Professional Qualifying Examinations
The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) provides a thorough understanding of shipping business for the ambitious professional and all successful candidates should go on to be Members and eventually Fellows of the Institute. The qualifying examination is made up of 16 subjects split into 3 groups:
Students have to sit and pass a total of 7 subjects to qualify for Institute membership. The subjects must include: All four subjects in Group 1; at least one subject from Group 2; and any two other subjects from the list of Optional Papers (Groups 2 and Group 3 subjects).
The Institute allows a student 5 years from the date they first register with the ICS to complete all subjects required for qualification. However, they must attempt at least 2 subjects in the first year, including the compulsory subject, Shipping Business. After the first year, students may attempt as many subjects as they wish at each sitting but they must pass the seven subjects within the five year period. If they fail a particular subject, it may be retaken the following year.
PQE Course Overview