NEBOSH command words: what each one asks for, with examples
Every task in the NEBOSH General Certificate (not affiliated) open-book exam asks for something specific, and the words of the question tell you what. In the open-book papers most tasks are asked as plain questions (“Comment on…”, “What arguments could you give…”) rather than with a single command word, so this guide covers those forms first, then the four older command words you will still meet in course material. The examples use our practice scenario about a food depot.
Comment on …
Give a judgement on how well something is done or how good something is, and the reason for it from the scenario. Say what works as well as what does not. Describing what should happen, without judging what does, misses the question.
One judged point, with its reason from the scenario, per mark.
The policy says contractors are escorted, but the engineer was signed in by the security guard and sent to the freezer alone, so this arrangement is not working.Scores: does what it asks
Contractors should always be escorted by a competent person.Unlikely to score
What … could you …?
Give as many distinct points as there are marks, each in a full sentence that shows why it matters and, where the task asks, ties it to the scenario.
One distinct, explained point per mark. Repeats score once.
The 18% rise in the insurance premium at the last renewal shows that accidents are already costing the depot money, and another claim would push it higher.Scores: does what it asks
Insurance.Unlikely to score
How could …?
Say how something would be done or achieved, not only what should be done.
One practical step, with how it would work here, per mark.
The night supervisor could brief each agency worker on the walkways and the reversing rules on the shop floor before their first shift, then check after a week.Scores: does what it asks
Improve training.Unlikely to score
Prepare notes of …
Notes for something you will say, but each still written as a sentence that makes the point and shows understanding. A list of headings does not score.
One clearly made point per mark.
Workers have a right to go home uninjured: the engineer who broke their wrist was off work for six weeks.Scores: does what it asks
Moral: duty of care.Unlikely to score
Give examples of …
Name specific examples, from the scenario when the task says so, each with enough to show why it is an example.
One relevant, explained example per mark.
The operations manager booked the contractor but did not tell the night supervisor, so nobody on shift knew the engineer was in the freezer.Scores: does what it asks
Poor communication between managers.Unlikely to score
Outline …
Give the main features or parts of something, briefly. A full description is not needed, but a bare list is not an outline.
One main feature, in a sentence, per mark.
A permit-to-work sets out what work is allowed, the hazards and isolations, who is authorised, and when the area is handed back.Scores: does what it asks
Permit, isolation, sign-off.Unlikely to score
Explain …
Make clear how or why something happens: the reasoning or the link between cause and effect.
One reasoned link, how or why, per mark.
A pallet bonus rewards speed, so drivers have a reason to reverse out of bays without stopping to look.Scores: does what it asks
The bonus is bad for safety.Unlikely to score
Describe …
Give a detailed, factual account of the features of something, enough that someone else could picture it, without explaining why.
One detailed feature per mark.
The aisle had racking on both sides, a MEWP parked halfway along, no cones, and two of its four lights out.Scores: does what it asks
The aisle was unsafe.Unlikely to score
Identify …
Name the thing. In the closed-book exams a word or phrase was enough; in the open-book exam a name with no link to the scenario rarely scores.
One named, relevant item per mark.
Fatigue: the driver was in the tenth hour of a twelve-hour shift.Scores: does what it asks
Fatigue, stress, distraction, training.Unlikely to score
Questions
What does “comment on” mean in NEBOSH?
Give a judgement on how well something is done or how good something is, and the reason for it from the scenario. Say what works as well as what does not. Describing what should happen, without judging what does, misses the question.
How many points do I need for a 10-mark question?
In general one mark is given for each correct point clearly shown, so a 10-mark task needs at least ten distinct, explained points, each linked to the scenario where the task asks.
Practise on a scenario in this format
Three original scenarios, five tasks each, every answer marked against the marking approach. Free while in beta.