IRSE Professional Examination 2020

Notes for Facilitators and Invigilators

1. Introduction

The IRSE Professional Examination is an opportunity for our members to demonstrate their
knowledge of railway signalling, telecommunications and safety. It is an important date in
the IRSE diary, and our Facilitators and Invigilators play a large part in ensuring the day
works smoothly for the exam candidates.
The IRSE Professional Examination takes place annually on the first Saturday in October. In
2020 this is 3 October for all exam centres. Education & Professional Development
Committee will review whether this October’s exam will take place at the end of May and
announcements will be made end May/beginning June.
The following notes have been collated from the experiences of previous examination
Facilitators and Invigilators and have incorporated good practice from each of the centres.
Please read all this document to understand what you and your colleagues are responsible
for.
2020 is the final year for modules 1-7 to be sat. These in future years will be migrated to
modules B-D, please see https://www.irse.org/Qualifications-Careers/Exam-Support-
Resources/2020-exam-changes for details of these changes.
2020 is also the first year where candidates can sit module A. Education & Professional
Development Committee have agreed that candidates can either sit module A or between
one and four of modules 1-7.
2020 will be the first year that we ask candidates to bring photo identification with them to
the exam centre. This is because there are a number of exam centres being run where the
facilitation/invigilation team do not know all the candidates.

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2. Roles

There are three roles required for exam centres which are detailed in this document. The
summary is:

Senior
Facilitator Invigilator(s)
Invigilator
Responsible for setting up
Can be same person as
exam centre with all
Facilitator
required facilities
Responsible for assisting
Responsible for receiving Facilitator and Senior
Responsible for Invigilator
and storing exam papers
organising invigilators
prior to exam

Responsible for returning

Responsible for exam
answer papers to IRSE
room on the day
Headquarters after exam

Responsible for checking

all candidates' Assists Facilitator
identification See section 6

See section 4 See section 5

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3. Exam Day

The exam day will continue to be split into four sections, to enable candidates to take a
maximum of four modules 1 to 7.
The exact exam schedule for each centre (which modules when) will be confirmed by IRSE
Headquarters and is dependent on how many, and the combination of, modules candidates
are sitting.
For those taking modules 1 to 7 the day will be arranged as follows:

Start Reading Writing Writing Exam Next paper

Break
time time commences time complete commences
10 90 20
Session 1 09:00 09:10 10:40 11:00
minutes minutes minutes
10 90 20
Session 2 11:00 11:10 14:40 13:30
minutes minutes minutes
10 90 20
Session 3 13:30 13:40 15:10 15:30
minutes minutes minutes
10 90
Session 4 15:30 15:40 17:10 End of exam day
minutes minutes

New Module A

2020 sees the introduction of the new Module A which, as a fully invigilated, computer-based
exam, will require the provision of computers or laptops within the exam room or in a
separate exam room. Candidates will not be permitted to use their own laptops unless the
facilitator cannot source sufficient computers or laptops. Module A, like Modules 1 to 7, is a
90 minute exam.

As candidates will not be permitted to take Module A with any of the Modules 1 to 7, IRSE
Headquarters are recommending that Module A is taken in Session 1 above. For the
centres where candidate numbers are low and the combination of modules being sat allows,
IRSE Headquarters will plan the day so that only those taking Module A attend the first
session.

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5. Role and Responsibilities of the Facilitator

