Good Luck with the ICS Exams

This time of year means just one thing for some young students in the shipping industry; their Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers exams. These important exams are looming now and it’s likely that most students will truly have their heads buried in their books.

The ICS is the professional body for members of the commercial shipping industry, founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920. It is the only internationally recognized professional body in the commercial maritime sector representing all section of commercial shipping such as brokers, managers and agents, with 24 branches in key locations all over the world and a membership of over 4,000 individuals.

The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) is the top ICS qualification, which is designed to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the commercial shipping industry. The PQE is made up of seven separate exams that can be taken over a period of five years, although most people complete them more quickly.

Embarking on PQE will mean you need to sit a minimum of two exams in your first year (one of which must be Shipping Business), and after that you can decide which subjects to take from the syllabus. Once you have completed your PQEs you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Institute.

t.ward shipping recognizes the contribution ICS has made to the commercial shipping industry in the UK and worldwide which is why we ensure that all of our new employees take steps to completing the Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE) in topics such as Shipping Law and Dry Cargo Chartering (and more.)

There are other educational options with the ICS such as foundation diploma and advanced diploma, but only those who complete the PQE are eligible for membership of the ICS. Whichever avenue a student chooses to take, they can be sure the education they will get from the ICS will be a tremendous foundation to work from in their professional shipping career.

Our very own Callum Hamilton (MICS) completed his PQE in 2011 gaining membership to ICS in 2012. His hard work also gained him the Port Agency prize for best marks in the Port Agency exam in 2010.

Callum was delighted with his award and said, “All students want to pass their exams, and the target is always the pass mark, but it’s a real bonus when your hard work is recognised and rewarded.”

To all the students preparing for 2015 exams in April, t.ward shipping would like formally wish you good luck and best wishes.

For more information on the ICS please go to http://www.ics.org.uk/home