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. 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.

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 an internet forum for applicants studying for the examination 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!

A set of examination papers for a recent examination is available to help applicants decide which modules may be relevant to them. (see right hand side of screen)
Module 1: Safety of Railway Signalling and Communications (Compulsory module)
Module 2: Signalling the layout
  - Layout 1 (Main Line)
  - Layout 2 (Rapid Transit)
Module 3: Signalling principles
  - Layout 3 layout
Module 4: Communications principles
Module 5: Signalling & Control Equipment, Applications Engineering
Module 6: Communications Equipment, Applications Engineering
Module 7: Systems, Management & Engineering