Facilitators may separate from the Senior Invigilator, or the Facilitator may undertake both
roles.
Facilitators are responsible members of the IRSE. They will have been nominated by IRSE
Headquarters or IRSE Local Section.
If the Facilitator is unable to provide any of the facilities or has any other problems, please
contact the Head of Membership and Registration at IRSE Headquarters immediately
(polly.whyte@irse.org and +44 20 7808 1187).
5.1. Advance Preparation
The Facilitator is responsible for ensuring a suitable venue is booked, there are sufficient
Invigilators available and IRSE Headquarters are informed of these details. The checklist in
Appendix A will assist you in ensuring all items are considered:
• Venue and facilities
o The venue must be available to the candidates, Facilitators and Invigilators
for the whole examination day (that is from 08:00 to at least 18:00)
o The Facilitator should confirm availability and required set up of the exam
centre approx. 48 hours ahead of the exam day
o If additional arrangements are required (for example security, first aider and
fire warden), these must be confirmed in good time
o Consideration must be given to good accessibility of candidate who may
have mobility problems
o One suitably sized room is required to be the examination room (see
Appendix A for recommended size)
o The examination room should be quiet, with no planned maintenance or
building activities near if possible
o There should be a separate area where refreshments can be taken if
possible
o Toilet facilities are required to be within a short distance of the examination
room
o Equipment to be provided is listed in Appendix A.
• Computing equipment (module A only)
o A computer/laptop for each module A candidate, with screen size of at least
13”
o Internet connection for all computers/laptops in the room
• Facilitator/Invigilator Team
o The Facilitator may also undertake the Senior Invigilator duties, if they don’t
then they must appoint a Senior Invigilator (see section 0)
o It is recommended that there are at least two people in the exam room at any
one time, it is therefore recommended that at least one other Invigilator is
appointed (see section 0) in order to deal with emergencies
o Choice of additional Invigilators is dependent on availability of volunteers, but
care should be taken to be sensitive to gender and cultural backgrounds
o If possible, the same core team should be kept for each year
o The Facilitator should brief the Senior Invigilator and other Invigilator(s) on
the final details of the exam, preferably at least 48 hours before the exam.
o At centres where Module A is being sat, the Facilitator will be given a unique
link to the exam software so they (or delegate the Senior Invigilator) can
check the system and internet connection, preferably at least 48 hours before
the exam.

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 • Candidates
o For exam centres with few candidates, it is considered good practice if the
facilitator contacts the candidates a week prior to the exam to check and
ensure candidate attendance.
5.2. On Exam Day
The Facilitator and Invigilator(s) should arrive at the exam centre at 08:00 and check that all
is as arranged.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
candidates’ identification. All candidates will be asked to bring photo ID to the exam centre.
For each session (module 1-7), answer papers should be distributed to candidates by the
team and a final brief is given by the Facilitator/Senior Invigilator.
For module A, usernames and password should be distributed to candidates by the team
and a final brief is given by the Facilitator / Senior Invigilator.
The exact exam schedule (which shows when each candidate will sit their modules) will be
confirmed by IRSE Headquarters and will be based on the timetable in section 3.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the briefing of
health, safety and security information to all candidates prior to the start of each paper.
With the widespread use of email, scanners, mobile/cell phones etc and the time zone
differences between the numerous countries where the professional exam is sat, there is the
remotest of chances that the exam paper questions could be circulated to other candidates
prior to the exam being sat. It is therefore important, in the interests of fairness to all
candidates, that the IRSE is able to show that it has a process that keeps the questions
confidential until all candidates have completed their examination.
The Facilitator and Invigilators are responsible for collecting back all examination question
papers and layouts after each exam session and moved to a secure area.
Candidates must not be allowed to retain question papers, layouts or rough notes under any
circumstances. Exam papers for modules 1-7 will be available on the IRSE website after the
exams have taken place.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
each of the candidate’s answer sheets to ensure that their candidate number appears on
each sheet.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the collation of all
the papers and completion of the schedule for all candidates, provided with the exam
materials. The schedule confirms that each candidate sat the module(s) they had applied to
sit and states the number of sheets of paper each candidate used (modules 1-7 only).
5.3. On Exam Day (or shortly afterwards)
The Facilitator/Senior Invigilator is responsible for dispatching the module 1-7 answer papers
and the completed schedules in a suitable envelope/parcel without delay to IRSE
Headquarters. It is recommended that couriers are used to ensure the answer papers and
schedules are returned safely.
Module A answers are stored online. The Facilitator/Senior Invigilator does not have to do
any additional sending of files for this.

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6. Role and Responsibilities of the Senior Invigilator

