The easy answer to this is that once you have gained your NEBOSH health and safety certificate it will last forever. However, one thing to be fully aware of is that health and safety legislation is updated on a regular basis to meet the demands of industry. This is the main reason that the components of the NEBOSH health and safety course are reviewed and revised to ensure it covers all aspects of current and new legislation.
Even though once you have achieved your certification it will be with you for life, our advice is to continually update your knowledge as this will give you the best chance of career progression. NEBOSH like other accredited bodies offer refresher courses that will help you keep on top of any changes to health and safety legislation, something that employers value highly. Failure to adhere to health and safety legislation can be extremely costly for companies both financially and in terms of reputation. So, having a member of staff who is fully conversant with all current regulations is an absolute must.
When you take the NEBOSH General Safety Certificate you are required to take and pass both modules NG1 and NG2 before you become qualified. Each of these units has a validity period of five years meaning that you are required to complete the course within 5 years of starting for the certificate to be valid.
So, our advice is don’t rest on your laurels once you have achieved your certification, take advantage of the refresher courses provided by NEBOSH. By regularly updating your knowledge you can either make yourself indispensable to your current employer or make yourself much more attractive to employers and give yourself the best chance of career advancement and the rewards that come with it.
