Eddystone Lighthouse, Plymouth Choosing Your Qualifications
With a reputation for providing a first class education and professional development to the shipping profession, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers' qualifications confer a status not equalled elsewhere in the industry.
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 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. 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.