Achieving success in your NEBOSH exam requires more than just subject knowledge; it demands strategic preparation and precise answering techniques. This guide will help you master the paper solving methods for NEBOSH exams and will maximize your chances of achieving Nebosh qualifications by getting good marks in Nebosh IGC. These guidelines are equally beneficial for candidates of Nebosh Diploma IDIP.
Disclaimer: This content is independently created by the author and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NEBOSH. The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
Paper solving techniques for Nebosh Exam
Step 1: Understanding nebosh exam’s scenario thoroughly
The first step to tackling any nebosh IGC exam question is developing a clear comprehension of the scenario provided. Read the scenario/ tasks 2–3 times to ensure you understand it completely. Visualize the scenario situation as if you are present in real time.
Step 2: Analyze the nebosh exam questions
Pay close attention to the specific requirements or limitations in the task. Nebosh recommends that you focus on key terms, often italicized to ensure your precise focus.
Step 3: Method of answer formation in nebosh examination answer formation
- Mark each question with a relevant topic in the nebosh exam syllabus. And note down relevant points/key answer words from your syllabus book/ppts/notes. For example, if negative indicators of health and safety culture are asked. Then points/key answer words would be high accident rate, high staff turnover rate etc,
- As this nebosh exam is open-book, leverage credible online sources such as the websites of ILO, HSE, OSHA and others to gather more relevant points/key answer words.
- Now look into the scenario of nebosh examination for evidence of these points and highlight sentences in scenario which are linked to questions
Step 4: PEE Principle to get good marks in Nebosh IGC exam:
To secure maximum marks in nebosh igc exam, structure your points one by one by using PEE technique. It means:
One valid point which is likely to get a mark is combination of (point + evidence explanation)
- Point: The point is what you want to say. i.e answer of question including key words which you gathered from your syllabus and online research
- Evidence: It means reference of your point from the nebosh exam scenario. In this step simply link your points with scenario
- Explanation: Provide logical reasoning why evidence supports the point
Example of PEE technique:
Nebosh exam question: Based on the scenario, why might the organization’s health and safety policy require a review?
Answer: Policy requires review because an accident has occurred*. Worker-A getting injured is the evidence of accident**. Occurrence of accident indicates that previous policy has been insufficient to ensure safety-arrangements to prevent this accident and requires review.***
These above two answer- points have been structured with PEE principle where * is point, ** is evidence, and *** is an explanation.
Step 5: Manage word count in exam of nebosh:
- Nebosh recommends only 3000 ± 10% words for the IGC nebosh IGC exam . Hence, 30 words per mark is the general guideline.
- The formula for calculating word limit for each question is: (Question marks x 30) ± 10% For example, word limit for a 12 marks question would be: 12×30 =360 ± 10%.
Step 6: Managing timetable during nebosh exam attempt:
- Overall Time Plan: Aim to complete this nebosh exam within 16 hours, leaving the last 8 hours for emergencies.
- Breaks: Take a 30-minute rest break after every 3–3.5 hours of work to maintain focus and energy.
- Step-by-Step Schedule:
- 1 Hour: Read and fully understand the scenario of nebosh exam.
- 3 Hours: Find key points for each question using the syllabus, PPTs, and course books. Focus on extracting single-word ideas or short phrases.
- 10 Hours: Structure and write your answers using the PEE principle (Point, Evidence, Explanation). Allocate 1 hour per 10-mark question.
- 1 Hour: Mention references and check the word count for your answers, count points in each question to ensure that all the paper is attempted.
- 1 Hour: Re-read, revise, and ensure all answers are complete before submission.
Additional tips for good marks in nebosh IGC exam:
- Use Technical Health and Safety terms: A useful method for nebosh exam answers is to use maximum technical health and safety terms i.e staff turnover rate, safe system of work SSOW, HAZID, HAZCOM, risk assessment, safety monitoring etc. Never use synonyms of key health and safety terms such as you can not write risk evaluation at the place of risk assessment.
