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Licence categories available |
IRSE Licensing |
The category descriptions shown in the large table on this page will help you decide whether the particular licence category/categories you propose to obtain is/are appropriate for the work you do. To view/download the full licence standard click here.
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Code |
Licence Category Name |
Pre-requisites |
Category Description |
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Signalling Design |
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1.1.100 |
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Covers the role of anyone who assists with signalling design work under the direction of a licensed designer. |
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1.1.150A Replaces 1.1.130
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Covers the role of anyone who produces scheme design documents such as scheme plans, control tables, aspect sequence charts, outline project specifications etc. |
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1.1.150B Replaces 2.1.210 (Signalling)
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Covers the role of anyone who produces application designs for systems such as electronic signalling control and display systems, train describers, hot box detectors, CCTV for level crossings, panel multiplexers, safety-related data transmission links etc. |
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1.1.150C Replaces 1.1.110
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Covers the role of anyone who produces design details for signalling systems that use standard circuits, data constructs and other standard designs, where knowledge of signalling principles is not required. |
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1.1.150D Replaces 1.1.130
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Covers the role of anyone who produces wiring design details that requires understanding of signalling principles, e.g. for relay interlocking. |
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1.1.150E Replaces 1.1.130
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Covers the role of anyone who performs data preparation for safety critical parts of signalling systems, where an understanding of signalling principles is required, e.g. for software-based interlocking. |
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1.1.160 |
1.1.150 A, B, C or D |
Covers the additional role for signalling designers who perform independent checks of another person’s design work. |
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1.1.145 Replaces 1.1.140
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Covers the engineering management of a design group consisting of a number of design teams engaged on separate projects or discrete parts of a larger project. |
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Signalling Installation |
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1.2.100 |
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Covers installing and wiring signalling or control systems equipment under the direction of a licensed signalling installer. |
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1.2.110 |
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Covers installing and wiring signalling equipment, using measuring equipment, and carrying out installation integrity checks, such as wire counts and continuity checks. |
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1.8.100 Replaces 1.2.130 & 1.4.130
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1.2.110 Or 1.2.105 Or 1.2.115E/M or 1.4.110 Or 1.4.120 Or 1.4.230 |
Covers organising and controlling work activities of a team or teams; ensuring that sufficient resources are available and contributing to technical leadership on engineering activities; and also responsible for the work of the team and the handover to others. The holding of the Signalling Installer licence is a pre-requisite for this licence for leaders of installation teams. |
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1.2.140 |
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Covers managing installation groups, each consisting of a number of teams engaged in the installation of signalling equipment. |
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1.2.105 |
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Covers installing and maintaining at least one, (two if one is mechanical), of the following types of points:- Mechanical, Electrical, Pneumatic, or Hydraulic and other associated equipment. Capable of performing basic electrical integrity checks, to check the function and set-up of the installed detection components. Capable of setting up safe systems of work at all times. |
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1.2.115 |
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This licence category may be held by locking fitters capable of installing and maintaining Signal Locking Frames and/or associated Electrical Equipment. A locking fitter
holding the 1.2.115M (Mechanical) category will be capable of making,
installing, and maintaining Mechanical Locking in accordance with approved
designs and specifications. All locking fitters will be capable of setting up a safe system of work at all times, and in particular when working on operational equipment. |
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1.3.150 |
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Covers the role of undertaking tests under direction on signalling components and equipment in accordance with the test specifications and plans. |
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1.3.155 Replaces 1.3.160
1.3.155y Replaces 6.2.165
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Covers the role of undertaking tests on signalling components and equipment in accordance with the test specifications and plans (typically in preparation for Functional Testing). The Verification Tester is given the test plan for the work to be completed, rather than being required to develop it. The Verification Tester licence category is awarded for demonstration of competence in one or more of the following Modules: Module 1.3.155X - Verification Tester – Operational Environment Module 1.3.155Y - Verification Tester – Non-operational Environment Module 1.3.155Z - Verification Tester - Cables |
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1.3.170 Replaces 1.3.160
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Covers the role of undertaking the testing and inspection activities of signalling systems and equipment to provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm that they comply with the design specification, meet the requirements appropriate to the application and are fit for entry into service. |
