Associate Membership refusal.

[Peter]

I was considering sitting the exams, it,s would be a lot of work to extend my knowledge to achieve passes in 4 modules but with effort I feel I could have a good go. I,ve read though some sample questions and as a result feel more positive about sitting the exams.
However on reading though the membership application form less so, I am worried that I have learned my signalling knowledge though experience,reading and a general interest in the signalling equipment I,ve installed each working day for the last 15 years or so, rather than formal signalling courses or a university degree.
Also at my low level,( licensed signalling installation team leader), I simply don,t know any IRSE members or fellows who could sign my application form.
I am prepared to do the work but worry that after passing the exams I still would not be excepted for membership.
Please advise is membership not an option for someone like me?

If you are a licence holder why do you not apply for the Accredited Technician grade of member. It is tailor made for the qualifications / experience that you will have for getting your licence. The other option for the purposes of taking the exam is the Associate as opposed to the Associate Member. The associate is for someone who works in the industry but does not have the formal training. See the IRSE site for details of the application forms for the relevant grades.

In terms of getting proposers to support your application, I do not know who you work for, but if they are employing licence holders, I would be surprised if there are no members. For the AT or A grade, you do not need anything above member grade supporters. If you are struggling, let us have some information (either by PM or post here) and we will try to point you in the direction of someone local who may help, alternatively, contact Christine White from the IRSE whose job it is to advise on membership matters.

Peter