Someone contemplating a journey from A to B would probably:
a) know something about the destination- (where it was, what it was like, intended arrival time, why they desired to get there etc.),
b) make sure that they were aware of the various options, ensure that any applicable constraints were taken into account and have what resources they needed to undertake the journey,
c) be sure where they were actually starting from.
Similarly for a railway project it is important to have:
a) a specification of what is required to be achieved,
b) understanding of the factors that constrain how it could be implemented, and
c) the knowledge of the existing status of the infrastructure etc.
It should be no different for you deciding to sit the IRSE Exam; you should:
a) make sure you are clear about the role of the exam, have a “high level” appreciation of the kind of things that the examiners are looking for (show knowledge, display understanding, demonstrate skill), know the style of the questions and the details of the syllabus for each individual module,
b) check the “small print” so that you are fully informed about the logistics regarding applying to sit the exam, the examination rules (including possible exemptions) and other such details. Also consider what personal constraints will apply to your studying (time, financial cost, availability of source study material, opportunities for specific training, general support available from employer and family),
c) assess the current state of your knowledge and experience to comprehend your starting position; the equivalent of a “condition survey and correlation” before designing signalling alterations for a project.
To make this easier I have posted 2 attachments-
1. the first gives information about the IRSE exam itself [a and first part of b]- this links to official documents on the IRSE website but attempts also to summarise the most important facts and give some additional insights,
2. the second focuses on you [second part of b and c]. Obviously it cannot give facts; rather it is a series of prompts to encourage you to take some time to think about your own situation. In particular it includes a list of exam elements against which you can record your assessment of your own state of knowledge; this can help you determine where you should be directing your attention in your studies. This should help you assess the scale of the task to help you decide upon a reasonable objective and make you consider how you’ll achieve. It also should be a useful summary of your situation should you wish to share it with others to give you some advice.
