Candidates undertaking the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) should be aware of what they are taking before they even consider exam tactics. The NEBOSH IGC qualification is well-recognized in the occupational health and safety arena, yet it can be an expensive endeavor in terms of resources and commitment.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
It normally takes 4 to 5 months to complete the course process in NEBOSH, that is, from the date you enroll in the course to the date you get the final results. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Enrollment: Selecting the provider of your course and enrolling in the course.
- Classes: You can either go to the classroom, take virtual classes, or take the self-study route, but in any case, the coursework is intense. Classes are usually a mere few weeks to a couple of months long.
- Exam Preparation and Exam: You will have classes to revise, after which you will sit the open-book exams.
- Result: It normally takes approximately 2.5 months after the exam before you receive your results.
The Common Goal: Pass on the First Attempt
Given that the course requires a significant financial investment as well as months of focused study, it is normal—and necessary—for students to concentrate on passing the test on their first try. The financial strain, anxiety, and waiting period are things that nobody wants to experience again.
Understanding The NEBOSH IGC Exam Structure
Before coming towards tips on how to pass, it is crucial to understand how the NEBOSH IGC exam operates under the new format.
NEBOSH IGC qualification is divided into two parts:
IG1 – Management of Health and Safety (Theory and concepts)
IG2 – Risk Assessment (Practical application)
Course Content
Unit GCI1: Management of Health and Safety
Element 1: Why we should manage workplace health and safety
Element 2: How health and safety management systems work
Element 3: Managing risk – understanding people and processes
Element 4: Health and safety monitoring and measuring
Unit GCI2: Risk Assessment
Element 5: Physical and psychological health
Element 6: Musculoskeletal health
Element 7: Chemical and biological agents
Element 8: General workplace issues
Element 9: Work equipment
Element 10: Fire
Element 11: Electricity
NEBOSH IGC Exam Structure:
Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety
- Exam Format: Theoretical, open-book written exam.
- Duration: 24 hours.
Unit IG2: Risk Assessment
- Exam Format: Practical assessment based on a workplace scenario.
Tips to Pass the NEBOSH IGC Exam Easily
- Read briefly Syllabus
Review the full syllabus guide provided by NEBOSH. It outlines the topics and key learning outcomes for both units.
Focus on the following sections:
- Why we should manage workplace health and safety? – Understand the moral, legal, and financial reasons for managing health and safety.
- How health and safety management systems work and what they look like – Get to know the principles of HSG65 (Plan, Do, Check, Act) and ISO 45001 frameworks.
- How to manage risk – understanding people and processes – Risk assessment process, including hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures.
- Health and safety monitoring, measuring, and reviewing – The importance of performance measurement, audits, and reviews.
- Good Study Planning
- Create a Study Schedule: Prepare a detailed study timetable that covers the syllabus over a period of 4-8 weeks. Break down each topic into manageable chunks, allowing time for revision and practice papers.
- Allocate Study Hours: Dedicate 2-3 hours daily or 15-20 hours weekly for study. Adjust based on your progress and other commitments.
- Set Weekly Goals: Set targets for completing specific topics each week. Use checklists to track progress.
- Quality Study Materials
- NEBOSH Study Books: Use accredited NEBOSH textbooks and study guides that align with the IGC syllabus.
- Online Courses: Enroll in online training programs provided by NEBOSH-approved centers. These courses often include video lectures, interactive quizzes, mock exams and tutor support.
- Revision Kits: Get revision guides or flashcards to focus on key topics and command words.
- Practice Past Exam Papers
Practicing past papers helps you understand the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the expected answers. Use the NEBOSH examiner reports to identify common mistakes and areas where candidates often lose marks.
How to Practice:
- Attempt 3-4 past papers before the actual exam.
- Time yourself to ensure that you complete each paper within the given time frame.
- Focus on how you structure your answers, as this can significantly impact your score.
- Master the Command Words
Command words are crucial in understanding how to answer questions effectively. Some of the common command words used in NEBOSH IGC include:
- Describe: Provide a detailed account of the characteristics or features.
- Explain: Give reasons for or account for why something happens.
- Identify: Name or list key points.
- Outline: Provide a general overview or summary.
- Give: Offer a short answer, typically a fact.
Practice using command words in your answers, ensuring that you provide the level of detail required.
- Exam-Day Tips
- Read Questions Carefully: Ensure you understand each question before attempting to answer it. Pay attention to command words.
- Time Management: Allocate a specific amount of time to each question based on its marks.
- Answering Techniques: Start with the questions you feel most confident about. Write clearly and concisely, using bullet points where appropriate.
- After the Exam
Analyze how you did and identify areas for improvement, especially if you plan to pursue further NEBOSH qualifications.
Bonus Tips for NEBOSH IGC Success
- Stay Updated: Keep up with global health and safety trends, best practices, and legal updates.
- Use Online Forums: Join NEBOSH communities and forums to interact with other students, share tips, and ask questions.
- Health and Well-being: Take care of your physical and mental health during the preparation period.
By following these detailed steps, you can maximize your chances of passing the NEBOSH IGC exam on your first attempt.
