Let’s take a look at some tips for completing the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate (EMC) exam.
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 given for the submission as a whole which should be split broadly in a proportionate way. One way to get some idea on how much to write for each task or sub task (if the task is split into a number of 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/sub task.
For example, if the word count is 3000 words in total you divide this by the total number of marks, let’s say 100, that equals 30 words per mark. A task is worth 10 marks then that means that roughly you need to provide no more than 300 words. Saying that some questions, just by their very nature, will require less words than others, but at least it gives a rough guide to how much you need to write.
Read the scenario and task carefully
A lot of the tasks are based around the scenario so you must have a very good knowledge 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 on the same lines for each task.
‘Based on the scenario only’ questions
Building from the previous tip, quite a few tasks have the term ‘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 has some relevance to the task, if it cannot be directly linked to the scenario it will not gain any marks.
‘Practical control’ questions
A common term in NEBOSH EMC OBE tasks is to identify ‘practical controls’ to improve a situation. This term is a little subjective, but generally it means measures for control that can be implemented with minimal cost, time and effort in comparison to those that require a large capital expenditure, a lot of time and effort. I suppose we are looking at controls that are more procedural in nature or awareness and training etc.
Apply a framework
I always find having a logical framework to answer a task is a very good thing and will spin off a good quality answer. One of my favourites is source-pathway-target. If you are assessing or trying to control pollution then you consider each part of this simple model. For example, for sources we could eliminate or reduce, then we consider placing something in the pathway to stop the pollutant reaching the target, finally we can install a control at the target. 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 help, but you might have to go beyond this and look at reputable sources on the internet 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.
A few top tips to help you gain a better mark in the NEBOSH EMC OBE. Good luck with the exam!
John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MIEMA
John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MIEMA is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant.