How To Submit Your NEBOSH Exam PROPERLY (NEBOSH IGC Exam)
Introduction
So, you’ve prepared for weeks (maybe months), and now the NEBOSH IGC exam is finally here. Whether you’re attempting IG1 or IG2, how you submit your exam can make or break your success. Think of it like baking a cake: you may have the perfect ingredients, but if you forget to set the oven right—you won’t get the desired result. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly submit your NEBOSH exam, step-by-step, and help you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.
Understanding the NEBOSH IGC Exam Format
Open Book Examination (OBE) Explained
Since 2020, NEBOSH IGC Unit IG1 is assessed through an Open Book Examination (OBE). It’s done online, and you have 24 hours to complete and submit your answers. But don’t get too comfortable—OBE doesn’t mean “Google the answers and chill.” You still need to understand the scenario and apply your knowledge correctly.
IG1 vs IG2 Submission Types
- IG1: A written examination based on a workplace scenario, requiring descriptive answers to specific tasks.
- IG2: A practical risk assessment based on your actual workplace or a realistic simulation, submitted as a structured template.
Before You Start the Exam
Check Your Login Credentials
Make sure you’ve received your exam portal link, login ID, and password from your course provider or NEBOSH. Try logging in ahead of time to test it.
Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
A poor internet connection can ruin your entire submission process. Have a backup plan—maybe mobile data or a different network.
Know Your Exam Timeline
Your exam window is 24 hours, but don’t use all of it. Plan to submit well in advance. The NEBOSH portal can get busy near the deadline, which can delay uploads.
The Day of the Exam
Set Up Your Workspace
Treat this like a real exam. Quiet space, no distractions, all your materials ready: syllabus notes, NEBOSH book, marking guide, etc.
Login and Download the Paper
At the start time, log in and download your exam paper immediately. Save it securely—don’t keep it open only in the browser.
Time Management Tips
- Spend the first 30–60 mins reading and understanding the scenario and tasks.
- Allocate time per task based on marks.
- Leave buffer time for proofreading and submission.
Writing Your NEBOSH IGC Exam (IG1)
Read the Scenario Thoroughly
The scenario holds the key to most of the answers. Don’t skim—read it at least twice.
Understand the Tasks
Each task comes with marks. Don’t write 500 words for a 5-mark question. Be relevant, concise, and focused.
Use the Marking Scheme Wisely
Refer to NEBOSH’s example marking guide. Understand what’s expected and structure your answers accordingly.
Structure of IG1 Answer Paper
- Use Times New Roman or Arial, font size 11 or 12, black color.
- Mention your learner number, name, and provider name at the top.
- Start each answer with the task number (e.g., Task 1).
- Keep paragraphs short and organized.
- Stick to the word limit of 3000 words overall.
Writing Your NEBOSH IGC Risk Assessment (IG2)
Use the NEBOSH-Supplied Template
This template has predefined sections—don’t alter it. Just fill it in as instructed.
Complete Each Section Correctly
Sections include:
- Description of workplace and activities
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment and controls
- Prioritization and action planning
- Review and monitoring methods
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Copy-pasting generic risks
- Vague control measures
- Leaving any column blank
Risk Assessment Format Tips
- Column 1: Clearly state the hazard (e.g., “Manual handling – back strain”).
- Column 2: Who might be harmed? (e.g., workers, visitors)
- Column 3: Existing controls (PPE, signage, etc.)
- Column 4: Further controls (engineering, training, etc.)
- Column 5: Who will take action and by when
How to Name Your Exam Files
File Naming Convention
Use:[Your Learner Number]_NEBOSH_IG1.pdf
or[Your Learner Number]_IG2_RiskAssessment.pdf
Don’t include special characters like *, &, %, etc.
File Format and Size
Save as PDF
Use MS Word’s “Save As PDF” feature or online converters like Smallpdf.
Compress Large Files
If your file is too big, compress it before uploading using free tools like ILovePDF or PDF Compressor.
Final Checklist Before Submission
- ✔️ Proofread everything
- ✔️ Confirm word count is within limit
- ✔️ File named correctly
- ✔️ All answers complete
- ✔️ Saved as PDF
- ✔️ Correct template used for IG2
Submitting Your NEBOSH Exam
Step-by-Step Process
- Log in to the NEBOSH exam portal.
- Upload the PDF file via the upload link.
- Click “Submit.”
- Wait for the confirmation message or email.
What to Do If Submission Fails
- Retry after refreshing.
- Contact your course provider or NEBOSH support immediately.
After Submission
Save Your Confirmation
Screenshot or save your submission confirmation page or email.
Wait for Results
It usually takes 50 working days for NEBOSH to release results.
Need to Resit?
If you fail, don’t worry—you can register for a resit. Focus on the feedback provided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading the wrong file
- Missing the deadline
- Exceeding word count
- Poor formatting or wrong template
- Leaving tasks unanswered
Tips to Pass Your NEBOSH IGC Exam
- Plan your schedule wisely
- Read tasks carefully
- Be precise and to the point
- Support answers with logic, not assumptions
- Review NEBOSH sample answers and past papers
Conclusion
Submitting your NEBOSH IGC exam isn’t just about clicking ‘Upload’. It’s about showing NEBOSH your best effort in a well-structured, clearly written, and correctly formatted submission. Whether you’re tackling IG1 or IG2, preparation, attention to detail, and time management are your best friends. So take a deep breath, double-check everything, and hit that submit button with confidence. You’ve got this!
Want to pass your NEBOSH IGC exam with ease?
Grab my exclusive eBook “NEBOSH IGC: Complete Study Guide + Sample Answers” – written from real-world experience, designed for high scores. It includes:
- ✔️ Step-by-step guidance for IG1 and IG2
- ✔️ Sample high-scoring answers
- ✔️ Realistic scenarios and risk assessments
- ✔️ Tips, checklists, and bonus tools
Available now on HSE STUDY GUIDE
Don’t miss this powerful resource to boost your confidence and results.
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Moral, Legal and Financial Reasons for Managing Health and Safety
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NEBOSH IGC Career Guide: Jobs, Salaries & Growth Opportunities (2025)
NEBOSH IGC vs OSHA 30-Hour: Which is Better?
FAQs
1. What is the word limit for NEBOSH IG1 exam?
You should stay within 3000 words. Exceeding the limit may impact your marks.
2. Can I submit my IG1 answers handwritten?
No, NEBOSH only accepts typed and properly formatted PDF submissions.
3. Do I need to cite references in IG1?
Citations are not mandatory, but referring to laws or standards can improve your answer quality.
4. Can I resubmit if I notice a mistake after submission?
No, once submitted, you cannot upload again. Always double-check before submitting.
5. How soon will I get my NEBOSH result?
Typically within 50 working days from the submission date.
