Answer: A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (for example heights, chemicals or traffic in a port). A risk is the likelihood that the hazard actually leads to injury or damage, combined with the severity of the possible outcome.
NEBOSH Practice Quiz – 20 exam-style questions
A free NEBOSH IGC practice quiz for HSE professionals and expats worldwide. Test your knowledge of risk assessment, ports, offshore, contracting and international safety.
This quiz is a taster for the English-taught NEBOSH course at SafetyXAcademy in Rotterdam. The questions align with topics such as HSE management, NEBOSH IGC certification, HSE contracting and international safety roles.
20 NEBOSH IGC practice questions with answers
Click a question to reveal the answer. Each question includes an explanation aligned with what you can expect on a NEBOSH exam.
Answer: The purpose of a risk assessment is to systematically identify hazards, evaluate risks and select suitable control measures. This is the foundation of every HSE role and a core topic in the NEBOSH IGC course.
Answer: The hierarchy is: 1) Eliminate the hazard, 2) Substitute with less hazardous work or material, 3) Engineering and collective controls, 4) Administrative/organisational controls, 5) Personal protective equipment (PPE). A good HSE approach always looks at elimination and substitution first.
Answer: A safe system of work is a structured method for carrying out work safely, with clear procedures, instruction, supervision and communication. On a terminal this could mean: designated vehicle routes, mandatory PPE, communication protocols and emergency procedures. This is essential for HSE professionals working in ports.
Answer: A permit to work is required for high-risk activities such as: confined space entry, hot work (welding, grinding), work on high-voltage systems, work with hazardous chemicals, and tasks where existing safety systems must be disabled. This is widely used in ports, offshore and industrial environments.
Answer: A near miss is an event where an accident almost happened but, by luck, no one was injured. Reporting near misses is important because they expose weak points in the safety system before a real accident occurs. By analysing near misses, HSE professionals can take preventive measures.
Answer: An incident is a general term for an unplanned event. An accident is an incident that results in injury, ill health or damage. A reportable dangerous occurrence is a specific type of serious incident that must be reported by law, even if there is no injury (for example a crane collapse, fire or explosion). The NEBOSH IGC course covers these distinctions and reporting duties.
Answer: Safety culture is the shared values, attitudes and behaviours that determine how seriously an organisation takes safety. A good safety culture is characterised by: management commitment, open communication, learning from mistakes, and proactive behaviour. An HSE professional can improve it through education and training, leading by example, rewarding safe behaviour, and creating an open reporting culture where people feel safe to report mistakes.
Answer: An employer must (so far as is reasonably practicable): carry out and maintain a risk assessment, provide competent health & safety support, inform and instruct workers, provide PPE where needed, and appoint someone responsible for prevention. The employer must also ensure a safe working environment and apply controls based on the hierarchy of control. (In the Netherlands these duties sit under the Arbowet; the NEBOSH IGC covers the international framework.)
Answer: The NEBOSH IGC consists of two units: Unit IG1 (management of health and safety) is an open-book assessment with a scenario and written answers. Unit IG2 (risk assessment) is a practical assignment in which you assess a workplace and write a report. Both units must be passed to achieve the certificate. Our NEBOSH course in Rotterdam prepares you for both.
Answer: NEBOSH recommends at least B2 (upper-intermediate) English because the exam and all official materials are in English. At B2 level you can understand complex texts, communicate clearly in writing and explain technical concepts. Our course is taught in English, so you'll practise reading and answering exam questions exactly as you'll face them.
Answer: NEBOSH IGC is recognised in 120+ countries, costs €3,500 all-in, and opens doors to international careers (ports, offshore, Dubai, Norway). National-only qualifications are mainly recognised within one country. NEBOSH IGC is the smarter choice if you want an international career or to work as an HSE contractor across multiple countries.
Answer: After NEBOSH IGC you can work as: HSE officer, safety coordinator, HSE advisor, safety manager, or as an HSE contractor. Roles are available in ports (Rotterdam, Antwerp), offshore (Norway, UK), international projects (Dubai, Singapore), and industrial environments. NEBOSH IGC gives you access to a worldwide market for HSE professionals.
Answer: HSE contractors in European ports typically earn €500–€800 per day. For offshore and international projects (Norway, UK, Dubai) day rates can rise to €900–€1,500 per day depending on experience. As an employee, HSE officer salaries are often €3,500–€5,500 per month in the Netherlands, and higher for senior or international positions.
Answer: As an HSE contractor you get: more flexibility in choosing projects, higher day rates (€500–€1,500/day), the ability to work on diverse projects (ports, offshore, industry), and the freedom to set your own schedule. NEBOSH IGC opens doors to international assignments that aren't accessible with a national qualification alone — attractive for experienced HSE professionals.
Answer: An offshore worker with practical experience has a strong foundation for an HSE role. By achieving NEBOSH IGC they gain the theoretical knowledge and the internationally recognised certificate they need. Practical offshore experience is highly valued by employers. After NEBOSH IGC they can work as an HSE officer on platforms, in ports, or as a contractor for offshore projects in Norway, the UK or elsewhere.
Answer: Key hazards with container cranes: falling loads, collisions, electrical risks (high voltage), working at height, and bad weather. Controls: regular inspection and maintenance, establishing safety zones, communication systems (radio), monitoring weather conditions, operator instruction, and emergency procedures. This is relevant for HSE professionals working in ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Answer: Risks in a busy car park: pedestrian–vehicle collisions, poor visibility (pillars, other vehicles), congestion during peak hours, limited space for pedestrians, and potential crime. Controls: clear markings, separated routes for pedestrians and vehicles, good lighting, speed limits, and security cameras. This is a practical example of risk assessment used in the NEBOSH course.
Answer: ALARP means risks must be reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. This means balancing the cost (in time, money, effort) against the risk reduction achieved. If the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk reduction, you don't have to go further. ALARP is an important concept in NEBOSH IGC and is used in risk assessments across ports, offshore and industrial environments.
Answer: Key tips: 1) Plan your study (around 100–120 hours), 2) Practise with exam questions and scenarios, 3) Understand the concepts rather than just memorising, 4) Practise writing clear, structured answers in English, 5) Prepare for the open-book exam by organising your materials well, 6) Take part in classroom sessions for feedback, 7) Take the practical assignment (IG2) seriously. In our NEBOSH course in Rotterdam you get guidance at every step.
Next step after the NEBOSH practice test
Scoring well on these practice questions and ready to get serious about your HSE career? Take a look at our English-taught NEBOSH IGC course in Rotterdam.