The numbers are striking – 23.5 million working days were lost due to work-related health issues in 2021/22. These eye-opening statistics show why picking the right NEBOSH IGC textbooks is vital for future safety professionals.
The NEBOSH IGC course contains 11 detailed elements spread across two modules. Students often feel overwhelmed when selecting study materials, particularly with all the options available in 2025.
My analysis of over 1.2 lakh successful NEBOSH certified professionals led me to create this guide about the 8 best NEBOSH IGC textbooks. These aren’t random picks – they’re proven resources that have helped countless students understand the course material and excel in their exams.
Let me show you these time-tested textbooks that will give you a rock-solid foundation in workplace health and safety.
NEBOSH IGC Official Textbook (2025 Edition)
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The NEBOSH IGC Official Textbook is the life-blood resource for health and safety education. This authoritative guide follows the 2018 specification syllabus and builds on international standards.
Key Features and Updates
The textbook brings ground scenarios to life through practical activities and case studies. Its content arranges well with international standards, which makes it relevant for professionals worldwide. The book has detailed terminology definitions and practical examples that help students learn complex concepts.
Pricing and Availability
Students can choose between digital and print formats. The core team must buy one copy for each registered learner under their license agreement. Bulk purchase discounts become available for orders of 20 or more printed copies. The eBook version gives individual learners a budget-friendly option compared to the printed edition.
Student Reviews and Ratings
Student feedback shows the textbook’s simple English format works well, especially when you have international students. Many professionals say it helps them put health and safety principles into practice. The book has helped learners succeed in over 180 countries.
Best Ways to Use This Book
This book works as both a course companion during taught sessions and a self-study guide for distance learning. Here’s how to get the most from it:
- Use it among the practical activities
- Connect case studies to specific topics
- Study terminology definitions before each chapter
- Keep it handy as a reference during workplace tasks
This textbook is a great way to get knowledge even if you’re not pursuing NEBOSH certification. Its content flows logically and helps readers understand complex health and safety concepts step by step.
Introduction to Health and Safety at Work by Hughes and Ferrett
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Safety veterans Phil Hughes MBE and Ed Ferrett have created this detailed guide that’s now several years old. It has become the life-blood resource for NEBOSH IGC preparation.
Book Overview and Content Coverage
This textbook uses simple English to help thousands of students complete their NEBOSH International General Certificate each year. The newest edition lines up with the 2019 syllabus. Students will find 16 detailed chapters that cover everything from moral and financial aspects to electrical safety.
Complex health and safety principles come alive through full-color illustrations and practical examples. Learning outcomes start each chapter, and examination-style questions wrap it up.
Supplementary Materials Included
Students get great additional resources with this textbook:
- Practice questions with specimen answers
- Study skills guidance
- Detailed tables and forms for health safety activities
- Risk assessment templates
- Summary of occupational health frameworks from more than 20 countries
Price Comparison Across Retailers
Students can choose from these buying options:
- Kindle Edition: $61.99
- Paperback Edition: $67.72 (List price $95.95) Training providers can get discounts on bulk purchases.
Student Success Stories
Students love this textbook, as shown by its ratings:
- 4.6 out of 5 stars from 203 student reviews
- 4.7 out of 5 stars from 146 digital edition users
Phil Hughes’s 50 years of worldwide experience as Head of Environment, Health and Safety at major multinationals makes this book special. Ed Ferrett adds 35 years of health and safety consulting expertise. Their combined knowledge will give a practical and industry-relevant learning experience.
This book connects theory with real-life applications. Students worldwide prefer it because it helps them prepare for exams and implement concepts at work. Its clear structure and easy-to-follow format make learning straightforward.
RRC NEBOSH IGC Study Guide
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RRC’s study guide stands out as a trusted companion for health and safety professionals worldwide. Their 90 years of professional training experience shines through their carefully crafted study materials.
Complete Content Analysis
The guide uses a well-laid-out approach that matches the 2019 NEBOSH syllabus. It covers two key units: IG1 (Management of Health and Safety) and IG2 (Risk Assessment). Students will find complex topics broken down into easy-to-understand segments, ranging from workplace health monitoring to fire safety protocols.
