Posted by:- Sushant Mishra
24-08-2026
Sometimes, you might get your NEBOSH exam results back and see a "Refer" instead of a "Pass". It is incredibly tough when your score is super close to passing, but you just missed the mark.
If this happens to you, don't worry! NEBOSH believes that every learner and school has the right to ask for their test to be looked at again, and they can even appeal the final decision. They have clear, fair rules in place to make sure these reviews are done thoroughly and honestly.
If you feel your score does not match what you reasonably expected, you can apply for a re-evaluation called an Enquiry About Result (EAR). But you must act fast! You must submit your request within 20 working days from the day your results were officially announced.
Let's look at how this NEBOSH re-evaluation process works in easy, simple steps so you can decide what to do next.
Before you spend your money on a NEBOSH remark, you need to look closely at your score. Tutors tell students to use two easy rules to decide:
THE BIG RISK: MARKS CAN GO DOWN!
You must know that when you ask for a check, your score is not locked. Your score can go up, stay the same, or even go down. If your score goes down, that lower mark becomes your official new score. It is a real gamble!
NEBOSH has different ways to check your test. You must pick the right one:
Type 1 (Clerical Check): Think of this as a simple math check. A NEBOSH worker checks if they marked every page of your test, added up all your points correctly, and typed the correct final number into the computer database. They do *not* read your answers again.
Type 2 (Re-mark and Clerical Check): This is the heavy-duty check. A senior NEBOSH expert who has never seen your paper before will read your entire test from start to finish and grade it all over again. After that, a second person will do the Type 1 math check.
Multiple-Choice Tests: If you took a computer-graded test (like PSM1 or EAW1), you can only get a Type 1 check because a computer did the grading. But if you took Unit MSW1 (which is marked by hand), you can ask for a special manual remark.
Can Groups Apply? Only your school (Learning Partner) can ask for a "Batch check" for a whole group of students. If you want your test checked, you must apply as an individual.
If you are serious about changing your grade, you should always choose the Type 2 re-mark. Think about it this way: a Type 1 check is only a simple math check. No one actually reads your written answers again. If the first grader was simply too strict or missed the value in your explanations, a Type 1 check will never catch that.
Only a Type 2 review brings in a brand-new senior grading expert to read and score your entire paper from scratch. This senior expert is the only one who can re-evaluate your writing and find those extra passing marks you need, giving you a much better chance of getting a successful outcome.
When you deal with NEBOSH, the clock is always ticking. You must know these two big time rules:
| Service Type | Description | Standard Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Clerical Check | Math check of the paper's mark addition and database entry. No answers are re-read. | Within 10 working days |
| Type 2 Full Re-mark | Complete re-grading of the script by a senior examiner, followed by a clerical check. | Up to 40 working days |
The 20-Day Limit: You only have 20 working days from the day your results are announced to ask and pay for your EAR. If you are late by even one day, they will say no.
HOW TO AVOID THE "RESIT TRAP"
Waiting up to 40 working days for a remark is a very long time. If you wait around for your remark results before signing up for the next exam, you might miss the sign-up deadline to try again.
The Smart Way Out: Tutors say you should sign up and pay for the next resit exam while you wait for your remark result. If your remark comes back and says you passed, NEBOSH will refund both your EAR fee and your resit sign-up fee! They will also send you a beautiful new certificate for free. *(Note: If you actually sit down and take the exam before the remark is finished, you will lose your resit money.)*
You cannot send a letter or an email to ask for a check. You must follow these exact online steps:
To get your money back, your overall grade must get better. Here is how NEBOSH decides:
If your remark is finished and you still think NEBOSH made an unfair mistake, you can use the official NEBOSH Appeals Policy. You must submit your appeal in writing within 10 working days of getting your remark result.
An appeal is not a third remark of your test. Instead, it is a high-level check to see if NEBOSH followed its own rules fairly. It has two stages:
The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is a globally recognised qualification in occupational health and safety. It equips professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage workplace risks, implement safety management systems, and ensure legal compliance in organisations across various industries.
The NEBOSH IGC 2026 update replaces Unit IG1 with the new Unit GIC1. The new syllabus emphasises modern safety management practices, stronger alignment with international standards such as ISO 45001, and improved assessment methods based on workplace scenarios.
The NEBOSH IGC qualification consists of two units:
Unit GIC1 – Management of Health and Safety
Unit GIC2 – Risk Assessment
The GIC1 exam follows an Open Book Examination (OBE) format. Learners are given a scenario-based assessment and have 24 hours to complete and submit their answers online.
The NEBOSH GIC1 assessment is marked out of 100 marks, and learners must score at least 45 marks to pass.
Grade classification is:
The GIC1 syllabus consists of four key elements:
These elements focus on safety culture, leadership, risk assessment, human factors, and performance monitoring.
Unit GIC2 is a practical risk assessment project where learners must conduct a workplace risk assessment and submit a report online. The project is marked out of 100 marks, and learners must score 60 marks to pass.
The GIC1 update improves the qualification by:
Yes. The NEBOSH International General Certificate is widely recognised worldwide and is valued by employers in industries such as construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
The qualification helps professionals develop the competence to identify workplace hazards, conduct risk assessments, implement safety management systems, and ensure compliance with international safety standards.
