How to Pass NEBOSH IGC

Currently working towards a NEBOSH exam of thinking of about it? I would like to share some tips from the Lionize Consulting Team that through hard work, attention to detail and continual learning have upped their pass rate to way over the global average.

1.) Why do you want to study NEBOSH?

A lot of work is required to pass NEBOSH and yes, the right qualifications are more important than ever in todays’ completive economic climate.

Search a few international sites such as those recruiting for the oil and Gas industry, you will be reassured that a NEBOSH Qualification will really help open doors. Most South African organisations are beginning to prefer NEBOSH over alternatives, and this includes some big utilities companies, mining companies and even certain public sector organisations and municipalities.

2.)   So what is the Structure of the Exam?

Units IGC1 and IGC2 are taught units each assessed by one two-hour written examination, while Unit IGC3 is assessed by one two-hour practical examination carried out in the candidate's own workplace.

Time management is very important if you are to attempt all questions during the exam. We recommend that you take their own watch into the exam. All questions are compulsory.

3.)   No Negative Marking

The NEBOSH Certificate exam awards points for the correct application of knowledge, rather than deducted for incorrect answers.  If in doubt, have a go! You have nothing to lose.

Legible writing; clearly numbered answers and an answer for every question is important (You may start with those that you feel most confident but make sure the numbering for each question is clear and correct e.g. 8 (a), 8 (b) (i) etc..

4.)   Attend a NEBOSH Revision Day Class

We strongly recommend candidates attend the Lionize Consulting revision day class held the Saturday before the exam or an equivalent. The revision course allows you to practice exam questions; get feedback on your performance and to ask any outstanding questions. Our team and possibly other organisations, will accept candidates on their NEBOSH IGC revision classes even if they studied elsewhere or if they studied via e-learning with us or via another centre. Our internal survey shows that those who attend revision class are twice more likely to pass compared to those who choose not to do so.  

5.)   Answer Questions as set!

NEBOSH’s Examiners’ Reports reveal that it is not uncommon for candidates to miss marks simply by failing to answer the question as set. Again a good Revision class will again help you with this.

6.)   Command Words

Possibly on of the common pitfall is failure to apply the command words, or action verbs, when answering a question. “Command words” refers to words specifically associated with learning outcomes and assessment objectives of the NEBOSH IGC qualification. The Lionize revision class covers the command words extensively and the key ones are:

Identify – Word or Phrase would be sufficient

Give ? Provide without explanation (normally used with the instruction to give an example, or examples of…)

Describe ? Give a detailed account of the distinctive features of the subject. (Paint a picture in words)

Define ? Provide a generally accepted definition

Explain ? Give a clear account of, or reasons for. Usually associated with “why” or “how”

Outline ? Give the most important features (less depth than either ‘explain’ or ‘describe’ but more depth than ‘list’). Exhaustive description not required.

State ? A less demanding form of ‘define’ or where there is no generally accepted definition.

7.)   Be prepared’

Ensure sure you have double checked the exam date, time and location and you have made arrangements of how to get there. Carry your ID, Pen and Watch.

8.)  Exam technique

Practice and submit to your tutor so you can to gauge the depth of response required. A mock exam in its entirety prior to the actual exam as this will help you understand how much time you have per question, as well as to allow you to practice writing for that length of time.

Keni Sibanda is CEO, at Lionize Consulting a NEBOSH accredited training organisation. [email protected] for all inquiries