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1.3.180 |
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Covers the role of undertaking testing activities which are independent of the design; and provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm that the operational, technical, and safety principles demanded by the designated authorities have been validated. |
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1.3.190 |
1.3.170 Or 1.3.180 |
Covers the role of defining and controlling the testing activities; ensuring that suitable and sufficient evidence is gathered to confirm that the system meets the requirements appropriate to the application, and is fit for entry into service. Applicants will be capable of identifying the testing requirements and developing a test plan which is sufficiently robust to ensure that the system meets the requirements. They will also be capable of modifying the test plan as required in a controlled manner and dealing with situations that may arise, which result in restricted use of the system Applicants for the award of a licence in this category must hold a current Signalling Functional Tester licence (1.3.170) or Principles Tester (1.3.180) or qualify for an exemption as specified in the IRSE Licensing Scheme Pre-Requisite List. |
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1.3.260 Replaces 2.3.260 (Signalling) |
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Electronic Systems
Testers are responsible for ensuring the conformity of high integrity
electronic systems to the authorised design as part of the tester's
installation ('new works') and maintenance activities. Electronic Systems
Testers are also to be capable of introducing, or reintroducing, the system
and equipment to service following such work, as long as it does not directly
interface with the safety-critical signalling. |
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Signalling Maintenance |
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1.4.100 |
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Covers the role of maintaining and rectifying signalling or control systems equipment under the direction of a licensed maintainer. |
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1.4.110 |
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Signalling Maintainers will be capable of maintaining or rectifying signalling systems and equipment, completing integrity checks on their own work, instigating testing where necessary and identifying where independent testing is required. |
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1.4.120 |
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Signalling Fault Finders will be capable of locating and diagnosing faults in signalling systems and equipment where the preservation of evidence is not necessarily required. The type and range of problems and faults cover both simple and complex faults due to environmental factors, ageing, human error, inherent design problems and may be either right side or wrong side failures. |
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1.4.230 |
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Combined Signalling Maintainers & Fault Finders will be capable of maintaining or rectifying signalling systems and equipment, completing integrity checks on their own work, instigating testing where necessary and identifying where independent testing is required. They will be capable of locating and diagnosing faults in signalling systems and equipment where the preservation of evidence is not necessarily required. The type and range of problems and faults cover both simple and complex faults due to environmental factors, ageing, human error, inherent design problems and may be either right side or wrong side failures. |
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1.4.125 |
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Incident Investigators will be capable of: Initiating investigations based on reports concerning incidents and irregularities Identifying relevant evidence and arranging for its preservation Identifying the need for, and where necessary obtaining, additional technical expertise Prepare action plans for testing Identifying the need to summon more senior and experienced investigators before arranging investigation work and the resumption of train operations Ensuring system safety by managing the risk Implementing the required procedures in connection with any of the above tasks |
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1.4.140 |
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Maintenance managers will be capable of managing a maintenance group or supervising a number of teams engaged in maintenance, fault finding and asset management of signalling equipment |
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1.4.160 Replaces 1.3.160 |
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Signalling Maintenance Testers will be responsible for undertaking the testing activities in support of the maintenance of operational signalling equipment Whilst undertaking testing activities they will Identify the testing requirements Undertake defined tests Identify where systems and equipments are not to specification Provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm that the renewed and repaired signalling equipment is fit for entry into service |
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1.8.100 |
1.2.110 Or 1.2.105 Or 1.2.115E/M or 1.4.110 Or 1.4.120 Or 1.4.230 |
Covers the role of organising and controlling work activities of a team or teams; ensuring that sufficient resources are available and contributing to technical leadership on engineering activities, and also be responsible for the work of the team and the handover to others. The holding of a Signalling Maintainer licence is a pre-requisite for leaders of maintenance teams. |
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2.1.105 Replaces 2.1.100
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An Assistant Telecoms Designer, will be capable of designing or modifying telecommunications systems under the direction of a licensed Designer, gathering the available information on a design project and checking its completeness and relevance. |
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2.1.115 Replaces 2.1.110 & 2.1.210 (Telecoms)
& 2.1.215 (Telecoms) |
