Choosing your qualification
The Institute's academic year opened on 1st August 2017
To sit an exam with the Institute during the 2017/18 academic
year, you will need to register as a student. This can be done
online at www.shipbrokers.org.
Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE)
The Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE) form the pinnacle
of the Institute's qualification. Completion of these exams
is an illustration of one's developed knowledge and understanding
of the commercial shipping industry. It comprises seven exams
which you can do over five years. Out of these, 4 are compulsory
and the remaining 3 can be chosen from a list of 12 optional
subjects (please refer to the syllabus section on our website).
Many people 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 can pick and choose how many
exams to take 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 group 2 list of optional
papers from the Institute's syllabus.
The Foundation Diploma is a standalone qualification in its own
right, but because it can count towards your membership
examinations it is also a great way to ease into study and gives
you an overall view of the business. The Foundation Diploma is
awarded if both subjects are passed in the same exam sitting.
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 and it can
count towards your Professional Qualifying Examinations. It
involves taking the Institute's benchmark paper Shipping
Business plus one other subject from the group 2 list of
optional papers from the Institute's syllabus. The Advanced Diploma
is awarded if both subjects are passed in the same exam
sitting.
