13-01-2014, 01:36 PM
Hello,
I'm new around here. I have read all the info on the IRSE website, as well as the attached documents around the site. Of course, I haven't understood everything therefore I still have some questions.
First a few words about me, perhaps this will help finding answers for my questions: I'm a 28 years old engineer from EU. I have a M.Eng degree on Intelligent Transportation Systems, with a major in rail. I have 6 years work experience with Traffic Management Systems (multi modal) and for the last 3 years (up to present) I've been working in the rail industry. My company delivers electronic interlocking solutions and I've been dealing with safety-critical software development for the signalling modules (including signalling logic/principle design).
And now the things that are unclear to me:
- what is the difference between an IRSE Member (take the Affiliate Member grade for example) and an IRSE Licence holder? I've read on the site about the requirements and steps to be followed for each one and the fact that there is an extensive examination for both of them, but from the industry point of view, what is the difference between an individual that is an IRSE Member and one that is an IRSE Licenced ?
- what is the exact purpose of the IRSE Exam, what is the outcome of passing the IRSE Exam (M1+another 3 modules) On the site it is stated that in order to be accepted as a IRSE Member with the grade of Affiliate Member, you must pass the Exam. But on the other hand, you must be an IRSE Member to enter the exam. So the exam is required in order to be accepted as an IRSE Member with a certain grade? Or the exam is something independent of the IRSE Member status?
- the first step is to become an IRSE Member, in order to be able to apply for the exam. To become a member, you must submit the application form for the grade best suited for you. But I see that for all grades (including Affiliate) you need to be recommended by two IRSE Members. So, in other words, IRSE Membership application is only available to those individuals that are recommended by existing IRSE Members? What if I don't know any IRSE Members that can recommend me?
- what is the deadline to apply for membership (step required in order to apply for the IRSE exam) ? On the IRSE website it says 28/02/2014, but here on the forum it says end of January
- the IRSE Exam is held in October each year. You can take examination for a maximum of 4 modules in one exam session. You need to pass 4 modules to pass the exam. But you must pass all modules in a single session or, for example, you can take 2 modules in Oct. 2014 and another 2 in Oct, 2015 and still count as a passed exam?
- in the IRSE Exam equivalents guide it is stated that the IRSE Exam is equivalent (and therefore not mandatory) with "an academic qualification to degree level in railway signalling or railway telecommunications engineering from a recognised UK or overseas university or training college". How can I find out if my university is recognised and if my B.Eng and M.Eng majors are valid?
- in the "Membership routes" guide, for the Associate Member grade, it says that I need primary technical calification in the shape of two years post-graduate studies, three years of practical experience and to have currently a Responsible Experience position (as defined in the document). Question: how can I decide if I meet these conditions or not? How can I be evaluated, because there are no detailed informations on the site on how exactly these requirements are assessed (i.e. if my post-graduate studies are accepted, if my experience qualifies for 3years practical and if my current position is accepted as Responsible Experience)?
- IRSE Member and IRSE Exam have different rates? For example, to take this year's exam in order to obtain Associate Member grade, that would be 91 for the member status and 58*4 for the exam with 4 modules, which makes a total of 323£ ?
Thanks in advance for your time and answers.
I'm new around here. I have read all the info on the IRSE website, as well as the attached documents around the site. Of course, I haven't understood everything therefore I still have some questions.
First a few words about me, perhaps this will help finding answers for my questions: I'm a 28 years old engineer from EU. I have a M.Eng degree on Intelligent Transportation Systems, with a major in rail. I have 6 years work experience with Traffic Management Systems (multi modal) and for the last 3 years (up to present) I've been working in the rail industry. My company delivers electronic interlocking solutions and I've been dealing with safety-critical software development for the signalling modules (including signalling logic/principle design).
And now the things that are unclear to me:
- what is the difference between an IRSE Member (take the Affiliate Member grade for example) and an IRSE Licence holder? I've read on the site about the requirements and steps to be followed for each one and the fact that there is an extensive examination for both of them, but from the industry point of view, what is the difference between an individual that is an IRSE Member and one that is an IRSE Licenced ?
- what is the exact purpose of the IRSE Exam, what is the outcome of passing the IRSE Exam (M1+another 3 modules) On the site it is stated that in order to be accepted as a IRSE Member with the grade of Affiliate Member, you must pass the Exam. But on the other hand, you must be an IRSE Member to enter the exam. So the exam is required in order to be accepted as an IRSE Member with a certain grade? Or the exam is something independent of the IRSE Member status?
- the first step is to become an IRSE Member, in order to be able to apply for the exam. To become a member, you must submit the application form for the grade best suited for you. But I see that for all grades (including Affiliate) you need to be recommended by two IRSE Members. So, in other words, IRSE Membership application is only available to those individuals that are recommended by existing IRSE Members? What if I don't know any IRSE Members that can recommend me?
- what is the deadline to apply for membership (step required in order to apply for the IRSE exam) ? On the IRSE website it says 28/02/2014, but here on the forum it says end of January
- the IRSE Exam is held in October each year. You can take examination for a maximum of 4 modules in one exam session. You need to pass 4 modules to pass the exam. But you must pass all modules in a single session or, for example, you can take 2 modules in Oct. 2014 and another 2 in Oct, 2015 and still count as a passed exam?
- in the IRSE Exam equivalents guide it is stated that the IRSE Exam is equivalent (and therefore not mandatory) with "an academic qualification to degree level in railway signalling or railway telecommunications engineering from a recognised UK or overseas university or training college". How can I find out if my university is recognised and if my B.Eng and M.Eng majors are valid?
- in the "Membership routes" guide, for the Associate Member grade, it says that I need primary technical calification in the shape of two years post-graduate studies, three years of practical experience and to have currently a Responsible Experience position (as defined in the document). Question: how can I decide if I meet these conditions or not? How can I be evaluated, because there are no detailed informations on the site on how exactly these requirements are assessed (i.e. if my post-graduate studies are accepted, if my experience qualifies for 3years practical and if my current position is accepted as Responsible Experience)?
- IRSE Member and IRSE Exam have different rates? For example, to take this year's exam in order to obtain Associate Member grade, that would be 91 for the member status and 58*4 for the exam with 4 modules, which makes a total of 323£ ?
Thanks in advance for your time and answers.