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A Telecoms Designer will be capable of designing telecommunications systems to the client’s requirements, using current and approved technology. Designs should comply with current standards and regulations. A Telecoms Designer will be responsible for designing within an overall budget and meeting the agreed timescales in accordance with quality standards |
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2.1.145 Replaces 2.1.140 |
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A Telecoms Design Manager, will be capable of managing a design group in the production of the design details for railway telecoms systems. The design group could comprise of a number of design teams on separate projects or discrete parts of larger projects. They must provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm that the design complies with the scope of works, the customer’s requirements, employer’s procedures and that operational, technical, and safety principles have been met. |
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2.2.110 |
2.8.140 |
Telecommunications Installers will be capable of installing operational railway telecommunications systems and equipment, and carrying out integrity checks. Licence applicants will typically work in one or more of the following areas of telecommunications systems and equipment: transmission systems including radio, bearer systems, SCADA, operational telephone switches and systems, CCTV and information systems on or about the railway. |
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2.3.155 |
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You, as a Telecoms Tester will be capable of following a prepared test plan, carrying out defined tests, ensuring that test results are within specification and carrying out functional tests before bringing new or altered telecom equipment into service. Telecomms Testers will need to verify that the test plan is appropriate for the equipment being tested. Any deviations from the plan would be escalated in accordance with company procedures. The licence is intended for staff carrying out minor works installations, or staff working as part of a testing team under the supervision of a tester in charge. |
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2.3.265 Replaces 2.3.260 |
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You as a Telecomms Systems Tester will be capable of preparing test plans for approval, co-ordinating a test team, carrying out tests, ensuring that test results are within specification and that functional tests are carried out before bringing new or altered telecom systems into service. Telecomms Systems Testers will need to ensure that the test plan is appropriate for the system being tested and may adapt the plan to the meet the specific circumstances, identifying any restrictions that need to be imposed on the system prior to bringing into service. The licence is intended for staff involved in minor works or schemes, including anyone performing the role of tester in charge
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2.3.295 Replaces 2.3.290 |
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You as a Telecomms Testing Manager will be capable of ensuring that : - · Test plans are carried out by competent staff · Test results are verified before bringing telecom systems into service, agreeing any operating restrictions that may be required · Specified criteria are met prior to handing the system over.
Telecomms Testing Managers will be capable of developing the overall test plan for the system being tested, preparing, checking/approving test plans and co-ordinating testing resources. The licence is intended for managers involved in testing of major schemes, including anyone performing the role of commissioning manager.
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Telecomms Maintenance |
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2.4.105 |
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A Basic Telecoms Maintainer license covers undertaking planned preventative maintenance, undertaking activities against a given maintenance schedule on operational railway telecoms systems; excluding all forms of fault finding, or equipment replacement activity. |
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2.4.106 |
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A Basic Telecoms Maintainer and Fault Finder undertaking planned preventative maintenance and will be capable of undertaking activities against a given maintenance schedule on operational railway telecoms systems. You will also know the limits of your own authority and the actions to be taken on discovering a failure of, or a deficiency in, a telecoms asset, and will seek guidance as and where necessary. Where the identified defect is within your limit of responsibility you will be capable of locating and diagnosing basic failures, carrying out integrity checks and returning system to service. |
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2.4.115 Replaces 2.4.110 |
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Telecommunications maintainer & fault finders are capable of: maintaining operational railway telecommunications systems and equipment rectifying defects locating and diagnosing failures carrying out integrity checks and testing returning system to service. Applicants will typically work in one or more of the following areas of telecommunications systems and equipment: transmission systems including radio, bearer systems, SCADA, operational telephone switches and systems, CCTV and information systems on or about the railway. |
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2.4.145 |
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Maintenance managers will be capable of managing maintenance groups; each consisting of a number of teams engaged in the maintenance, fault investigation and assets management of telecommunications equipments |
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2.4.160 |
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Telecomms Maintenance Tester & Failure Investigators will be capable of undertaking testing activities on alterations to previously working and commissioned operational telecomms systems where the equipment has been replaced on a like-for-like or operational equivalent basis. They will also follow a systematic process when undertaking investigations into reported safety related telecomms failures Whilst undertaking testing/investigations activities they will: Identify the testing requirements Identify and report where systems and equipment are not to specification Provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm that renewed or replaced telecomms equipment is fit for entry into service |
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2.4.220 |
