Let’s take a look at some tips for completing the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate (EMC) exam.
How to Structure Your Answers
Size of the Answer
It’s a good idea to provide the proportionate number of words when answering each task. A total word count is provided for the submission as a whole, which should be divided broadly in a proportionate manner.
One way to get an idea of how much to write for each task or subtask (if the task is split into several parts, which they often are) is to take the maximum word count and divide it by the total number of marks. This will result in a figure that gives the words per mark. You then need to multiply this by the number of marks available for the task or subtask.
For example, if the word count is 3000 words in total, you divide this by the total number of marks, let’s say 100, which equals 30 words per mark. A task is worth 10 marks, which means that you roughly need to provide no more than 300 words.
Saying that, some questions, just by their very nature, will require fewer words than others, but at least it gives a rough guide to how much you need to write.
Read the Scenario and Tasks Carefully
Many of the tasks are based on the scenario, so you must have a very good understanding of it. I think it’s a good idea to read the scenario and tasks numerous times.
Then, read the task and highlight relevant text in the scenario; continue the same lines for each task.
Understanding “Based on the Scenario Only” Questions
Building on the previous tip, several tasks include the phrase ‘based on the scenario only’ within them. In questions like this, you must only use information that has a very close link to the information stated in the scenario. If you provide other information, even if it is relevant to the task, but cannot be directly linked to the scenario, it will not receive any marks.
What “Practical Control” Means in NEBOSH EMC
A common term in NEBOSH EMC OBE tasks is to identify ‘practical controls’ to improve a situation. This term is somewhat subjective, but generally it refers to measures for control that can be implemented with minimal cost, time, and effort compared to those that require a large capital expenditure and a significant amount of time and effort. I suppose we are looking at controls that are more procedural in nature, such as awareness and training, etc.
Apply a Logical Framework to Your Answers
I always find that having a logical framework to answer a task is a very good thing, as it tends to yield a high-quality answer. One of my favourites is source-pathway-target. If you are assessing or trying to control pollution, then you should consider each part of this simple model.
- Source – eliminate or reduce emissions at the source.
- Pathway – block or restrict the route by which pollution travels.
- Target – control or protect the receptor from exposure.
This approach can be used for any type of pollution, for example, noise, air emissions or water.
Do Your Research
Make sure you do your research when answering questions. The course textbook will be helpful, but you may need to supplement it with reputable online sources, such as those from regulators, professional bodies, or commercial reference sources.
You should quote any forms of reference within your answer submission and do not directly copy from the source; the information needs to be in your own words.
Final Thoughts
A few top tips to help you gain a better mark in the NEBOSH EMC OBE:
- Read carefully
- Plan your structure
- Be concise and clear
- Support your points with relevant evidence
- Show applied understanding, not just knowledge
Good luck with the exam!
John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MISEP (formerly IEMA)
John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MISEP (formerly IEMA) is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant.