Choosing Your Qualification
Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE)
The Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE) form the pinnacle
of the ICS qualification. Completion of these exams is an
illustration of one's developed knowledge and understanding of the
commercial shipping industry. It comprises 7 exams which you
can do over 5 years. Many people however complete in a much shorter
time, and are often also eligible for exemptions to some exams
based on industry experience and prior qualifications.
Exemptions don't apply to the Diplomas, so if you are eligible for
a few, it may make sense to start your journey with PQE.
Embarking on PQE will mean you need to sit a minimum of two
exams in your first year (one of which must be
Shipping Business), and can pick and
choose how many to take thereafter from the syllabus.
Once you have completed your PQEs you will be eligible to
apply for membership with the Institute.
Foundation Diploma
The Foundation Diploma is ideal for people with little industry
experience, but who would like to gain practical knowledge and a
sound qualification. It involves taking the Introduction to
Shipping paper plus one other subject from the list of
Optional Papers of the ICS syllabus.
The Foundation Diploma is a standalone qualification in its own
right, but because it can count towards your membership
examinations it's also a great way to ease into study and gives you
an overall view of the business.
Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma has been designed as a stepping stone into
full professional qualification and suits those who have some
industry knowledge. Like the Foundation Diploma, the Advanced
Diploma is a recognised and respected qualification. It
involves taking the ICS benchmark paper Shipping
Business plus one other subject from the list of
Optional Papers of the ICS syllabus.