NEBOSH Construction Certificate - Can I do a Conversion Course?

The NEBOSH Construction Certificate has three units of competence that all need to be passed to achieve the qualification. These units are NGC1, NCC1 and NCC2. NCC1 is the theory unit that is specific to the construction certificate and NCC2 is the practical unit for the qualification, but NGC1 is a common shared unit that is also the first unit of the NEBOSH General Certificate.

Therefore if a candidate can demonstrate a pass on NGC1 within the last 5 years a conversion course, which only includes units NCC1 and NCC2 can be taken rather than doing all three units.

The NEBOSH Construction Certificate is targeted specifically at Supervisors, Managers and CDM co-coordinators within the construction industry.

There is a range of training course options to help achieve the NEBOSH Construction Certificate, and it is important to choose a course that is run by a NEBOSH accredited training provider.

Firstly there is the option of classroom based training courses, which are delivered throughout the UK, either as open public courses, or where there are sufficient candidates as dedicated courses on customers’ sites or privately arranged venues.

The second option is the distance learning or e-learning option. A NEBOSH distance learning course is often the best option for employees who cannot take time of work to attend classroom based training courses. Taking the NEBOSH Construction Certificate through distance learning is also likely to be considerably cheaper when compared with equivalent classroom based approach. One of the advantages of the distance learning approach is that the individual units can be taken over an extended time period if needed, but this distance learning approach will generally only suit those who have the self-discipline and a suitable environment to work through the program.

There are classroom based options and distance learning options for both the complete NEBOSH Construction qualification or for the conversion qualification.

This NEBOSH Construction qualification is widely recognised and meets the academic requirements of IOSH for Technician membership (TechIOSH). The qualification is accredited at Level 3 within the National Qualification Framework.

If the full curriculum needs to be covered this will include NGC1. The NGC1 unit includes a range of basic health and safety management issues; the legal framework relating to health and safety management, moral and economic drivers, and the key elements of a health and safety management system, including the Health & Safety Policy and health and safety organisation, roles and responsibilities; promotion of a positive Health and Safety Culture and behaviours; risk assessment and hazard identification; hierarchy of risk reduction methods and control measures; health and safety inspections, audits and reviews; incident and accident investigation and reporting requirements.

A short overview of the additional NEBOSH Construction units is given below:

The additional theory unit of the NEBOSH Construction Certificate is NCC1. NCC1 includes a wide range of construction health and safety issues; Construction Law and Management; Site hazards and controls; Movement of People and Vehicles; Manual Handling; Mechanical Handling; Work Equipment and Plant - Hazards and Controls; Electrical Hazards and Controls; Fire Hazards and Controls; Chemical and Biological Health Hazards; Physical and Psychological - Health Hazards; Working at Heights; Excavation Work and Confined Spaces; Demolition Work - Hazards and Control

The final unit of the NEBOSH Construction Certificate is NCC2, which is the practical unit. Here candidates are required to carry out an unaided inspection of a construction site, to identify common hazards and then decide on adequate control measures.