The Senior Invigilator maybe additional to the Facilitator, or the Facilitator may undertake
both roles.
Senior Invigilators are responsible members of the IRSE who have an understanding of the
IRSE professional exam processes and requirements. They will have been nominated by
IRSE Headquarters or IRSE Local Section.
If the Senior Invigilator and/or the Facilitator have any problems, they should contact the
Head of Membership and Registration at IRSE Headquarters immediately
(polly.whyte@irse.org and +44 20 7808 1187).
6.1. Advance Preparation
The Facilitator is responsible for ensuring a suitable venue is booked, there are sufficient
Invigilators available and IRSE Headquarters are informed.
• Facilitator/Invigilator Team
o The Senior Invigilator, if appointed, will communicate closely with and assist
the Facilitator in organising the venue and ensuring there are enough
Invigilators, see section 4.1
o It is recommended that there are at least two people in the exam room at any
one time, it is therefore recommended that at least one other Invigilator is
appointed, see section 0, in order to deal with emergencies
o Choice of additional Invigilators is dependent on availability of volunteers, but
care should be taken to be sensitive to gender and cultural backgrounds
o If possible, the same core team should be kept for each year
o The Facilitator should brief the Senior Invigilator and other Invigilator(s) on
the final details of the exam, preferably at least 48 hours before the exam.
o At centres where Module A is being sat, the Facilitator will be given a unique
link to the exam software so they (or delegate the Senior Invigilator) can
check the system and internet connection, preferably at least 48 hours before
the exam.
• Exam Papers
o The Senior Invigilator will notify IRSE Headquarters of a secure address for
the exam papers to be sent to, these will be despatched by the printers in
plenty of time for the examination day
o The Senior Invigilator must ensure that the papers and associated
documentation are held under secure storage from the time of receipt to the
day of the exam
o Immediately on receipt of the material for the exam the Senior Invigilator is
responsible for checking that the correct number of module question papers
and answer sheets have been supplied for the candidate listed in the
documentation received from IRSE Headquarters
o It is essential to ensure that at least one spare copy of each question paper
is available to cover for potential accidents during the exam. Any additional
photocopies required must be produced under strict controlled conditions to
ensure secrecy prior to the exam.
• Usernames and passwords (module A)
o Usernames and passwords for those candidates sitting module A will be
dispatched to the secure address as notified by the Senior Invigilator.
6.2. On Exam Day
The Facilitator and Invigilator(s) should arrive at the exam centre at 08:00 and check that all
is as arranged.

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The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
candidates’ identification. All candidates will be asked to bring photo ID to the exam centre.
For modules 1-7, answer papers should be distributed to candidates by the team and a final
brief is given by the Facilitator/Senior Invigilator.
For module A, usernames and password should be distributed to candidates by the team
and a final brief is given by the Facilitator/Senior Invigilator.
The exact exam schedule (which modules when) will be confirmed by IRSE Headquarters
and will be based on the timetable in section 3.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the briefing of
health, safety and security information to all candidates prior to the start of each paper.
With the widespread use of email, scanners, mobile/cell phones etc and the time zone
differences between the numerous countries where the professional exam is sat, there is the
remotest of chances that the exam paper questions could be circulated to other candidates
prior to the exam being sat. It is therefore important, in the interests of fairness to all
candidates, that the Institution is able to show that it has a process that keeps the questions
confidential until all candidates have completed their examination.
The Facilitator and Invigilators are responsible for collecting back all examination question
papers and layouts after each exam session and moved to a secure area.
Candidates must not be allowed to retain question papers, layouts or rough notes under any
circumstances. Exam papers for modules 1-7 will be available on the IRSE website after the
exams have taken place.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
each of the used candidate’s answer sheets to ensure that their candidate number appears
on each sheet.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the collation of all
the papers and completion of the schedule, provided with the exam materials. The schedule
confirms whether each candidate sat each module and stating the number of sheets of
paper each candidate used.
6.3. On Exam Day (or shortly afterwards)
The Senior Invigilator is responsible for dispatching the answer papers and the completed
schedules in a suitable envelope/parcel without delay to IRSE Headquarters. It is
recommended that couriers are used to ensure the answer papers and schedules are
returned safely.
The Senior Invigilator is responsible for checking each of the candidate’s answer sheets to
ensure that their candidate number appears on each sheet for modules 1-7. All the papers
should then be collated and the schedule, provided with the exam materials, should be
completed for all candidates confirming whether each candidate appeared and stating the
number of sheets of paper each candidate (modules 1-7).

