Choosing your qualification

The Institute's academic year opens on 15th June 2020.

To sit an exam with the Institute during the 2020/2021 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.

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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 group 1 (except Shipping Business) or from 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.

Please see below the full range of Foundation Diplomas available:

Diploma in Dry Cargo Chartering

Diploma in Ship Operations & Management

Diploma in Ship Sale & Purchase

Diploma in Tanker Chartering

Diploma in Liner Trades

Diploma in Port Agency

Diploma in Logistics & Multi-modal Transport

Diploma in Port & Terminal Management

Diploma in Offshore Support Industry

Diploma in Shipping Law

Diploma in Marine Insurance

Diploma in Shipping Finance

And from this year you can also choose a:

Foundation Diploma in Economics of Sea Transport & International Trade

Foundation Diploma in Legal Principles in Shipping Business

Diploma Qualifications also contribute to PQE credits.

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 group 1 (except Introduction to Shipping) or from 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.

Please see below the full range of Advanced Diplomas available: