NEBOSH - a new method of examination
It’s fair to say that learners generally don’t enjoy the exam experience! When the National General Certificate was assessed by a closed book timed exam, a common complaint from learners was that it did not adequately allow them to put their knowledge to the best test.
Many learners struggled to apply the knowledge they had learned in the paper-based timed assessment and were put off the whole course by the thought of failing an exam.
Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, NEBOSH needed to ensure that anyone taking an assessment could do so safely, without risk to their health and in line with local and government regulations.
The solution was an online assessment platform where learners could access question papers and submit their answers from anywhere in the world.
In August 2020, it introduced digital assessments for its most popular qualifications, the NEBOSH National and International General Certificates. The new open-book examination (OBE) NEBOSH assessment is designed to test what learners know but also what they can do with their knowledge.
Learners are expected to apply their learning to a realistic workplace scenario and demonstrate analytical, evaluation and creative skills as well as critical thinking – everything that’s required by a health and safety professional in the real world.
Says Rebecca Docker, NEBOSH examiner:
“The scenario style definitely promotes the candidates’ understanding and evaluation. In my opinion, businesses don’t need someone spouting the law, they need somebody to review arrangements for that specific situation, analyse and recommend. It’s definitely a positive change, ensuring safety professionals’ competence in real life industry.”
Says Jamie Robinson, NEBOSH trainer at International Workplace:
“The new style open book exams are designed to reflect real life and put you at the heart of a scenario. Instead of sitting in a stuffy classroom recalling each element from memory, learners receive a hypothetical workplace situation and a set of questions. As it’s an open book exam you’re given 24 hours to use study materials to prepare your own arguments and observations. The biggest advantage of this is that you’re no longer required to remember entire pieces of legislation concerning health and safety. Instead, you're required to analyse the situation and determine causation, identify positives and negatives and make recommendations for improvement.”
The NG1 online open book exam (OBE) takes place on a set day after the course. The exam platform opens at 9am UK time, and students have 24 hours to complete the assessment. Students are contacted by our tutors within three to four days of the OBE for a short verification interview. The deadline for students to submit the NG2 practical assessment project is usually within two weeks of the OBE.
Over the past year, our pass rates have averaged 82% for NG1 and 73% for NG2, with an overall pass rate of 72%. In one cohort alone we achieved a 100% and 91% pass rate for NG1 and NG2 respectively, which goes to show just how successful our NEBOSH learners are - and how well the NEBOSH OBE examination allows learners to demonstrate their knowledge.
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