How to Prepare for NEBOSH IGC Exam
NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is one of the world’s most recognized qualifications for Occupational Health and Safety professionals. Thousands of candidates take the exam every year, but many struggle due to weak exam strategy rather than lack of knowledge.
This guide will help you prepare effectively — covering:
- study plan
- exam pattern
- command words
- writing technique
- time management
- revision methods
- common mistakes
- examiner expectations
If you follow this guide, you will dramatically increase your chances of passing with a high score — possibly with Distinction.
Understanding the NEBOSH IGC Exam Format
NEBOSH IGC is now assessed through:
- Open Book Examination (OBE) – scenario-based
- Workplace Assignment / Practical Application
NEBOSH is NOT testing memory anymore — it is testing thinking ability and real-world application.
Know the Command Words — The Heart of NEBOSH
Command words define WHAT the examiner expects in your answer.
List
- Short, one-line bullet points
Outline
- provide quick explanation (2–3 lines each)
Explain
- deeper answer — cause, reasoning, implications
Identify
- simply point out — name of hazard, risk, factor
Describe
- paint a picture of conditions or process
You must answer EXACTLY according to the command word.
Study Using the NEBOSH Syllabus (Not Random YouTube or Notes)
Many students waste time collecting too many sources.
The BEST study source is:
✔ Your course provider materials
✔ Official NEBOSH syllabus
✔ Examiner reports
NEBOSH expects:
- practical safety reasoning
- risk-based thinking
- hazard identification ability
- control measure selection
Use the Real-World Workplace Mindset
NEBOSH wants you to think like a Safety Officer.
Always ask:
- What can go wrong?
- Who can be harmed?
- How can we prevent it?
- What controls apply?
Think of actual work situations:
- construction site
- workshop
- manufacturing
- warehouse
- oil & gas
Create a Study Plan — 4 Weeks Model
Week 1 — Understanding Fundamentals
- read fundamentals of risk, hazard, safety culture
- understand legal principles
Week 2 — Technical Knowledge
- high-risk hazards
- fire safety
- electricity
- mechanical hazards
- control measures
Week 3 — Practicing Writing Answers
- write sample responses
- practice using command words
- solve practice questions
Week 4 — Revision and OBE Preparation
- review scenario writing
- learn how to quote scenario info
- refine writing structure
How to Write PERFECT NEBOSH Answers
Follow this structure:
Point (fact)
- what is the hazard / control / factor
Reason
- why it matters
Example (optional but powerful)
- real-world application
Example:
Outline ways to prevent slips at workplace:
- Provide slip-resistant flooring
This increases traction and prevents workers from sliding on wet surfaces. - Ensure prompt cleanup of spills
Reduces likelihood of flooring becoming hazardous.
This technique impresses the examiner.
Use Scenario Details — VERY IMPORTANT
In Open Book Exams, NEBOSH gives a workplace scenario.
You MUST use information from the scenario such as:
- workers’ behavior
- site conditions
- specific hazards
- management failures
DO NOT answer in generic textbook style.
Your answers must look personalized to the given case.
NEBOSH Writing Style Tips
- Use simple, professional English
- Use bullet points — not essays
- Do not over-explain and waste time
- Use technical terms accurately
- Avoid repeating the same idea in different words
- Focus on safety logic and risk control
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- writing too much but not answering the question
- misunderstanding command words
- giving general answers not linked to scenario
- listing controls without explanation
- copying from internet sources — plagiarism risk
- writing like a student, not like a safety professional
Practice Past NEBOSH Questions
Write your own sample answers using:
- Outline
- Describe
- Explain
- List
Example practice:
Explain why poor housekeeping increases risk of accidents.
Answer:
Poor housekeeping leads to cluttered walkways, causing slips, trips, and potential collisions, which can injure workers and interrupt operations.
Mental and Physical Preparation Before Exam
- sleep well
- stay hydrated
- don’t panic
- read scenario slowly
- highlight key points
- plan your answers first
How to Approach NEBOSH OBE Step-by-Step
- Read scenario completely
- Highlight hazards, unsafe behaviors
- Read the question carefully
- Note command word
- Draft bullet-point answers
- Insert scenario references
- Review your writing
Example of Using Scenario
Scenario: Workers not using PPE.
Bad answer:
- Workers must use PPE.
Good answer:
- The scenario states that workers were not wearing helmets near the scaffolding area. This increases risk of head injury from falling tools or materials. PPE such as helmets should be enforced by supervisor and backed by disciplinary procedures.
This difference shows NEBOSH that you interpreted the scenario.
Use the NEBOSH Exam Technique: Breadth Over Depth
Better to provide:
- 8 correct smaller points
instead of - 3 big lengthy explanations
Example:
Outline control measures for noise
Provide:
- ear protection
- signage
- maintenance
- rotation
- engineering controls
- noise mapping
- training
- monitoring
NOT a full paragraph on one item.
Workplace Assignment Advice
For the practical assessment:
- choose a real workplace
- take real photos
- identify genuine hazards
- propose practical controls
- avoid fictional responses
- show professional reasoning
Final Revision Strategy
- review command words
- rewrite sample answers
- focus on scenario-based reasoning
- revise controls for every hazard type:
- electrical
- chemical
- fire
- ergonomic
- mechanical
- biological
- environmental
Final Motivation for Candidates
NEBOSH IGC is not a memorization exam.
It is an exam of THINKING LIKE A SAFETY PROFESSIONAL.
The fact that you are preparing means:
- you care about safety
- you want to grow professionally
- you aim to protect lives
Conclusion
To succeed in NEBOSH IGC:
- understand the syllabus
- focus on command words
- practice real-world reasoning
- structure your answers
- link responses to scenarios
- think like an HSE Officer
Your preparation today leads to a stronger, smarter, more safety-conscious workplace tomorrow.
For checklist and templates visit The HSE Tools.
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