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Telecomms Network Management Engineers will be capable of remotely interrogating and configuring safety critical operational telecomms systems and equipment. They will also be capable of locating and diagnosing failures and carrying out integrity checks. Licence applicants will typically work in one of or more of the following areas of telecomms systems and equipment: transmission systems including radio, bearer systems, SCADA, operational telephone switches and systems, operational safety-critical information systems, or safety-critical operational CCTV systems. |
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2.8.140 Replaces 2.4.135 & 2.2.130
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Telecoms Team Manager |
2.2.110 |
You as a Telecoms Team Manager are capable of organising and controlling work activities of a team or teams; ensuring that sufficient resources are available and contributing to technical leadership on engineering activities within your level of authority. |
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6.8.105 |
Engineering Manager (Engineer) (Units 3 and 4)
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Engineering Managers (Engineer) will have responsibility for managing information to recommend decisions to Lead or Senior Engineers. They will be capable of seeking correct information, analysing the information and recommending decisions. They also provide advice and information on aspects of S&T engineering within their job role. They will be capable of managing the activities for which they are responsible, ensuring that the safety of the operational railway is taken into account in all aspects of their area of responsibility. Engineering Managers (Engineer) will, within the field of either railway signalling or telecommunications engineering, perform the following: - Assist with the making of critical decisions - Manage activities There are two mandatory Units (Units 3 and 4) for which applicants will need to demonstrate competence [*]. Applicants will also need to demonstrate competence in at least one of the following optional modules covering their area of responsibility. See below for more details. Module A – Corrective and Preventive Maintenance Module B – Installation Module C – Testing and Commissioning Module D – Audit Module E – Design Module F – Project Engineer Module H – Technical Investigation Module L – Produce Specifications Module M – Engineering Studies * Note: Units 1 and 2 are part of the Lead Engineer licence category, and are not applicable to the Engineer licence category. |
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6.8.110 |
Engineering Manager (Lead Engineer) (Units 1 and 2) |
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Engineering Managers (Lead Engineer) will have responsibility for converting their organisation’s strategy and policy for Signalling or Telecommunications engineering into practical objectives for implementation within their areas of responsibility. Applicants will be capable of initiating change to existing policies or suggesting new ones. They will be capable of managing the work activities of their area of responsibility/team, interpreting or implementing S & T policy, and ensuring that the safety of the operational railway is taken into account in all aspects of their area of responsibility. They will be capable of seeking correct information, analysing the information and taking critical decisions. They also provide advice and information on aspects of S & T engineering within their job role. Lead Engineers will, within the field of either railway signalling or telecommunications engineering, perform the following: Make critical decisions Manage activities There are two mandatory Units (Units 1 and 2) for which applicants will need to demonstrate competence. Where applicants have previously been assessed for the 6.8.105 Engineering Manager (Engineer) licence category some of the evidence collected for units 3 & 4 of that category may contribute towards units 1 & 2 of this category. Applicants will also need to demonstrate competence in at least one of the following optional modules covering their area of responsibility. (click on the titles for more details) Module A – Corrective and Preventive Maintenance Module B – Installation Module C – Testing and Commissioning Module D – Audit Module E – Design Module F – Project Engineer Module H – Technical Investigation Module L – Produce Specifications Module M – Engineering Studies |
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6.8.110A |
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Covers managing the maintenance activities of signalling or telecommunications equipment and systems ensuring that: - Maintenance plans are prepared - Resources are identified and utilised - Documentation is provided - Achievement of the plan and maintenance standards are monitored - Faulty equipment is returned to a safe operational state in a timely manner - There is a process for monitoring trends |
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6.8.110B |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110 |
Covers the managing of installation activities within signalling or telecommunications projects ensuring that: - Installation plans are prepared - Resources are identified and utilised - Documentation is provided to installation staff - Achievement of the plan and installation standards are monitored - The installation is completed and handed over for testing in accordance with applicable standards |
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6.8.110C |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110
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Covers the Engineering Manager’s duties in testing and commissioning; responsible for ensuring all aspects of testing and commissioning activity are carried out in accordance with company, infrastructure controller and statutory requirements. |
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6.8.110D |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110
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Covers the role of planning and auditing compliance with statutory and company specifications, reporting on compliance and following up any non-conformities raised. |
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6.8.110E |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110 |
As part of an engineering manager’s duties in managing the design process, they will be capable of supporting the design process of signalling or railway telecommunications systems. They will be responsible for ensuring that systems are in place such that sufficient resources are allocate to design projects and that a review of completed projects is undertaken |
