Exam support resources - Principles of railway control and communication systems (module C)
Aim of the module
This module builds on the broad understanding of module A and assesses, in more depth, your understanding of the principles of operation of railway control and communications systems and sub-systems.
This paper combines the previously available modules of signalling principles (module 3), communications principles (module 4) and part of signalling the layout (module 2). These were available until October 2020, with the exception of module 2 which awaits an exam date.
This module is a compulsory module for the Advanced Diploma in Railway Control Engineering (also known as the IRSE Professional Examination). If you have passed at least one of the previously available modules (modules 1-7), then use the online checker tool to see whether you are exempt from passing this module.
Syllabus
The syllabus for principles of railway control and communications systems (module C) can be downloaded here and is in the document library below.
Latest exam paper
This module will be available for the first time in 2021. For you to gain an understanding of the types of questions, the 2020 signalling principles (module 3) paper can be downloaded here and the 2020 communications principles (module 4) paper can be downloaded here. Signalling the layout (module 2) has not yet been sat in 2020 so the 2019 paper can be downloaded here. A sample question paper has also been written and can be downloaded.
Study materials
Logged in IRSE members (if you are not already logged in please do through this link) can download support materials for principles of railway control and communication systems (module C) of the exam from the document library at the end of this page, please scroll down (visible to logged in members). Study videos are also available for members and non-members on IRSE's Vimeo channel via https://vimeo.com/showcase/study - please note that these videos are based on previously available modules, so look for videos about modules 2, 3 and 4.
New study guide from combined previously published study guides is in the document library below (visible for logged in members only).
Prerequisites
To apply to sit principles of railway control and communication systems (module C) of the exam, you must:
- be a member of the IRSE with your subscription payments up to date, and
-
eitherhave passed one or more exam module(s) (module A or at least one module of the previously available modules (numbered modules 1-7))
- or, for 2021 only, have a declaration signed by an IRSE Member (MIRSE) or Fellow (FIRSE) that you are ready to sit your exam module(s) in October 2021 (note - this has changed at the request of Education & Professional Development Committee in March 2021)
If you are not already a member of the IRSE, please ensure that you have sent your membership application in by 12 February in order to sit modules B, C and/or D in 2021.
Applications
Applications to sit principles of railway control and communication systems (module C) of the exam will open in early April 2021 and close at end July 2021 to sit the exam on Saturday 2 October 2021. Details will be announced on the main exam webpage, through IRSE member ebulletins and via social media.
Location of the exam
There will be no exam centres in 2021, with all exam candidates sitting the exam at a suitable location for them. Candidates will need a computer or laptop and a reliable internet connection which can access the exam website and software. Candidates will be given access to practice sessions to ensure that this works for them.
Document library (visible to logged in IRSE members only)