NEW NEBOSH IG Open Book Exam




NEBOSH has introduced open book exams for both the NEBOSH National and International General Certificates - units NG1, IG1, NGC1, and IGC1.  This replaces in-person closed book exams and enables learners to sit their NEBOSH assessment in their own home or another safe and suitable location

What is an open book examination?

Open book examinations enable you to sit your NEBOSH assessment on your own, usually in your own home or another safe and suitable location where you can concentrate.  In a NEBOSH open book examination, you will have up to 24 hours to complete your paper - though you should be able to complete the examination in 4-5 hours

Do not think that an open book examination is an easy alternative, NEBOSH is trusted by organizations around the world to provide relevant and rigorous qualifications and assessments.  The questions you will be asked will be different from those in our previous closed book examinations.  You will be presented with a scenario that describes a realistic workplace and situation.  You will then be asked to carry out a series of tasks using evidence presented in the scenario as well as the underpinning knowledge you have gained through your studies and revision

Is an open book exam easy?

Open-book exams are not an easy option.  Answering the questions well requires more than just copying information straight from texts.  For example, having access to a textbook can stop you from giving a wrong answer if you can't remember a fact or formula, but just getting that fact correct won't get you good marks

What is an open book exam scenario?

The OBE focuses on the real-world application of NEBOSH health and safety theory. 

Although you can use your books, you won't pass simply by restating the facts within them. 

You are presented with a real-life risky workplace scenario and you're assigned a role in the situation, like a site safety supervisor. 

The scenario is followed by a series of questions, tasks, and sub-tasks that give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge.  For example "How could you improve consultation with the workforce in the organization described." 

You look for evidence within the scenario and reflect on what you've learned to inform your answers. 

You can take your exams from home, or a safe location of your choice, limiting your exposure to other learners and invigilators.

In some instances, where it's safe to go so (and provided the local government gives its permission), some training centers can host invigilated in-person exams, but it's not likely to be until later this year. 

It promises the exam will still represent 'the quality and standards NEBOSH qualifications are known for' and that they won't be compromised.

 Watch Past NEBOSH OBE Task 1 Question & Answer



The exam will present a health and safety scenario for you to resolve.  It will contain information like

The workers involved, their roles, and their individual challenges

Conflicting opinions, employee disagreements, and working relationships influencing the situation as it unfolds

The physical features, surroundings, and area you're working in

The actions you've already taken

Existing health and safety issues, for example, the omission of formal procedure

What to expect from the tasks?

The tasks ask you to demonstrate your understanding of NEBOSH health and safety principles by rectifying the problems within the scenario.  You could be asked to

Collate arguments for a health and safety committee meeting

Counter flawed recommendations provided by a peer or superior

Comment on the culture of the business

Schedule and justify the need for health and safety focus groups and regular meetings

But that's not an exhaustive list.  The questions could focus on anything in the General Certificate syllabus, so you need to know your onions before you attempt to answer the question

 Watch Past NEBOSH OBE Task 2 Question & Answer



Key points

The new exam is a remote test for NG1.  Log in to the NEBOSH exam platform and complete the assessment from home, or a safe space of your choice. 

You have 24 hours to complete the exam.  NEBOSH suggests it will take you between four and five hours to complete the questions, so you should spend the rest of the time researching and drafting your responses. 

The questions ask you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life health and safety situations.  You must also pass the NEBOSH practical risk assessment to gain your qualification

 Watch Past NEBOSH OBE Task 3 Question & Answer




Answer every question

Answer all the questions as fully as you can, even if the question poses a situation you're not familiar with.  It sounds obvious, but a blank answer won't get you any marks.  Volunteer the information you think applies to give yourself the best chance.

Plan your time

Review the whole paper and take note of where you can get the most marks.  Divide up your time so that you're spending more time on the weighty ques

 Watch Past NEBOSH OBE Task 4 Question & Answer



Describe, outline, explain

Think carefully about the command word of the question.  For example, 'describe' versus 'outline' or 'explain' and respond in a length suitable for the number of marks available.  NEBOSH has created a guide that unpicks what its examiners want to see based on the command word of the question.

How I can achieve the NEBOSH certificate?

You must pass the new NEBOSH open book exam to achieve your NEBOSH General Certificate qualification.  The exam asks you to resolve a risky scenario using what you've learned, applying elements one to four in NG1.  You must also have a live closing interview to discuss your answers

NEBOSH exam dates for 2020/21

Wednesday 02 December 2020 

Wednesday 3 February 2021 

Wednesday 7 April 2021 

Wednesday 9 June 2021


Good luck to all NEBOSH OBW examiners

Click below to download QHSE Culture free pdf NEBOSH OBE scenario & tasks answers


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