FAQ 14: When I took exams at school / college, I had additional help, can this be arranged for the IRSE exams?
Yes. Any candidate who has a diagnosed SEND condition is eligible for reasonable adjustments. To discuss this with the exam team, please email them at exam@irse.org.
FAQ 15: I'm busy on 26 March / 1 October 2022, can I sit the exam on another day?
No. Exam day is for all candidates.
We have given candidates various timeslot options for the Certificate (Module A) on 26 March 2022 in order for them to plan their day's activities around the exam.
We hope that we are able to do this also for the exam modules on 26 October 2022.
FAQ 16: Will there be two opportunities to sit the exam every year in the future?
It is the intention to give candidates the opportunity to sit the Certificate (Module A) twice yearly (in March / April) and October, but keep the Advance Diploma modules (Modules B, C and D) as yearly.
This is subject to Education & Professional Development Committee approval and sufficient candidates for the March / April Certificate (Module A).
FAQ 17: I can't type quickly. Can I have additional time?
No. Additional time is only allowed for those candidates who declare they have a specific need for this (see FAQ 14 and exam terms and conditions).
Questions for the Certificate in Railway Control Engineering Fundamentals (Module A) are multiple choice / similar requiring very little typing.
Questions for the Advanced modules (Modules B, C and D) are mainly essay-type questions which can be typed or hand written, although candidates are encouraged to type answers directly into the exam software, if they can, to make use of the grammar / spell checkers and to ensure that examiners can read their answers. You may also wish to hand draw sketches to supplement your answer. Time will be allocated for uploading these handwritten / hand drawn sheets.
FAQ 18: My English isn't very good. Can I have additional time?
No. All modules are set in English and require answers in English.
The exam software for the Advanced modules (Modules B, C and D) has inbuilt grammar and spell checkers which will help you if you type your answers directly into the exam software.