Practice Questions and Examples
The guide’s standout feature has exam-style questions with detailed answer plans and model responses. Students will find:
- Scenario-based assessments
- Practical risk assessment examples
- Real-life case studies from industries of all types
Digital Access Options
RRC gives students great flexibility through their digital platform. Study materials are available through:
- Mobile applications for learning anywhere
- Desktop interfaces with better functionality
- eBooks that work on multiple devices
The digital format goes beyond traditional textbooks. Students can learn at times and places that suit them best.
Value for Money Assessment
Students get great value from this guide’s full coverage and extra resources. The package comes with:
- Regular content updates that match current industry standards
- Support from RRC’s expert tutor team
- Materials to prepare for both theory and practical tests
RRC boasts a 90% success rate among students completing their NEBOSH International General Certificate. The guide comes in six languages – English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Turkish, making it available to students worldwide.
Organizations looking to buy in bulk can get affordable training contracts with special rates. Kevin Coley, their Lead Tutor, runs on-demand revision workshops that help students master assessment techniques and avoid common mistakes.
Safety Made Easy: The Definitive NEBOSH IGC Guide
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Safety Made Easy serves as a practical guide that helps international professionals apply health and safety principles in their daily work.
Unique Teaching Approach
This guide uses a risk management approach based on international standards and ILO codes of practice. It focuses on universal best practices that work in workplace settings of all types instead of following specific country frameworks. The content flows systematically from basic concepts to complex risk assessment methods.
Key Topics Covered
Let’s take a closer look at the most important areas this guide has:
- International standards for workplace safety
- Implementation strategies for safety management systems
- Workplace hazard identification techniques
- Methods of hazard control
Each topic uses practical examples from industries of all types to make theoretical concepts easier to learn. Students spend about 80 taught hours and 53 hours in private study to get a full picture of all elements.
Online Resources
The digital world brings support through:
- Mock examination papers with detailed solutions
- Interactive assessment tools
- Video tutorials explaining complex concepts
- Technical guides for open book examinations
Students can access an online examination platform that works well on both desktop and mobile devices. The platform has complete video tutorials about using the examination interface that help students get familiar with the assessment format.
Student Testimonials
Many success stories show this guide’s effectiveness. A student scored 85% distinction in Unit-A, and others reported much better understanding of workplace safety principles. Students love the guide’s:
- Clear explanation of complex topics
- Systematic content organization
- Regular assessment feedback
- Practical application focus
The guide keeps delivering success, with students feeling more confident about implementing safety measures in workplace scenarios of all types. Professionals who handle daily safety decisions in international organizations find its hands-on approach especially valuable.
NEBOSH IGC Complete Course Notes
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Getting your NEBOSH IGC certification needs complete study materials that line up with how the syllabus is built. The Complete Course Notes give you a step-by-step way to learn workplace safety principles.
Content Structure and Organization
The course notes have a clear layout split into three main units. Unit IGC1 has five elements, while Unit GC2 contains eight elements. Students need about 80 hours of class time plus 53 hours of self-study, adding up to 133 hours to cover everything.
Exam Preparation Features
These notes help you ace the exam through:
- Practice with real-world scenarios
- Sample two-hour written tests
- Guidelines to conduct workplace inspections
Each unit test has ten short-answer questions and one long-answer question that NEBOSH examiners grade. Students must finish their practical assessment within ten working days after taking the written test.
Digital vs Physical Format
The digital version makes learning easier with:
- Mobile-friendly platforms to study anywhere
- Desktop versions with all the features you need
- Options to submit PDFs for assessment
From September 2023, students must submit all work in PDF format to keep things consistent across platforms. The digital platform has video guides and technical help to make the exam interface easy to use.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Your investment brings great returns:
- Course materials cost £1,000 plus VAT
- Yearly renewal is £150 plus VAT
- Single eBooks cost £36 each
Learning Partners get free updates while their license stays active. The complete coverage and regular updates make the initial cost worth it for future safety professionals.
The notes use regular progress checks and give detailed feedback on scenario practice and risk assessment methods. This well-laid-out approach helps maintain high success rates for students working toward their NEBOSH International General Certificate.
International Health and Safety at Work Revision Guide
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Ed Ferrett, former NEBOSH Vice Chairman, created this revision guide to help students prepare for their NEBOSH International General Certificate assessments.
Quick Reference Features
The guide simplifies complex topics into easy-to-digest chunks that make learning and memorizing key concepts easier. Students can study anywhere with its portable format – at home, in classrooms, or while traveling. The guide connects well with the main International Health and Safety at Work textbook and helps students strengthen their understanding.
Practice Questions
You’ll find carefully selected practice questions that match actual NEBOSH exam formats. Each question comes with detailed answers that help students:
- Learn common assessment patterns
- Master exam techniques
- Build confidence through regular testing
Mobile App Integration
The digital version on VitalSource gives you great advantages:
- Save up to 80% compared to print editions
- Sync your work across all devices
- Find content faster with better search
- Take digital notes easily
Student Feedback
Students love the guide’s organized approach to exam preparation. The third edition matches the 2019 specification and gets great reviews for its:
- Simple breakdown of complex topics
- Practical study methods
- Exam tips
- Full syllabus coverage
Students can find the latest edition using ISBN numbers 9781000485820 (digital) and 9780367525026 (print). The guide works well because of Ferrett’s rich experience in health and safety education and deep knowledge of NEBOSH requirements.
The guide connects theory with real-world applications, making it valuable for international students. Its organized approach helps students build strong foundations in occupational health and safety – crucial for passing exams and growing their careers.
Essential Health and Safety Study Notes
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These Essential Health and Safety Study Notes give professionals a well-laid-out path to become skilled at NEBOSH IGC concepts after long breaks from studying.
Content Quality and Depth
The study notes shine by teaching real-life knowledge through case studies that cover major health and safety topics from most Awarding Bodies. Students learn through a three-step process: receive, remember, and recall information during exams. This helps students learn complex ideas quickly while staying focused on practical uses.
Study Tips and Strategies
The Cornell Notetaking System works great with these notes, especially when you review them at set times – 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after studying. Time management skills and clear report writing are key features.
Supporting Materials
Students get access to:
- Multiple-choice exam guides
- Action verb interpretation help
- Team collaboration tools
- Case studies from industries of all types
Price Point Analysis
Students can choose from several options:
- Digital Edition: £36 per copy
- Print Version: Starting at £150 plus VAT
- Bulk Purchase Options: Training providers can get special rates
These notes excel by helping students prepare for exams through both theory and hands-on practice. Students love the straightforward guidance about action verbs in exam questions. The content meets international standards and helps professionals worldwide.
The author’s background makes these notes powerful – nine years of teaching health and safety courses and working as a NEBOSH examiner since 2009. This expertise keeps the content fresh and matched to what the industry needs today.
NEBOSH IGC Open Book Examination Guide
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NEBOSH’s open book examination format represents the most important change in safety certification assessment. The exam runs for 24 hours and starts at 11am UK time on the scheduled date.
Exam-Focused Content
Candidates face realistic workplace scenarios that test how well they can use theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This exam differs from traditional closed-book formats. It helps assess analytical skills, critical thinking, and how safety principles work in real life.
Sample Questions and Answers
The exam structure has:
- Scenario-based tasks with sub-questions
- Questions that require evidence from provided scenarios
- Tasks that usually carry 10-15 marks each
Students just need about 4 hours to complete the work, though they get a 24-hour window to handle different time zones. The word count should be around 3,000 words, plus or minus 10%.
Online Resources
NEBOSH offers comprehensive digital support through:
- Technical learner guides
- Video tutorials to help navigate the platform
- Mobile-friendly exam interface
From September 2023, students must submit all work in PDF format. The digital platform works on all devices while keeping the exam secure.
Success Rate Statistics
The exam follows strict standards with:
- Pass mark at 45 out of 100
- Results come out within 50 working days
- Success rates between 50-60%
Students must take part in a required closing interview after finishing their written work. This interview checks if the submitted work is authentic and lets students show their grasp of safety principles.
The exam focuses on practical use rather than memorization. Students must show they can analyze workplace scenarios well. They can use textbooks, online resources, and course materials during the assessment. However, all work must be original with proper references.
Comparison Table
| Textbook Title | Format Availability | Key Features | Price Range | Additional Resources | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEBOSH IGC Official Textbook (2025 Edition) | Digital & Print | – Practical activities & case studies – Matches international standards – Clear terminology explanations | Not mentioned | – Practical activities – Case studies | Course companion & self-study guide |
| Introduction to Health and Safety at Work | Kindle & Paperback | – Full-color illustrations – 16 detailed chapters – Questions in exam format | $61.99 (Kindle) $67.72 (Paperback) | – Practice questions – Study skills guidance – Risk assessment templates | NEBOSH IGC preparation & workplace reference |
| RRC NEBOSH IGC Study Guide | Mobile app, Desktop, eBook | – Well-laid-out approach – Questions in exam format – Available in 6 languages | Not mentioned | – Expert tutor support – Revision workshops – Regular content updates | Complete exam preparation |
| Safety Made Easy | Digital platform | – Risk management approach – Focus on international standards – Practical examples | Not mentioned | – Mock examination papers – Video tutorials – Interactive assessment tools | Real-life application & exam preparation |
| NEBOSH IGC Complete Course Notes | Digital & Physical | – Step-by-step approach – Scenario-based assessments – Practical guidelines | £1,000 + VAT | – Video tutorials – Technical guides – Formative assessments | Complete course study |
| International Health and Safety at Work Revision Guide | Print & Digital (VitalSource) | – Easy-to-digest sections – Practice questions – Exam techniques | Up to 80% savings on digital version | – Digital note-taking – Better search features | Exam revision & quick reference |
| Essential Health and Safety Study Notes | Digital & Print | – Cornell Notetaking System – Three-tier learning principle – Case studies | £36 (Digital) £150+ VAT (Print) | – Multiple-choice exam guidance – Action verb guides – Team collaboration tools | Returning professionals & exam preparation |
| NEBOSH IGC Open Book Examination Guide | Digital | – Scenario-based tasks – 24-hour exam window – 3,000-word limit | Free | – Technical learner guides – Video tutorials – Platform navigation help | Open book examination preparation |
Conclusion
Your choice of NEBOSH IGC textbook will affect your learning and exam success by a lot. Each resource serves specific needs – from the complete official textbook to specialized revision guides.
The right textbook should line up with your learning style and needs. NEBOSH IGC’s Official Textbook gives you authoritative content. Hughes and Ferrett’s guide stands out for its practical uses. RRC’s study materials blend well with digital tools, making them ideal for tech-savvy learners.
Students get the best results when they use multiple resources together. The official textbook should be your starting point and foundation. You can add a revision guide later to prepare for exams. This method will give you a full picture of everything while building practical knowledge.
Learning has become more available with digital versions of NEBOSH study materials. Modern textbooks come with mobile apps, interactive content, and regular updates. These features help today’s learners balance work and studies.
Getting NEBOSH certified takes more than just memorizing facts. These carefully picked textbooks will help you build practical skills and confidence. You’ll need both to pass your exams and excel in real-life safety management.
FAQs
The “Introduction to Health and Safety at Work” by Phil Hughes and Ed Ferrett is widely regarded as one of the best textbooks for NEBOSH IGC preparation. It comprehensively covers the syllabus, includes practical examples, and provides exam-style questions to help students prepare effectively.
To prepare for the NEBOSH IGC exam, develop your learning skills, collect course materials in advance, understand key concepts rather than memorizing, practice with past papers, manage your time effectively during the exam, and focus on understanding the practical applications of health and safety principles.
Look for study materials that offer practical activities, case studies, alignment with international standards, exam-style questions, and additional resources like mock exams and video tutorials. Digital access options and regular content updates are also valuable features.
Yes, using multiple resources can be highly beneficial. It’s recommended to start with the official NEBOSH textbook as a foundation and then supplement it with revision guides and practice questions. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and helps build practical understanding.
The NEBOSH IGC now includes an open book examination format, which spans 24 hours and focuses on applying knowledge to practical scenarios. This format emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills over memorization, allowing candidates to access reference materials during the exam.