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7. Role and Responsibilities of the Invigilator(s)

The Facilitator is responsible for finding sufficient Invigilators to cover the examination.
Invigilators should have an understanding of the IRSE professional exam processes and
requirements and not be current exam students.
7.1. Advance Preparation
The Facilitator is responsible for ensuring a suitable venue is booked, there are sufficient
Invigilators available and IRSE Headquarters are informed.
The Facilitator should brief the Senior Invigilator and other Invigilator(s) on the final details of
the exam, preferably at least 48 hours before the exam.
7.2. On Exam Day
The Facilitator and Invigilator(s) should arrive at the exam centre at 08:00 and check that all
is as arranged.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
candidates’ identification. All candidates will be asked to bring photo ID to the exam centre.
For modules 1-7, answer papers should be distributed to candidates by the team and a final
brief is given by the Facilitator/Senior Invigilator.
For module A, usernames and password should be distributed to candidates by the team
and a final brief is given by the Facilitator/Senior Invigilator.
The exact exam schedule (which modules when) will be confirmed by IRSE Headquarters
and will be based on the timetable in section 3.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the briefing of
health, safety and security information to all candidates prior to the start of each paper.
With the widespread use of email, scanners, mobile/cell phones etc and the time zone
differences between the numerous countries where the professional exam is sat, there is the
remotest of chances that the exam paper questions could be circulated to other candidates
prior to the exam being sat. It is therefore important, in the interests of fairness to all
candidates, that the Institution is able to show that it has a process that keeps the questions
confidential until all candidates have completed their examination.
The Facilitator and Invigilators are responsible for collecting back all examination question
papers and layouts after each exam session and moved to a secure area.
Candidates must not be allowed to retain question papers, layouts or rough notes under any
circumstances. Exam papers for modules 1-7 will be available on the IRSE website after the
exams have taken place.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the checking of
each of the candidate’s answer sheets to ensure that their candidate number appears on
each sheet.
The Facilitator is responsible for (or can delegate to the Senior Invigilator) the collation of all
the papers and completion of the schedule for all candidates, provided with the exam
materials. The schedule confirms whether each candidate sat each module and stating the
number of sheets of paper each candidate used (modules 1-7 only).

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Appendix A. Venue, Facility and Equipment Requirements

Requirements
Room • The room should be sufficient for the number of candidates plus
Facilitator/Invigilator Team plus separate room/area for
refreshments
• There should be sufficient computers/laptops available for those
taking Module A (note: if the timetable and number of
candidates doesn’t allow for Session 1 to be just Module A
candidates then a separate room and sufficient invigilators is
recommended by Education & Professional Development
Committee)
• If one candidate is sitting two or more modules at different
times, consideration should be given for separate rooms for
candidates ‘break out areas’
• There should be sufficient space for candidates to wait before
the exam
• A quiet room is required, away from maintenance and building
noises
Desks • Recommended desk size is 1800 x 600mm, 1600 x 800mm, or
equivalent whenever possible to allow room for candidates
undertaking module 2 (layout).
• Desks and chairs to be provided at front and rear of room,
sufficient for all the Facilitator/Invigilator Team
Refreshments • Liquid refreshments should be available in a separate area,
which is only to be accessed between examination sessions.
• Guidance about the availability or non-availability of food should
be provided to IRSE Headquarters so candidates can be
informed at least 48 hours prior to the examination
Toilets • Appropriate toilet facilities are required within reasonable
distance to the exam room
Equipment for the For Module A only:
room • Computers/laptops with screen size of at least 13”
• Internet connection is required for all candidates
For all modules:
• Telephone for the Facilitator/Invigilator team should be available
in the room for emergency communication
• A clock should be visible to all candidates
• A flip chart or white board, visible to all candidates, is needed to
record the start and finish times of exam session
• A supply of black biros, pencils, rubbers etc. should be made
available for back up
Health, Safety and • Security arrangements should be confirmed
Security • A first aid kit should be available

