exam secrets
Passing your
NEBOSH
Exam
The Secrets of Examination Technique
NEBOSH Certificate Courses
The Secrets of Examination Technique
Passing an examination is never easy – but that is surely what makes them worth the effort. The
NEBOSH Certificate qualifications, in particular, have a great reputation but how do you go about ensuring success in the written exams?
One of the most common errors made by people in exams is failing to read the question properly.
This sounds like such an obvious point but any examiner will tell you that it lies at the root of many failures! It is important to remember that NEBOSH often give you hints in their questions as to what they expect from your answer – all you have to do is learn to read the clues. NEBOSH are not trying to
“catch you out” – you just have to learn to provide them with the information they have asked you for. Define
Sketch
When NEBOSH ask you to define something, they expect you to provide a widely accepted definition of the subject of their question. They are not asking you to explain or describe so spending your time doing this is a waste of effort and means that you risk not leaving yourself sufficient time for other questions.
When NEBOSH ask you to sketch something, they expect you to provide a simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.
Example Question
Define the term ‘permit-to-work system’.
(2 marks)
Example Answer
A permit-to-work system is a formal, documented, planned procedure designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas.
Describe
When NEBOSH ask you to describe something, they expect you to ‘give a word picture’. This is likely to require a slightly more in-depth explanation so you will need to ensure that your description is accurate and complete. Example Question
Provide simple sketches to show three methods of
‘tying’ the scaffold to the building.
(6 marks)
Example Answer
Your answer should comprise
NEBOSH
Exam
The Secrets of Examination Technique
NEBOSH Certificate Courses
The Secrets of Examination Technique
Passing an examination is never easy – but that is surely what makes them worth the effort. The
NEBOSH Certificate qualifications, in particular, have a great reputation but how do you go about ensuring success in the written exams?
One of the most common errors made by people in exams is failing to read the question properly.
This sounds like such an obvious point but any examiner will tell you that it lies at the root of many failures! It is important to remember that NEBOSH often give you hints in their questions as to what they expect from your answer – all you have to do is learn to read the clues. NEBOSH are not trying to
“catch you out” – you just have to learn to provide them with the information they have asked you for. Define
Sketch
When NEBOSH ask you to define something, they expect you to provide a widely accepted definition of the subject of their question. They are not asking you to explain or describe so spending your time doing this is a waste of effort and means that you risk not leaving yourself sufficient time for other questions.
When NEBOSH ask you to sketch something, they expect you to provide a simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.
Example Question
Define the term ‘permit-to-work system’.
(2 marks)
Example Answer
A permit-to-work system is a formal, documented, planned procedure designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas.
Describe
When NEBOSH ask you to describe something, they expect you to ‘give a word picture’. This is likely to require a slightly more in-depth explanation so you will need to ensure that your description is accurate and complete. Example Question
Provide simple sketches to show three methods of
‘tying’ the scaffold to the building.
(6 marks)
Example Answer
Your answer should comprise