The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is one of the most widely recognized qualifications in the field of occupational health and safety. It is designed for professionals who wish to have deep understanding of workplace safety, legal requirements, and risk management.

Passing the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) exam in the first attempt is possible with the right strategy and thorough preparation. NEBOSH IGC not only opens doors to better job opportunities but also enhances your credibility as a safety expert in various industries worldwide.

This article will guide you through effective strategies, techniques, and tips to help you pass the NEBOSH IGC exam successfully.

Eligibility Criteria to Appear in the NEBOSH IGC Exam

Anyone interested in health and safety, regardless of background, can take the NEBOSH IGC exam. However, it is essential to have a basic understanding of workplace safety concepts to grasp the concepts effectively.

• No formal prerequisites are required to enroll in the exam, making it accessible to all.
• The registration process is straightforward: candidates need to register through an accredited NEBOSH centre, pay the required fees, and select their preferred exam date and location.

NEBOSH IGC Exam Structure:

Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety

• Exam Format: Theoretical, open-book written exam.
• Duration: 24 hours.
• Content:
  • Foundations in Health and Safety.
  • Health and Safety Management Systems (Plan, Do, Check, Act).

Unit IG2: Risk Assessment

• Exam Format: Practical assessment based on a workplace scenario.
• Content:
  • Hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures.

You’ll be required to submit a detailed risk assessment report, demonstrating practical knowledge of hazard management.

Tips to Pass the NEBOSH IGC Exam Easily

#1: Familiarize Yourself with the 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.

#2: Effective 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.

#3: Use 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.

#4: 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.

Download -> NEBOSH IG1 sample paper. Download -> NEBOSH IG2 sample paper.

#5: 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.

#6: 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.

#7: 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.

NEBOS Exam Scoring & Grading

Both units need to be passed to obtain the NEBOSH IGC certification. The final qualification grade is determined by the total marks obtained across both units.

Grades:

• Pass: 45-64 overall score.
• Credit: 65-74 overall score.
• Distinction: 75+ or higher overall score.