Newbie to IRSE

[merlin89]

Hi,
I currently work for a company that makes signalling simulators have experience in creating SSI data and ARS data and am looking to make a start on my IRSE licence. Just need a pointer on how to begin my studies I believe that modules 2 and 3 are the most relevant to my role. Should I obtain the study packs and begin from there? Your help is greatly appreciated. By the way having read through the forum its pretty awesome, clean clear design, very informative, an excellent tool in helping students.

[Peter]

Don't get confused between licensing and the exam. The latter is a route to Membership of the Institution (and shows a broad general understanding of the industry) whereas the former is a demonstration of the competence required for a specific role which is not dependent on being any form of member. However, study for the exam will contribute to underpinning knowledge which is vital for the job and thus be of great help for obtaining a licence.

The study packs are certainly useful tools. You come at an interesting point in the cycle - the annual exams are on Saturday and since the study pack is sent to you when you register for a particular module, I'm not sure whether the exam office is ready to register people for the 2009 exams yet.

What experience do you have signalling the layout and producing control tables? Also, do you have anyone nearby who has taken recent exams and may have some copies of old blank layouts?

Thanks for the feedback on the forum and hope we can be of some help over the coming months.

[PJW]

Hi,
I currently work for a company that makes signalling simulators have experience in creating SSI data and ARS data and am looking to make a start on my IRSE licence. Just need a pointer on how to begin my studies I believe that modules 2 and 3 are the most relevant to my role. Should I obtain the study packs and begin from there? Your help is greatly appreciated. By the way having read through the forum its pretty awesome, clean clear design, very informative, an excellent tool in helping students.

I am sure you are right re the choice of modules to start with- probably mod 3 more than mod 2. However be aware that although the mod 2 Study pack is designed to help the lone student as a form of teaching aid, the mod 3 Study pack takes a different approach and you might be disappointed in it. I can hardly be unbiased re commenting on the quality, but I suspect that in terms of quantity the mod 2 pack is equal to all the rest put together.

The Study Packs used to be for sale; since 2008 they are issued when you apply to sit the relevant module in the exam and included in that cost. I am not sure whether
a) you can obtain separately
b) you can apply for the 2009 exam now.
Certainly if the system doesn't allow a student to start studying well in advance of the examination, then there is something wrong with the system. Give it a go; contact Christine White at IRSE and ask.
Let me know how you get on.

No certainty yet what events the YM can offer for 2009 but there is the hope that there may be several. However useful a one-off day is, obviously regular sessions at a Study Group are better- however many can't attend due to locations, times etc. We'd like to make this Forum more active as a virtual Study Group; currently considering how to do this. One pre-requisite is knowing how many would be interested in which modules; mod 3 would certainly be easier than mod 2 via this route- indeed you'll notice that 2008 has featured one particularly active student on Control Tables.

How did you learn SSI data- from SSI8003 series and / or data prep course?
Presumably you read Control Tables but no experience of writing them?


One thing: I noticed in your Bio (thanks- many give little clue and it is always easier to have some idea about background) that you said want to start on IRSE licence. Although certainly complementary, I assume you are aware that IRSE Exam is completely separate to IRSE licence?

PJW

[merlin89]

I'm interested more in the challenge of learning and being tested on that knowledge and as I see the IRSE exams are so unlike the CISCO'esque exams where regurgitation of what you have learned is par for the course. A virtual study group is an excellent idea one which I would find extremely useful given family commitments etc to log on for an hour or two in the evening is much more convenient than driving for up to an hour stuck in traffic then study. In regards to SSI data prep - from the manual but its very helpful working for one of the men who invented it to ask any questions. Likewise with ARS data prep and I have done a little SPAD data prep and some elementary control table preparation. Like all of this things from the manual/spec/book but we have some very experienced people to call upon.
Many thanks for your help, so will get those study packs ordered and crack on with it expect many questions to follow!