Recently I passed the IRSE Module A, and I thought I\u2019d be sharing my thoughts and opinion about it, while it\u2019s still relatively fresh in my mind. This exam, and its other module, has always had a \u2018bad\u2019 reputation, being touted and taunted as a difficult exam, but after sitting for it, I think that perception is not precise. I believe the exam is comprehensive but fair, and you too, can pass it.<\/p>\n
Module A is a certification by IRSE (Institute Railway Signaling Engineer) which was introduced two years ago, and acts as \u2018qualifier\u2019 for the module B, C, and D which is the full certification. Passing Module A results in an IRSE Certificate inFundamentals of Railway Control Engineering (Module A), while module B, C, and D results in Advanced Diploma in Railway Control Engineering (the IRSE Professional Exam).<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s well known and does help in career. It IS UK-centric, in the sense the questions are based on signaling in the UK, but like I said before I think the module is fair and doable.<\/p>\n There are three main sources that I used.<\/p>\n Reading list<\/a> – This list is provided by IRSE themselves. Particularly important is the \u201cBack to Basics\u201d series, which is very important for me since I didn\u2019t have experience of signaling in the UK. My recommendation is to do a read through and make some notes, then revisit later after you do some sample questions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n IRSE Young Members Vimeo<\/a> – There are dozens of sessions from previous year(s) discussing either a certain aspect of signaling and telecom, or a specific focus on part of the exams. Very useful even if you attend the live session, since some calculations benefit from a pause here and there to understand. Plus if you\u2019re like me, you can watch the videos on 2x speed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Study group session<\/a> – other than the one organized by IRSE, there are also other group sessions ran by individuals. I was fortunate enough to join some of them and had greatly benefited.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Time – the reading list might take you around 20-60 hours, depending on how familiar you are with the subjects. For example, I\u2019m from metro so those parts are a breeze, but telecommunications need extra reading. The Vimeos are around 1 hour each and might take around 30 hours to watch. That\u2019s around three seasons of Peaky Blinders that you have to trade with. \ud83d\ude04<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cost – Fee was \u00a3110.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tools – no special tools. Exam was online with invigilation though, so a computer with video capability was needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Motivation – a friend would be helpful. I did this with my friend, Raimi and we both thankfully passed. (Here\u2019s<\/a> his take on the exam)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nHow to study for it?<\/h3>\n
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What\u2019s needed?<\/h3>\n
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What now?<\/h3>\n