(26-01-2012, 10:01 AM)Jerry1237 Wrote: The results seem to indicate:
1) the exam isn't easy;
2) the failure rate decreases for the more specialised modules;
3) it would appear people are applying before they are ready (but no indiciation if that is coporate pressure or misunderstanding of the level required) but the number of near misses is interesting;
4) there needs to be an audit on one of the older M1 papers versus the last two years for complexity.
It would probably be useful to discuss with the exam panel whether the level of rigour has changed with respect to marking the papers. However, that the standard of paper appears not to have dropped and the Institution is not trying to massage figures gives me great encouragement. We [as an industry] need to address how to train, mentor and support people into improving their level of skill which will allow them to pass the exam.
Jerry
I now know that in more than one company in India there is corporate pressure on those who joined the industry only 6 months ago to attempt all 4 modules in 2012.
Thinking back to BR days when a graduate (in 1980s terms rather a rarer commodity than in 2011 terms) joined the industry they were spoon fed a training scheme deliberately designed to give a wide experience for 2 years, during which time expected to do nothing really productive. Then a year in their first appointment, including attending a pair of 2 week courses specifically geared to the examination, so they would sit the equivalent of 4 modules after 3 years. It is just not reasonable to expect those in what is probably a very production focussed, insular design office environment to achieve the same within the same period- most certainly not within just one year of employment in the industry. No wonder the failure rate is so appalling.
PJW