تحديث NEBOSH IGC لعام 2026: شرح التقييم العملي الجديد GIC2

NEBOSH IGC 2026 Curriculum Changes: What's New?

On 7 January 2026, NEBOSH officially announced updates to both the National and International General Certificates. Teaching on the revised syllabus began 2 February 2026, with the first new-format assessments from 4 March 2026. If you're enrolled or planning to enrol, here's exactly what has changed and what it means for you.

New Unit Codes: IG1/IG2 Becomes GIC1/GIC2

The most visible change is a renaming of the unit codes:

• IG1 is now GIC1 (General International Certificate Unit 1)
• IG2 is now GIC2 (General International Certificate Unit 2)
• NG1 is now GNC1 (General National Certificate Unit 1)
• NG2 is now GNC2 (General National Certificate Unit 2)

Important: This is an administrative change only. The qualification's content, difficulty level, and international recognition remain exactly the same. Your NEBOSH IGC certificate carries the same weight with employers worldwide.

GIC1 (Formerly IG1): What Stays the Same

Unit 1 continues with its existing format:

• Open-book, scenario-based assessment accessed via NEBOSH's online platform
• 24-hour window to complete the exam after opening it
• Questions test your ability to apply health and safety management principles to realistic workplace scenarios
• Covers risk assessment, leadership, organisational culture, monitoring, and legal frameworks

If you've been studying for IG1, your preparation remains fully valid for GIC1. No new content has been added.

GIC2 (Formerly IG2): The Major Changes

The practical risk assessment unit is where the significant updates lie. NEBOSH listened to feedback from learners and learning partners, and has made three key changes:

1. Online Submission via NEBOSH Assessment Platform

Previously, learners submitted their IG2 practical assessment through their learning partner. Under the current specification, GIC2 is submitted by the learner through the same NEBOSH online platform used for GIC1. Submit by the deadline NEBOSH gives for your registration.

2. Points-Based Marking System

This is the biggest change for learners. The old IG2 used a Met / Not Met grading approach, which many found unclear. The new system uses a clear, transparent points-based marking rubric. Each section of your risk assessment is awarded specific points, so you'll know exactly how marks are allocated across hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures. The overall grade is still Pass/Fail, but you'll understand precisely where you gained or lost marks.

3. Combined Results Release

Results are issued in line with NEBOSH's published timescales; your learning partner can confirm expected dates.

What Has NOT Changed

• The syllabus content is unchanged - no new topics have been added or removed
• GIC2 is still a practical risk assessment of a real or simulated workplace
• The qualification's value and recognition by IOSH, SAIOSH, and employers globally is unaffected
• The difficulty level has not been increased
• Both units must be passed to achieve the full certificate

Transition Arrangements

Check NEBOSH's official transition information for exact dates. In summary:

• Learners who started under the old syllabus (IG1/IG2) should check NEBOSH's published transition dates for their units
• New enrolments follow the current GIC1/GIC2 format
• If you've already passed IG1 but haven't completed IG2, contact your learning partner for specific transition guidance
• There is no requirement to re-sit passed units

What This Means for South African Learners

For learners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, these changes are broadly positive:

• More transparent marking means you'll better understand what examiners are looking for
• Online submission removes the administrative delay of going through your learning partner
• Combined results reduce the anxiety of waiting for separate outcomes
• No content changes mean your existing study materials remain valid

How to Prepare for the New GIC2

Here are our recommendations:

1. Understand the marking rubric - ask your tutor for the points allocation
2. Practice writing structured risk assessments - the points system rewards clear, methodical approaches
3. Be specific about hazards - vague descriptions won't score well under the new rubric
4. Include photographic evidence where possible
5. Don't rush - you have 10 working days after GIC1
6. Follow the template - NEBOSH provides a submission template; stick to it precisely

OHS Compliance Group: Ready for 2026

As a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner (#1795), OHS Compliance Group has updated all course materials for the 2026 syllabus. Our learners benefit from:

• Updated study guides reflecting the new GIC1/GIC2 format
• GIC2 practical workshops with the new points-based rubric explained
• Mock practical assessments marked against the new criteria
• Expert tutor support from instructors trained on the 2026 changes

Whether you're starting your NEBOSH journey or transitioning from the old format, our team in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban is here to help.

📋 Download: GIC2 Practical Assessment Checklist

We've created a free, printable checklist covering every step of the new GIC2 submission — from hazard identification to online upload. Download the GIC2 Checklist.

View our NEBOSH IGC course or contact us for advice on the 2026 changes.

---

References

1. NEBOSH (2026). *Changes to NEBOSH National and International General Certificates*. nebosh.org.uk
2. NEBOSH (2026). *GIC2 Practical Assessment Guidance for Learners*. nebosh.org.uk
3. SAIOSH (2025). *NEBOSH Qualifications Recognised by SAIOSH*. saiosh.co.za
4. IOSH (2025). *Approved Qualifications for IOSH Membership*. iosh.com
5. Republic of South Africa (1993). *Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993*. labour.gov.za
6. HWSETA (2025). *Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority — Recognised Qualifications*. hwseta.org.za