A pathway to qualifications: tips on passing safety exams

There are different approaches to learning when preparing for examinations such as health and safety tests and qualifications, and it is therefore a good idea to identify the learning and preparation techniques that work best for you beforehand.

However, it is generally considered that the best way of reinforcing and retaining the knowledge gained during a training course or a period of personal study is to use a combination of learning techniques. 

One well-known learning theory is the VARK model, developed by New Zealand educator Neil Fleming. This model is based on the theory that individuals have a preferred way of receiving and processing information (for example, when studying), and categorises learners into four types. These are:

• Visual (prefers information presented through charts, graphs, flowcharts, maps, and diagrams, etc.)
• Auditory (prefers listening to information via lectures, group discussions, podcasts, and audiobooks, etc.)
• Reading/writing (prefers text-based input and output, such as reading textbooks, writing lists, and taking detailed notes)
• Kinaesthetic (prefers hands-on practice, physical movement, simulations, and real-life demonstrations). 

As a result, when studying, learners may automatically lean towards their preferred learning technique, as it may feel the most comfortable. However, arguably the best way to ensure we learn in ways that allow us to most effectively gain, retain and recall the required information and knowledge is to push ourselves and use a range of different learning methods – not just those we feel most comfortable with. 

Benefits of multiple learning methods
A good, practical example of the benefits of using all four learning modes is the best practice approach to conducting a suitable and sufficient health and safety risk assessment. To learn more about the task we are assessing we must watch the activity (Visual); speak to those doing the work (Auditory); read legislation, Approved Codes of Practice, guidance and other sources of information to ensure the assessment covers all the necessary areas and is legally-compliant (Reading/Writing); and carry out the task ourselves where possible to ‘step into the shoes’ of the workers who undertake it to help us properly consider the hazards and risks (Kinaesthetic). 

When studying for exams, using a mix of learning methods will increase the likelihood of you remembering the information – and make it easier to recall and apply the knowledge gained further in the future.

When attending a safety training course, it is perhaps easy for learners to default to simply focusing on passing the exam itself, to ensure they satisfy the requirement to ‘pass the course’. 

However, a good training course will also focus on how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the actual workplace. For learners, practising applying the knowledge and skills gained from the training in real-life work situations will also aid their long-term retention of the information they have just been taught. 

It therefore makes sense for learners to practise applying the skills and knowledge they have just been taught at the same time as they are actually attending the course, or in the period just afterwards, while they are studying for the post-course examination. This is because practical application of the information in a real-life work setting will aid the learning process – and, in turn, increase the likelihood of passing the end-of-course exam. It will also increase the chances of being able to apply the knowledge effectively at work in the future. 

Structured revision plan
All students wish to pass their exams first time, and those attending safety courses and studying for safety qualifications are no different.

The best strategy for exam success is to build a structured revision plan. When planning how to make the best use of your study and revision time, it is best to consider what your revision goals are. For example, if you wish to achieve a specific revision goal within a defined period – such as reading all the course notes in full and practising exam papers within a certain number of days – then work out a timed plan for completing this in manageable stages. For instance, it might be appropriate to have a plan and a target of, say, reading 10 pages of course notes a day and completing one exam question a day. 

However, it is essential to set a realistic schedule that ensures you both remain fully engaged with the revision process and have sufficient time to rest and take breaks. This will help to avoid stress and burnout, which will seriously hamper the learning process. 

Sian Mudge is a health and safety trainer at British Safety Council. 

Connect with her on LinkedIn.