Exam preparation from SHEilds

Tips to maximise your chances of success

September NEBOSH exams are almost upon SHEilds students, with most candidates likely to be packing in extra revision over the weekend in the final build-up.

While this is happening it’s important to remember that exam nerves are completely normal and affect most of us, however it’s also important not to let these nerves get the better of you in the build up to the day; keeping calm and not allowing stress to compromise your composure is integral to tackling examinations in the right frame of mind.

The danger of overcompensating and pushing yourself too far is a very real risk. In particular, if you start relying on caffeine in the form of coffee, energy drinks and legal stimulants such as caffeine tablets this can have a detrimental effect on your overall health as the body will become stressed. Leaving your body in a poor state may well do the same for your mindset; the last thing you’ll want.

To help you be on the best form possible, here are some key exam preparation tips from SHEilds:

• Be healthy – get regular exercise, eat healthily and take time to relax your mind each day.
• Be organised – make sure you know which topics to cover and set some time limits for each.
• Practice exam style questions in a timed way – see our forums for example questions.
• Practice writing by hand – When answering the questions, practice handwriting the answers to get used to the technique as the exams are long and you will be writing constantly for between 2 and 3 hours (depending on which qualification you are taking).
• Take regular breaks – Don’t turn study into a slog, give yourself a breather every 30 – 60 minutes to keep it fresh.
• Know your command words – In the revision section of your course materials, you will find the Command Word guidance from NEBOSH to ensure you understand question formats using action words such as “identify” or “outline” as well as other hints and tips on exam technique.
• Utilise your tutor – if you don’t understand a topic don’t be afraid to get in touch with your tutor, they’re there to assist you and give you the best chances possible of success.
• Clear the last evening – The night before the exam should be a free evening where you can pack what you need to take with you for the exam, relax a little and try and get an early night.
• Eat well – On the day eat a good healthy breakfast, leave yourself plenty of time to arrive at the exam centre and above all try not to panic. You can only do your best and there are opportunities to re-take exams if necessary.

Explore SHEilds’ NEBOSH courses

Know your exam dates

Below are the exam timetables for the remainder of this year and for 2017.  Details of how and when to register will be on the e-learning website forums nearer the time of each exam.

NGC1, EC1, NHC1* / IGC1, IOG1 (am) and GC2, NCC1, FC1 / ICC1, IFC1 (pm)

Examination dates

Wednesday 7 September 2016

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Wednesday 8 March 2017

Wednesday 7 June 2017

Wednesday 6 September

Wednesday 6 December 2017

* NHC1 – available for March and September sittings only

ED1 (am)

Thursday 20 July 2017

Thursday 18 January 2018

Good luck to all those taking exams next week and remember; the SHEilds tutor team is here to help you.

Victoria Hughes