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Frequently Asked Questions
What career prospects can I expect from gaining membership to the ICS?
The ICS is today the only internationally recognised professional body representing shipbrokers, ship managers and agents throughout the world. Although we cannot give you any specific indications on your future prospects, we can tell you that the ICS examinations are held in very high regard and are recognised by employers around the world.
It may be of benefit to you to visit the website of Spinnaker Global Shipping Recruitment, our preferred recruitment partner – www.shippingjobs.com. They quote “The ICS is the only source of professional and vocational qualifications in shipping. Take it from us – all other things being equal, the ICS qualified candidate will get the job” and are well placed to offer you some career advice.
What subjects can I take?
If you are taking the Foundation Diploma you must take Introduction to Shipping. You can then choose from any one of the following:
- Dry Cargo Chartering
- Ship Operations & Management
- Ship Sale & Purchase
- Tanker Chartering
- Liner Trades
- Port Agency
- Logistics & Multi-modal Transport
- Port and Terminal Management
- Offshore Support Industry
If you are taking the Advanced Diploma you must take Shipping Business. You can then choose from any one of the following:
- Dry Cargo Chartering
- Ship Operations & Management
- Ship Sale & Purchase
- Tanker Chartering
- Liner Trades
- Port Agency
- Logistics & Multi-modal Transport
- Port and Terminal Management
- Offshore Support Industry
If you are taking the PQE you must take 7 subjects over 5 years. All of the compulsory subjects below must be taken over your period of study:
- Introduction to Shipping
- Legal Principles in Shipping Business
- Economics of Sea Transport & International Trade
- Shipping Business
Shipping Business is compulsory in the first year, the others can be taken throughout the duration of your course.
The remaining subjects can be chosen from those listed below to make up your seven subject requirement:
- Dry Cargo Chartering
- Ship Operations & Management
- Ship Sale & Purchase
- Tanker Chartering
- Liner Trades
- Port Agency
- Logistics & Multi-modal Transport
- Port and Terminal Management
- Offshore Support Industry
- Shipping Law
- Marine Insurance
- Shipping Finance
If you have some industry experience or have any prior qualifications you may be eligible for some exemptions. If you send us a copy of your degree certificate and let us know about your industry experience, we will be able to advise you further.
Where can I get books from?
ICS Tutorship course books are available as part of your Tutorship course, along with a CD Rom and an allocated tutor who will help guide your study. Tutorship is available from our London head office, or through your local Distance Learning Centre.
If you would like to self study, you can purchase the books from the Institute using Book Catalogue and Book Order Form. We should however point out that the full value of the books is only truly realised when you are able to complete the set assignments and the mock exam with the help of an approved tutor.
What exemptions can I get?
All exemptions are granted on an individual basis. In order for us to provide you with an accurate response please send copies of any degree level qualification certificates and transcripts that you may have as well as an indication of what length of experience you have within the shipping industry to exemptions@ics.org.uk. We will review your case and notify you of the exemptions we will grant you.
What is the pass mark?
The pass mark for each module is 50% and over. A pass with distinction indicates that you have achieved 80% or higher.
What is the pass rate?
The pass rate isn’t publicly available because it varies year on year according to the quality of the cohort of students that sits the exams.
If you prepare well for the exams, and attend your classes regularly, or submit all of your tutorship assignments and the mock exams, you will be well placed to succeed in the exams. There are also Student News e-zines that circulate in the months leading towards the exams with hints and tips for success.
How long will it take me to become a member?
To complete PQE, which makes you eligible for membership, you will need to take a total of 7 exams over 5 years (although, many people complete in a much shorter period of time).
If you have any prior qualifications or industry experience, it’s likely that you will be eligible for some exemptions, which will reduce the number of exams you will need to take. We will need a copy of your degree certificate if you would like us to advise you further.
I cannot sit my exams as planned. What should I do?
Please email us at enquiries@ics.org.uk to request a Compassionate Consideration form. Once you submit this we will review your case for you.
I would like a copy of an older examination paper. Is this possible?
We make the past 3 years exam papers available on our website as well as the accompanying examiners reports to help you with your studies.
Unfortunately, it is the policy of our Education and Training Committee not to release examination papers after this date. However, if you are looking for some further guidance with your exams, there are mock examinations in the back of each of our Tutorship course books. If you are enrolled in Tutorship, we strongly recommend that you complete your mock exam, under exam conditions, and submit it to your Tutor for feedback. Our research tells us that year on year, over 80% of students who complete all their assignments and submit their mock exams pass their examinations.
I registered in London but would like to sit my exams in another country?
That is fine. You can change your examination centre easily if it is to one of our designated centre, simply email us your request at enquiries@ics.org.uk.
What is membership to the ICS equivalent to?
Membership and Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is regarded as equivalent to a first class degree and is accepted as a qualifying requirement for entry to a Masters Degree course at certain Universities.
I completed a foundation diploma several years ago, can I continue with my studies?
Please request our Compassionate Consideration Form from enquiries@ics.org.uk. When filling it in please give as much detail as possible so we can find your details on our system. We’ll be able to review your case independently and get back to you.
I started my exams some years ago, can I finish them now?
Please request our Compassionate Consideration Form from enquiries@ics.org.uk. When filling it in please give as much detail as possible so we can find your details on our system. We’ll be able to review your case independently and get back to you.
