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Deciding to get a NEBOSH qualification is a big move for your career, but figuring out which one you actually need is important. Choosing the wrong one could mean missing out on a qualification that is most relevant to your chosen career path.
In this guide, we’re comparing the three most popular routes: General, Construction, and Fire Safety.
Whether you want to become a full-time safety advisor or just need to manage site risks more effectively, here is everything you need to know to choose the right course for your industry.
The NEBOSH General Certificate is the most popular health and safety qualification in the UK because it’s versatile; the skills you learn can be applied to almost any workplace, from offices and retail to manufacturing and warehouses.
The course is delivered over 10 days (usually split into two one-week blocks) and is equivalent to an A-Level or NVQ Level 3. It is divided into two main units:
This is the “gold standard” for anyone starting a career in health and safety. Once you pass, you can apply for Technical Membership of IOSH (TechIOSH), which is a huge boost for your CV.
It also provides the perfect foundation if you eventually want to move on to the NEBOSH Diploma.
We offer four different ways to study, so you can pick the one that fits your schedule:
This is the traditional route. You’ll attend one of our training venues across the UK for 10 days of face-to-face learning. It’s a great option if you prefer to get away from the distractions of work and learn alongside other professionals.
You get the same expert-led experience as the classroom, but from your home or office. These are live, interactive sessions via Zoom where you can talk to the trainer and the rest of the group in real-time.
If you need total flexibility, our NEBOSH General Certificate eLearning is the way to go. You can log in and study whenever you have the time, working through the modules at your own pace.
If you have a group of up to 20 people to train, we can come to you. This is often the most cost-effective way for businesses to upskill their management team, and it allows us to tailor the discussions to your specific company procedures.
View upcoming NEBOSH General Certificate dates and book your place here.
If your career is built on construction sites, the General Certificate might feel a bit too broad. You need a qualification that deals with the high-risk reality of your day-to-day work. Things like excavations, demolition, and working at height. That is where the NEBOSH Construction Certificate comes in.
This is a 10-day course specifically designed for site managers, supervisors, and CDM-responsible professionals. Unlike the General Certificate, this course focuses on a single unit: CN1 (Managing Construction Safely).
The assessment is also different. You will complete a 48-hour Open Book Examination remotely. One of the biggest advantages of this course is that there is no separate practical risk assessment submission—the exam covers everything you need to demonstrate.
As of 2023, this qualification is considered a Level 7, making it a high-level credential. Most importantly for those on-site, it meets the criteria for the CSCS Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card, which is often a requirement for senior site roles.
We offer several ways to complete your Construction Certificate to ensure it doesn’t clash with your project deadlines:
Attend the course in person at one of our nationwide venues. This is a great way to network with other construction professionals and share site-specific experiences while you learn.
Join our live virtual classroom from your site office or home. We offer both block-release (two weeks) and day-release (one day a week for five weeks) options, so you can choose the format that best fits your workload.
For those who need to study outside of site hours, our self-paced eLearning option gives you 24/7 access to all course materials. You can work through the modules at your own speed before sitting the scheduled 48-hour remote exam.
If you want to upskill a group of site managers at once, we can deliver the training in-house. This allows the trainer to focus specifically on your company’s safety culture and the specific types of projects your team handles.
View upcoming NEBOSH Construction Certificate dates and book your place here.
If your job involves managing buildings, facilities, or specifically overseeing fire safety, the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety is the right choice.
While general health and safety courses touch on fire, this qualification goes much deeper into how to protect people, property, and your organisation’s reputation.
This is a shorter, more intensive course delivered over 4.5 days. It focuses heavily on the legal requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the technical side of fire protection.
The assessment is split into two parts:
It’s the ideal qualification for Facilities Managers or anyone acting as a Fire Safety Lead. It gives you the confidence to conduct thorough fire risk assessments in-house rather than relying on external consultants, ensuring your building stays compliant and your people stay safe.
We offer this specialist training through methods that prioritise interaction and expert guidance:
This is our most popular way to take the Fire Safety course. You’ll join a live, virtual classroom led by an expert trainer.
Because fire safety can be technical, these interactive sessions are great for asking questions and working through scenarios with other delegates in real-time.
If you have a team of managers or fire wardens who need to be upskilled, we can deliver the course specifically for your organisation.
This is particularly effective because we can focus the discussions on the specific fire risks and evacuation procedures of your own premises.
View upcoming NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate dates and book your place here.
3B Training is a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, which is the highest level of accreditation available. It means we have been independently verified to greatly exceed NEBOSH’s Learning Excellence Principles.”
When you train with us, you’re getting expert tutors with real-world experience, high-quality study materials, and full support during your open-book exams.
Plus, our fees always include the first sitting of your assessments, so there are no hidden costs.
No. Unlike many other health and safety certificates, NEBOSH qualifications are for life. Once you pass, you don’t need to sit a refresher course to keep the qualification valid.
The General Certificate is a broad “all-rounder” suitable for any industry. The Construction Certificate is specifically for the built environment and focuses on site-specific hazards like demolition and excavation. Crucially, the Construction route is a Level 7 qualification and helps you get a CSCS AQP card.
NEBOSH is a step up from entry-level courses. It requires a good understanding of the material and the ability to apply it to real-life scenarios. However, because the exams are now “Open Book,” you aren’t tested on your ability to memorise facts, but rather on your ability to solve safety problems using your resources.
NEBOSH recommends that learners have a standard of English equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. You need to be able to understand technical concepts and explain your answers clearly in writing.
Yes. If you don’t pass a unit, you can book a resit. Our team is here to support you through that process and provide guidance on where you can improve for the next attempt.
Choosing the right NEBOSH course is about looking at where you are now and where you want your career to go.
Browse our full range of NEBOSH courses and upcoming dates here.
Completing the IOSH Managing Safely course provides the essential skills needed to manage workplace risks. For many, it also serves as the first step toward a dedicated career in health and safety and/or construction. If you are looking to build on this foundation, the next step involves moving from general safety management to professional-level qualifications. […]
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