risk Evaluation & Prioritisation

This section tests your ability to evaluate and rank the hazards you identified.

What scores well:

• Consistent use of a recognised risk matrix (likelihood × severity)
• Clear justification for each risk rating with evidence
• Logical prioritisation — your highest-rated risks should genuinely be the most serious
• Reference to relevant legislation or standards (OHSA, regulations, codes of practice)

How to maximise points:

• Justify every rating: "Likelihood is HIGH because the frayed cable is used daily by 3 operators with no inspection regime"
• Show your thinking: examiners want to see your reasoning, not just a number
• Prioritise coherently: if you rate something as high risk, your recommendations should address it first
• Cross-reference hazards by number for clarity

Common mistakes:

• Inconsistent ratings (similar hazards rated very differently without explanation)
• No justification for likelihood or severity scores
• Prioritisation that doesn't match the risk ratings
• Ignoring legal requirements when evaluating significance

Section D: Control Measures & Recommendations

This section demonstrates your practical competence in managing risk.

What scores well:

• Controls following the hierarchy of controls: Eliminate → Substitute → Engineering → Administrative → PPE
• Specific, actionable recommendations (not "improve safety")
• Realistic timescales: immediate, short-term (1–4 weeks), medium-term (1–3 months)
• Named responsibilities — who will implement each control
• Cost or resource considerations where relevant

How to maximise points:

• For each hazard, recommend controls at the highest reasonably practicable level in the hierarchy
• Be precise: "Install residual current device (RCD) on all portable power tools in the workshop within 2 weeks — Maintenance Manager to action"
• Include both immediate actions and longer-term improvements
• Explain why your controls are reasonably practicable (balancing cost, time, and risk reduction)

Common mistakes:

• Jumping straight to PPE without considering higher-level controls
• Vague recommendations: "provide training" (training on what? for whom? by when?)
• No timescales or responsibilities
• Recommendations that don't match the hazards identified

Overall Pass Requirements

The GIC2 is still graded Pass / Fail (not scored numerically to the learner). However, the points system means:

• You need to demonstrate competence across all four sections — you can't skip one and compensate elsewhere
• A strong Section B (hazard identification) alone won't carry a weak Section D (controls)
• Quality matters more than quantity — 10 well-described hazards outscore 20 vague ones

Practical Tips for Maximising Your Score

1. Study the rubric before you start — ask your tutor for the marking criteria
2. Use the official NEBOSH template — don't create your own format
3. Write for the examiner — assume they've never visited your workplace
4. Cross-reference throughout — "Hazard 3 (see Section B, Photo 3) is rated HIGH because..."
5. Proofread ruthlessly — spelling errors and unclear writing lose marks
6. Don't rush — you have 10 working days after GIC1; use them wisely

How OHS Compliance Group Prepares You

As a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, we've integrated the new rubric into our GIC2 practical workshops:

• Rubric walkthrough sessions — understand exactly how each section is marked
• Mock practical assessments — complete a full GIC2 and receive feedback against the points criteria
• 1-on-1 tutor review — get your draft reviewed before final submission
• Hazard identification practice — guided workplace walkthroughs to build your observation skills

Download our free GIC2 Checklist or enrol in our NEBOSH IGC course to get started.

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References

1. NEBOSH (2026). *GIC2 Assessment Guidance and Marking Criteria*. nebosh.org.uk
2. NEBOSH (2026). *Changes to the General Certificate — Learner Guide*. nebosh.org.uk
3. HSE (2025). *Risk Assessment: A Brief Guide to Controlling Risks in the Workplace (INDG163)*. hse.gov.uk