In order to become a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), exams in 7 shipping subjects have to be passed. There are four obligatory subjects, the rest may be chosen from the remaining catalogue of exam options. Students who can provide an IHK certificate on their completed apprenticeship as Schifffahrtskauffrau/-mann can apply for two exemptions (for the subjects Introduction to Shipping and Marine Insurance) with the ICS. More information on this can be found on this website under Student Information.

The preparation for the exams offers an excellent opportunity to extend or deepen your shipping knowledge, depending on which branch you work in or what kind of experience you have gained so far. The preparation courses/exams are also designed for people who have not undergone classic shipping training. The preparation courses as well as the exams are held in English.

There are various options for preparing for the exams:

ICS Online Academy

The traditional evening classes offered by the London School of Shipping restarted in 2021-2022 in a new format via the ICS Online Academy. This study option is specifically designed to help students prepare for their exams in May and is available to all students worldwide who do not have any other support accessible locally. Courses are offered for all ICS exam subjects enabling you to prepare for PQE as well as the Foundation and the Advanced Diploma. Courses are taught by the the London School of Shipping tutors online. Each subject is taught every second week over several classes from January to May each year.

Included in the Online Courses bundle:

  • E-books
  • Live classes
  • Revision
  • Q&A
  • Forums
  • Masterclass and Workshops
  • Exam Prep
  • Workbooks
  • Self-Assessment
  • Mock Exam
  • Examination
  • Professional Certification

For more information about the Academy and to book a course, contact the ICS in London via phone: +44 (0)20 7357 9722 or e-mail to shipping-school@ics.org.uk

Information can also be found at: www.ics.org.uk/online-academy.

Correspondence course (tutorship programme) offered by the ICS London

Facts on the tutorship programme:

  • Includes a course book and a workbook exclusively available to tutorship students
  • Includes exam entry fee for the chosen subject
  • Experienced tutors look after the students, who learn at home and send their coursework to the tutors for judgement/comments.
  • A series of 11 online tutorials on fundamental shipping topics, only available to Tutorship students

To find out more about the tutorship programme, please visit the ICS website ics.org.uk => Tutorship

Studying on your own

A third study option is to simply order the ICS course books from the London Head Office and prepare for the exams on your own. Many additional learning resources and tips for studying are available on the ICS website => Publications and learning resources

If we have raised your interest in a possible membership or the educational opportunities that the ICS offers, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.