How to answer NEBOSH Diploma exam questions

The following made-up question and model answer has evolved from supporting Diploma students, over the past few years; I share it here now with the hope it will be beneficial as you get ready to take your examinations. Note these are my thoughts and do not necessarily represent the views of NEBOSH.

The assumption is that you already understand and can apply the learning outcomes from the syllabus (found on the NEBOSH website). You will have needed to have spent time studying the course material, speaking to your tutor(s), etc.

Please ‘like’ and ‘share’ so as many Diploma students and tutors see this, thank you.

OUTLINE how to answer NEBOSH Diploma exam questions (20). 

1 Plan your answers – yes this may take a minute or two – but putting some keywords down (on a line or two) then outlining, describing, etc. each idea will help you focus. Writing a list of ‘keywords’ that can then be used to create your answer – it does sound counter-intuitive to spend more time – but you do save time in the writing upstage.

2 For each new ‘answer’ start a new line (number them if you like). This way you can keep track of how many you have put down. Remember, new answer new line.

3 A ten mark question needs TEN correct ‘answers’ – it is wise to add one or two more (in case one of your answers is wrong/same as the one you have already written down).

4 In the exam, if you put the answer ‘plan’ at the top of the page then miss a line and start your answer that’s okay. Examiners will ignore your working notes – sometimes we read them and very occasionally the plan itself gains a mark.

5 But don’t waste time looking for the 10th or 20th mark to a question – move on to the next and at the end go back to the question. In other words – if you have not written anything in over a couple of minutes move on to the next question.

6 Have a spare pen (okay obvious but some forget) – take two blue OR two black pens with you.

7 If you are at a complete loss with a question leave it! Make a note in the answer book and come back to it at the end (see #4).

8 When you come to pick the 20 point questions – remember you need to answer only three (3) – so it is worth spending some time thinking about which ones you want to answer – jot some notes down.

9 Once you know which three you will answer start with the one you are more confident with.

10 If you remember something from a previous question when doing a new one jot a word down somewhere to remind you once you have finished the current question.

11 Don’t worry about spelling mistakes – as long as it is easily red (see what I did there?).

12 Do think about handwriting – your work must be legible.

13 Give examples where and whenever relevant; if you say PPE as part of an answer – give a suitable example.

14 There is no need to write the question out.

15 Make sure you answer all the questions – all six in part A, and three (3) in part B.

16 If you make a mistake don’t cross it out – you never know it may have been correct – crossed out answers will not be marked even if correct.

17 Remember there is no negative marking – so if you are unsure put it down.

18 To clearly OUTLINE, EXPLAIN, DESCRIBE what the question was requiring – write a full sentence per mark available.

19 An IDENTIFY simply requires you to provide specific answers (not necessary sentences) – but writing a sentence will also give you the mark.

20 Once you have finished re-read your answers – checking for any errors – have you crossed all your ’T’s?

21 When you get to 20 (or 10) keep going – if you can think of more answers!

22 If you have a calculation question make sure you show all your working out, marks may be still awarded even if you get the final answer wrong (show the formula used).

23 When a question asks you to Outline key features off…/Outline the hazards of…/Outline the risks of…/Outline the controls for … – the best approach is to imagine you are doing the task/looking at it. Then write down what you “see”.

24 Do not give vague answers such as “Hazards/risks are associated with …” Say what the hazards/risk are – in other words, state the obvious!

25 In almost all cases the order you answer does not matter.

26 When stating a case law remember to include the relevant legal point for a decided case; the case name alone is not sufficient.

27 If you have any free time at the end – go back over each question – you might remember an extra answer.

28. Paragraphs are not required for your answers. There may be a time when you need two (or even three, at the most) short sentences to get one ‘technical point’ across but this would be the exception to the rule; for example, your answer may be explained/outlined using an example.
29. IF POSSIBLE, DO NOT WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS – IT IS HARDER TO READ, FOR THE EXAMINERS.
30. There is no need to cross out your workings. Leave them; for example, if you made a mistake in the final sum you would still gain some marks.
31. If citing a case as part of your answer, you should include the name, the year and a brief sentence or two to set it in context to the question/your answer.
32. Avoid using correction fluid (e.g. Tipp-Ex); if you make a mistake and what erase it simply draw a line through it.
33. When making general statements, such as ‘Provide training to workers’ or ‘Use PPE’ back up with examples, to demonstrate your understanding.