IRSE Exam Day - October 2026

Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: To be announced (various timeslots available)
Location: Online (secure personal location)

Booking for the exams is expected to open in May and close in August2026

The Exams

IRSE Certificate in Railway Control Engineering Fundamentals (Module A):

• Foundation-level qualification – also a mandatory requirement to sit modules B, C and/or D (for Advanced Diploma)
• Open to all (IRSE membership not required)
• Exam available twice a year (March and October)
• Fee: £ to be confirmed
• Format: one standalone module (Module A), a multiple choice exam

More about Module A and study materials

IRSE Advanced Diploma in Railway Control Engineering (formally IRSE Professional Exam)

• Requires passing Module A first
• Open to IRSE members only
• Comprises three modules: B, C, and D (in addition to Module A)
• Modules B–D are offered once a year (October only)
• Candidates may sit one, two, or all three modules on the same day
• Fee: £ to be confirmed per module
• Format: three essay type questions 

More about Modules BCD 

Not a yet member?
Apply for IRSE membership early to access full study support and exam resources.

Exam Logistics 

Format: online, remotely invigilated
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Exam Conditions: closed book, no study material or external support permitted. remote invigilation and anti-plagiarism software is used 
Declaration: all candidates must agree to the terms and conditions upon booking

Overview of Exam Content 

The Certificate in Railway Control Engineering Fundamentals qualification covers all aspects of railway control engineering at a foundation level. It is a stand-alone qualification as well as being the mandatory pre-qualifier for all wishing to sit the Advanced Diploma in the future. 

The Advanced Diploma in Railway Control Engineering (previously known as "the IRSE Professional Exam") provides one of the main routes to corporate membership of the IRSE and can provide additional qualifications for professional registration. It tests candidates' knowledge of railway signal and telecoms principles and practices.

Support & Resources

Essential reading lists and guidance for both qualifications are available on our website: 
Certificate - Module A
Advanced Diploma – Modules B, C and D 

See our exam support resources pages (some study information is only available to IRSE members).

Do look at our Vimeo study showcase for further study resources

Contact: please contact our exam team via exam@irse.org with any questions