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Appendix B. Checklist for Facilitator, Senior Invigilator and Invigilator(s) team
Senior
Task Facilitator Invigilator
Invigilator
Prior to Exam Day
Find suitable venue, book and inform IRSE
N/A N/A
Headquarters that it is booked
Ensure that IT facilities are available for Module
N/A N/A
A (if being undertaken at exam centre)
Confirm safety and security requirements of
venue, including any specific arrangements on N/A N/A
the day of the exam
Inform IRSE Headquarters of exam centre
details (address, security arrangements, N/A N/A
availability of refreshments etc)
Find suitable Senior Invigilator (if not covered by
N/A N/A
Facilitator) and Invigilator(s)
Facilitator/Invigilator Team confirm availability
for exam day and Facilitator informs IRSE
Headquarters of details of whole Invigilator
Team
(note attendance of 1 or 2 sessions is considered a half day, Confirm to Confirm to
3 or 4 sessions is considered a full day) Facilitator Facilitator
Undertake pre-exam check of Module A
software and internet availability (if being
undertaken at exam centre) N/A N/A
Confirm availability of secure area to store exam
papers and inform IRSE Headquarters of mailing N/A N/A
address
Check the correct number of module question
papers have been supplied (number of N/A N/A
candidates sitting + 1 spare)
Check the correct number of module answer
papers have been supplied (number of N/A N/A
candidates sitting + 1 spare)
Check that all Module A candidates have logins
and passwords allocated (if being undertaken at N/A N/A
exam centre)
Arrange refreshments for exam day where
N/A N/A
possible
Inform IRSE Headquarters of availability/non-
N/A N/A
availability of refreshments on exam day
For small exam centres, remind candidates of
N/A N/A
exam arrangements one week before exam day
Arrange provision of spare black biros, pencils,
rubbers, etc for candidates to use if required
Exam Day
08:30 (or earlier) check venue and facilities are
ready including computers/laptops for Module A

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 Senior
Task Facilitator Invigilator
Invigilator
Ensure all Facilitator/Invigilator Team
understand emergency arrangements
Have spares available for candidates (black
biros, pencils, rubbers, paper clips, etc.) if N/A N/A
required
Lay out correct number of papers for each
session (see schedule)
For Module 3: inspection of candidates’ control
tables (if brought) – these must be blank and
must not include company names
Check candidates against photo identification
and exam paperwork sent to them from IRSE
Brief candidates prior to each exam session:
emergency arrangements, mobile phones
switched off, no unauthorised material or
equipment, location of toilets, etc – See checklist
in Appendix C
On or shortly after exam day
Check the answer sheets from each candidate
to ensure that their candidate number appears Good practice
N/A
on each sheet with no other identifiable to ensure
information complete
Good practice
Collate all exam papers to ensure N/A
complete
Good practice
Complete exam schedule provided by IRSE
to ensure N/A
Headquarters
complete
If required, store all exam papers, answer Good practice
sheets and completed schedule in secure to ensure N/A
location ahead of sending to IRSE Headquarters complete
Dispatch answer papers and schedule to IRSE Good practice
Headquarters as soon as possible after the to ensure N/A
exam complete

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Appendix C. Candidates’ Briefing Checklist
Candidates should be briefed prior to each exam paper.
Requirements
Health, Safety and • What the emergency arrangements are – fire alarm, evacuation
Security route, assembly/meeting point etc
• Location of first aid kit
Exam arrangements • Equipment allowed on desks: black pens, scale rules (metric),
simple calculators (not programmable or data base type),
pencils, and stencils. All other equipment must be put away.
• Mobile phones must be switched off and put away (not on
desks)
• Arrangements for candidates leaving the room
o Temporarily (toilet) under exceptional circumstances
o Completion of exam early – not normally allowed
For modules 1-7
• All papers have initial 10 minute reading time to plan which
questions to answer – writing is not allowed during this period
• All papers have 90 minute writing time
• Reminder to answer the number of questions stated on the
information sheet
• Reminder that they will not score additional marks for answering
more than the required number of questions
• Candidates must write on all answer sheets
o Candidate number
o Module
o Question number and sub question number
o Page numbers
o Candidate names or membership numbers must not be
written on any answer sheets
• Reminder to start a new question on new answer sheet
• Black pen and pencil only to be used. No colour as all exam
papers are photocopied
• Specific requirements for modules:
o Module 2
▪ Graph paper is available
o Module 3
▪ Control tables must be examined by
Facilitator/Invigilator team prior to candidates’
use (if brought)
▪ Blank signal and point control tables are
available
• On completion of exam, candidates to collate answer sheets
and fix together with paper clip
For module A
• Exam is 90 minutes duration
Refreshments • Location of refreshments
• Reminder refreshments are not available during exam sessions

Toilets • Location of toilet facilities

Equipment for the • Location of clock

room • Location of flip chart/white board with start and finish times.
For modules 1-7
• A supply of black biros, pencils, rubbers, paper clips, etc.

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 Security of • If candidates are sitting two or more modules at different times,
information these candidates must not confer between exam sessions
• Reminder that examination being taken across world and
candidates should not pass information to others about the
exam
• Candidates cannot take exam papers away from exam room
• Module 1-7 exam papers will be published later on IRSE
website

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