Introduction
I think Benjamin Franklin once wrote something along the lines of death and taxes are inevitable in life, well, for a lot of us, so are exams! Many exams these days are ‘open book’ in format, meaning that you can use sources of reference such as the internet or textbooks. In particular, NEBOSH now run most of their exams in this format.
Like any examination or assessment, whether it is your driving test, a ballet exam, a school maths paper or a NEBOSH examination, a good assessment won’t result in everyone passing. As unfortunate as it is to acknowledge this, if everyone passed regardless of effort or ability, it would render the assessment worthless, and as a result, the qualification would be devalued. A good assessment will equally allow some candidates to shine, score highly, and receive that coveted “credit” or “distinction. So how do we aim high and approach the scenarios with confidence?
Understand the question
For scenario-based exams, it is important that you take your time reading and understanding the work-based scenario provided and highlight the key points. This is important, as most answers will be based on your knowledge of this topic.
When answering questions, probably the best advice to give you is to spend plenty of time analysing the questions. It is such a fundamentally important thing to do. Take the time to read the questions and highlight the key words in each one. For example:
Question
‘What are five key direct environmental aspects from the activity stated in the scenario (5)?’
Keywords here would be ‘five’, ‘direct environmental aspects’ and ‘stated in the scenario’.
Over the years, I have lost count of the knowledgeable students who quickly glance at the question and start to answer it, only to come up with a great answer to the wrong question. It is extremely important that you take the time to ensure you understand what the question is asking.
It is also a good idea to review the marks available, as this will inform you about the depth of your answers and how much time you should spend on answering the question.
Before you get started, you should read the question numerous times. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what it wants; this is arguably the most crucial phase in the exam process.
A helpful mindset is to assume NEBOSH rarely waste words. If the scenario mentions a manager refusing entry to a regulator or a meeting being cancelled, chances are these details are relevant somewhere in your answer. Treat the scenario like a treasure map – everything included is there for a reason.
Draw up a plan
Hopefully, at this point, you have a good idea of what is required by the question. If not, repeat what we said above until you do. We must now consider planning; I would not recommend jumping in and trying to answer the question without forethought.
Your plan can be prepared as a list or, if you prefer, as a mind map. Whatever you choose, it should provide a clear overview of how you plan to address the question. Initially, you can develop a structure for your answer by considering what you already know. You will likely need to refer to and provide information from the scenario to support your answer.
For the gaps that you encounter, you will need to do some research. The internet and your textbook are extremely useful in this respect. Make sure that you look at reputable sources such as those from regulators, trade bodies or advisory services. These should help fill in any blanks or reinforce what you already know. You must always keep a record of your sources of reference and quote them in your answer submission. You must also write what you find in your own words, not just copy and paste information directly into your answer. Don’t spend too much time searching for perfect sources of information.
You must also provide details of the references you use. So, when you look at a website or a guidance note, keep that information safe. You don’t have to use Harvard or academic referencing. You must provide details of the documents and websites in the reference section of your answer, so keep that list as you go. This is important to avoid being flagged for plagiarism.
Answer the question
If you have completed the plan properly, answering the question should involve taking the structure from the plan and providing more detail. As we considered earlier, the amount you need to write will largely be dictated by the number of marks available. However, you should also adhere to the word count specified in the question paper. Make sure you format your answer so that it is easy to read, long complex paragraphs should be avoided, and the judicious use of bullet points is sometimes a good idea. Finally, when you are happy with your answer, read it a few times and ask yourself the following about your answer:
- Is it technically accurate?
- Is it tailored to the question?
- Is it easy to read? (formatting, sentence structure, etc.)
- Is it the right amount of detail (marks available and word count)
If the answer is ‘no’ to any of the questions above, then make sure you amend the answer until it meets the requirements.
You may also find it helpful to break your response into short, clear mini-paragraphs. This helps each idea stand out to the examiner and reduces the likelihood of burying a technical point within lengthy text.
It is also worth keeping in mind a simple rule of thumb: one technical point per mark. This isn’t official NEBOSH guidance, but it helps maintain the right level of depth, avoid overly short answers, and prevent wasting word count on one question at the expense of others.
Applying knowledge back to the scenario
One of the biggest pitfalls in open-book assessments is failing to apply your knowledge directly to the scenario. NEBOSH assesses your ability to interpret real-world situations, rather than just reciting textbook information. If the question says “use the scenario only,” you must anchor your explanation to specific details provided – roles, behaviours, conditions, hazards, or events. Without this connection, marks will be lost even if your technical content is correct.
As you go through the assessment, don’t be phased by a question that initially you find difficult. Park it and come back to it later. Make sure to highlight this and don’t forget to try again. However, sometimes moving on will trigger an idea later that helps you. And make sure you save your work!
Manage your time
Plan your time carefully, too; even on the DN1/DI1 papers, it is possible to run out of time if you have numerous life events occurring during the submission window. If you have a family holiday, a wedding, or a house move, consider taking the assessment at an alternative sitting. The RRC exams team will be able to help here. Starting early allows you to handle complex sections without panic.
Do you need to revise?
Well, yes, you need to study, albeit in a different way than a traditional classroom exam. With access to textbooks and the internet (but not other people), you don’t have to rely as much on your memory to recall legislation, dates, and theories. You will, however, need to use them and demonstrate an understanding of them. If you are trying to learn, understand, and apply the materials all at once, then you’re creating a mountain to climb with a tight deadline.
NEBOSH guidance
Make sure to read the NEBOSH guidance! There is a syllabus for learners which is useful, but I much prefer the syllabus for learning partners! That contains more details of the course content and often provides a useful framework for your answers, but only if you use it! You can find the syllabus on the relevant section of the NEBOSH website for your course, under “qualifications”. There is also guidance on the open-book examination itself, including how to complete the exam, word count allowances, malpractice, and the closing interview, available on the website.
Final Note
There is a technique for answering open-book exam questions that, if followed, should increase your chances of doing well. It surrounds making sure you understand the question, prepare a plan, answer the question (based on the plan) and check the result.
The open-book format doesn’t make the exam easier; it simply tests your ability to apply knowledge rather than recall it. With structure, discipline and careful use of the scenario, you can approach the assessment confidently and give yourself the best chance of success.
Good luck!
John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MISEP (formerly IEMA)
John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MISEP (formerly IEMA) is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant.