2025 Guide to the NEBOSH NGC Open Book Exam

So, you’ve just opened your NEBOSH General Certificate open book exam paper, and you’re wondering, “What should I do now?” Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through a step-by-step technique to increase your chances of passing this challenging exam on your first attempt.

• Start by Scanning the Questions

The first thing you should do upon receiving your exam paper is to quickly scan the questions. While you can read the preamble if you like, it’s often more beneficial to skip past the scenario and head straight for the questions. This gives you a sense of what lies ahead, allowing you to gauge the difficulty and identify topics you are familiar with.

• Rank the Questions from Easiest to Hardest

After scanning the questions, it’s essential to rank them in your mind or on a piece of paper from easiest to hardest. The key is to create a plan for how you’ll approach the questions. You should start with the easiest ones, as this strategy can boost your confidence early on.

• Utilise the Scenario

With a clear plan in mind, it’s time to dive into the scenario. Read it thoroughly; it’s usually a page or two long. You might find it helpful to print it out and underline key parts that you can refer back to when answering the questions.

• Formulate an Answer Plan

Once you’ve read the scenario, create an answer plan or what you might call a “shopping list” of points you intend to include in your response. Your answers should be based on the information in the scenario and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.

• Keep Referring Back to the Scenario

While answering the questions, it’s crucial to consistently refer back to the scenario. This shows that you are not merely copying and pasting information from external sources but are using the scenario as a reference to support your answers.

• Stay on Target

One common pitfall is drifting off-topic while answering a question. To avoid this, regularly check that you are still addressing the question’s requirements. Stick to the point and ensure your responses align with what’s being asked.

• Submit Your Paper

After you’ve answered all the questions following this method, it’s a good idea to review your work and make any necessary revisions. Then, submit your paper, confident that you’ve given it your best shot.

The NEBOSH General Certificate open book exam may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. By following the steps outlined above, from scanning the questions to submitting your paper, you’ll have a structured strategy to tackle the exam efficiently and effectively. Best of luck in your NEBOSH General Certificate open book exam!