- Minimum Answer Points for a Question: For every question, nebosh recommends writing at least as many points as the marks it carries. For example, a 10-mark question should include at least 10 points, but this is only the minimum threshold. Writing additional points increases your chances of scoring higher since assessors follow specific marking guidance, and your answer may include points that are not explicitly listed in the marking scheme.
- Formatting: Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with font size 11 or 12 for clarity. Write your points in the form of bullet points, numbering or in the form of separate paragraphs.
- Enhance Readability: Bold key terms and use headings for each point to organize your answer in nebosh exam.
How to prepare for Nebosh exam
Preparing for the NEBOSH IGC IG1 exam requires a strategic approach. Here are some essential exam preparation tips to help you succeed:
Use Multiple Study Resources
Don’t rely on single study resources for this nebosh qualification. Explore multiple resources to develop thorough comprehension such as:
- NEBOSH Syllabus Guide
- Charis Workforce Development website: Review the topics provided on our website to ensure you’re covering everything you need for the exam.
- Study Books:
- Past Question Papers:.
- PPTs and revision Materials:
- Websites i.e HSE, ILO, OSHA
Develop Your Own Notes
- Create an excel list of keywords for each topic as per syllabus of IG1 This excel list will be useful for quick revision of syllabus and finding points quickly on exam day.
- During your preparation for the nebosh qualification of IGC , make sure to take personalized notes on each topic.
Practice With Past Nebosh Exam Papers
- Focus on frequently asked questions: Certain topics may appear more often in the exam, so identify and review these areas carefully.
- Practice under exam conditions: Set a timer and work through past questions to improve your time management and get used to the exam format.
What to do and what not to do in Exam of NEBOSH
What to do during nebosh exam
- Attempt All Questions: There’s no negative marking, so to secure maximum marks for NEBOSH IGC, ensure all questions are answered.
- Frequent Saving: Save your answer file regularly using Command (Ctrl + S) to prevent data loss.
- Backup Copies: Save a copy of your answers on Email, Google Drive, or WhatsApp to recover in case of emergencies. Avoid last-minute saving to prevent accidental loss.
- Plan for Power Outages: In case of a grid failure, move to a nearby hotel or cybercafé to continue. Inform your Learning Partner if it’s a genuine case.
- Internet & Power: Ensure a stable internet connection and keep your laptop and mobile fully charged. Keep your laptop plugged in during the exam.
- Contact your learning Partner: In case of any problem during nebosh exam immediately contact our learning partner
- Preparation & Environment:
- Sleep well before the exam.
- Work in a distraction-free environment (no TV, social media, etc.).
- Take proper meals and arrange snacks to stay energized.
What not to do during exam of nebosh
- No Copy-Pasting: Do not copy directly from previous learners’ scripts, google, social media, blogs in nebosh exam’s answer sheet
- No AI Content: Do not use AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, or Gemini to generate answers.
- No Scenario Copying: Do not copy and paste the entire scenario from nebosh examination paper into your answers.
- No Online Rephrasing: Do not rephrase your answers using online tools.
- No Single Paragraphs: Do not write all answers in a single block; use bullet points, numbering, or separate paragraphs to secure maximum marks in nebosh igc exam
- No Word Count Exceeding: Do not exceed the 3300-word limit for the entire paper.
- No Answer Sheet Sharing: Do not share your answers with anyone.
- No Panic: Do not panic or stress during the exam; stay calm and focused.
Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for any NEBOSH Exam Success
For preparation of Nebosh qualification, Whether it is NEBOSH IGC or the NEBOSH Diploma, achieving success in these exams requires more than just theoretical knowledge. As discussed above it’s all about strategic preparation, time management, and applying effective answering techniques. By thoroughly understanding the scenario, leveraging the PEE principle, and practicing with past papers, you will enhance your chances of getting good marks. Using diverse study resources, managing your word count wisely, and staying calm under pressure are essential factors in this process. Remember, nebosh exams are designed to assess not just what you know but how well you can apply that knowledge in practical scenarios. By following these proven tips, you can confidently work toward obtaining your NEBOSH qualification and advancing your career in health and safety.
