Studying
Study packs to help prepare applicants for the examination are available free to charge to exam applicants or are available for purchase from the publications & goods page. Study groups are held at a number of centres to provide further support. There is also a new internet forum for applicants studying for the examination, www.irseexam.co.uk, which has been set up to encourage applicants studying for the exam to share successes, and problems. Tutors will be regularly visiting the site, and will be happy to answer your queries - this will only evolve if it is used, so log on!
Important News: April 2008
The IRSE examination regulations have been amended. It is no longer necessary to take all four modules within a five year period.
Important dates
…NOTICE… For IRSE Exam candidates.
Due to a problem with our email system, we may not have received your application to sit the IRSE exam if you emailed it to us from 3 to 10 April. In that case, could we ask you to resend it please.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
30 June 2008 - closing date for submission of applications to sit the 2008 IRSE exam.
25th June, Watford Training School – Module 3 exam study Day – Implementation of Signalling Principles. Details here.
16/17 August 2008 - IRSE YM exam study weekend at Derby for modules 2 and 3. Details here.
4 October 2008 (Saturday) - IRSE examination - London and various other venues
More information
Application form for 2008 exam
Information for Students
Examination equivalents/alternatives
Reading list
Study groups
Syllabus (2008 exam)
Examination Regulations
www.irseexam.co.uk
If you need any further help, please contact the Professional Development Manager.
The IRSE professional examination provides one of the main routes to corporate membership of the Institution. It is designed to test students' knowledge of railway signal and telecommunications principles and practices and is modular in nature, to permit students to sit modules that are relevant to their particular subject specialism and experience. The examination is held in a number of centres around the world, generally in early October. Applicants must already be members of the Institution and all applications to sit the examination must be made by 30th June of that year.
The modules are:-
Module 1: Safety of Railway Signalling and Communications (Compulsory module)
Module 2: Signalling the layout
Module 3: Signalling principles
Module 4: Communications principles
Module 5: Signalling & Control Equipment, Applications Engineering
Module 6: Communications Equipment, Applications Engineering
Module 7: Systems, Management & Engineering
The examination syllabus provides a description of the topics covered in each of the modules and indicates the breadth and the depth of knowledge required.
To achieve success in the examination, it is necessary to achieve a Pass in four modules, one of which must be module 1, over a period of a maximum of 5 years. The person with the highest marks in any one year, depending upon the marks achieved, is considered for the Thorrowgood Scholarship Award. This provides a cash sum to be used to further an individuals interest in railway signalling and telecommunications and usually comprises an organised technical visit to a railway administration and/or a supplier.