Module 1 first ?

[iali2]

Hi All,

I'm a while away from actually sitting the exams, but I am starting thinking about planning for them . I initially thought that its normal to sit module one first, and then consider the other three after. However my research so far tells me this isn't necessarily the case. 

What are peoples views on this, is it pretty common to sit module one first ?. Also the IST would help with modules 2 and 3. Other than reading and practical work experience, are there any courses that might help prepare for module one ?

Many thanks !

[PJW]

Hi All,

I'm a while away from actually sitting the exams, but I am starting thinking about planning for them . I initially thought that its normal to sit module one first, and then consider the other three after. However my research so far tells me this isn't necessarily the case. 

What are peoples views on this, is it pretty common to sit module one first ?. Also the IST would help with modules 2 and 3. Other than reading and practical work experience, are there any courses that might help prepare for module one ?

Many thanks !

Generally I would say module 1 last.   It needs experience and not easy to teach on a course or from a book. A broad understanding of most, if not all, the other modules is alll but essential.  There are exceptions to that rule; someone who has been involved in Safety Management in another industry and had joined the railway mid career, gained an understanding of the terminology and environment but had yet to acquire the detail could well find that mod 1 first might be sensible- otherwise not.

In my view IST is definitely helpful for mod 2, but insufficient.  Helps a bit on mod 2 but rather less so; does the bare minimum for the Control Table question but that is one only now (at most) one third of the exam.  Of course it gives you a basic understanding for (some of) the other questions, but I'd say only the basis from which to start learning.

Definitely no one course for mod 1, nor do I think there could be, short of thinking in terms of a university style course lasting a year and a mixture of reading, lectures, exercises, site visits and practical assessments.  However there are certainly some one / two day courses, seminars etc that willl definitely help on some elements as part of education helping you on the way.  Could do worse than learning about CSM-RA, CDM etc.

[dorothy.pipet]

I would say pick the module that is closest to your day-job first; you can do them in any order so start with your strongest.

You will need to study for yourself rather than taking training courses. Yes IST contributes to the knowledge you need for Mod2 and Mod3 but there is a lot more to it.
Best ways forward are to work through the study guides (Mod3 is a good one, and the old mod2 is excellently thorough, not sure about the others) and find a study group to join (likely to start seriously in January).