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6.8.110F |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110 |
Covers the Engineering Manager’s duties in managing project; responsible for the implementation of the S or T engineering part of the project. Applicants may be part of a multi-disciplinary team directed by the project manager. They would be responsible for the effective use of engineering resources in either S or T or both, within the project, which may include directly employed staff, contractors and sub-contractors. |
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6.8.110H |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110 |
Covers the Engineering Manager’s duties in technical investigations; responsible for technical investigations that establish the condition and performance of signalling or telecomms systems and equipment. Applicants will also provide advice and make recommendation on the suitability of equipment and systems and also identify appropriate remedial actions. A detailed technical knowledge of signal or telecomms equipment and systems relating to the area of responsibility is required. This option typically covers those engineers providing 2nd or 3rd line support and carrying out detailed technical investigations on S or T systems and equipment. |
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6.8.110L |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110
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Covers the development and production of specifications to meet clients’ S&T engineering requirements. This involves firstly understanding the clients’ needs, and then translating those into a formal specification using a structured process. |
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6.8.110M |
6.8.105 Or 6.8.110 |
Covers all work activities where investigative work is performed in order to solve problems, identify opportunities, or analyse options. Applicants will, in undertaking or managing engineering studies, be responsible for: - Ensuring that the objectives, scope and parameters of each study are clearly defined and agreed with the client; - Undertaking engineering studies in a systematic manner, collecting and analysing information, generating and evaluating options, and producing conclusions and recommendations - Presenting the findings of the study in the required format and to the agreed timescales |
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6.8.131 6.8.132 6.8.133 |
Engineering Manager (Senior Engineer)
Unit 5 Unit 6 Unit 7
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6.8.110 |
The Senior Engineering Manager is capable of managing engineering groups, strategy or policy within the field of either railway signalling or telecommunications engineering. The applicant may be operating in one of these fields. Evidence from both is not required. Senior Engineers will, within the field of either railway signalling or telecommunications engineering, perform the following: - Make Critical Decisions - Manage Activities - Manage Strategic Activities Applicants will need to demonstrate competence in Units 1 and 2 of the Lead Engineer licence category (see above for details), and also in one of three higher level units (Units 5, 6, 7 – indicated on the licence as 6.8.131, 6.8.132, 6.8.133) in order to qualify for a Senior Engineer licence. Applicants can choose which of these three units (5, 6, or 7) they decide to offer evidence for. If applicants already possess a current Lead Engineer licence when they apply for a Senior Engineer licence, they will not need to repeat Units 1 and 2, since they will already have provided evidence of competence for these units when they obtained the Lead Engineer licence. |
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6.8.131
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Engineering Manager (Senior Engineer) Unit 5
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6.8.110 |
Covers reviewing external and internal operating environments. This unit is about evaluating and improving the environment in which the applicant’s organisation operates. This involves reviewing the organisation’s external operating environment, evaluating the competitors and potential partners, developing good relationships with the organisation’s stakeholders, and reviewing the organisation’s structures and systems. |
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6.8.132
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Engineering Manager (Senior Engineer) Unit 6 |
6.8.110 |
Covers establishing strategies to guide the work of the applicant’s organisation. This unit is about strategic planning. This involves helping to create a shared vision and mission for the organisation, helping to define its policies and values, formulating objectives and strategies, and gaining support for the strategies being proposed. |
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6.8.133 |
Engineering Manager (Senior Engineer) Unit 7
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6.8.110 |
Covers evaluating and improving organisational performance. This unit is about managing the strategic performance of the organisation and achieving necessary improvements. This involves developing measures and criteria to evaluate the organisation’s performance, carrying out evaluations, and finding the reasons for success and failure in the organisation’s strategy |
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1.2.230 |
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Covers the implementation of the signalling engineering part of the project. Applicants may be part of a multidisciplinary team and may also cover Project Management activities for engineering aspects of a project. These activities may include any or all of the design, implementation, system assurance, installation, test & commission and post commissioning activities. Applicants would be responsible for the effective use of signalling engineering resources within the project, which may include directly employed staff, contractors, and sub-contractors. They will advise the project manager on decisions effecting signalling systems. They would be required to assess the impact of requested changes to the signalling system, and propose effective solutions in co-operation with the other engineering functions and the customer. They would be responsible for the operation of the system to ensure that the implemented design, including any changes, is approved by the appropriate authorities. The approved design is to comply with project and external engineering standards, and regulatory requirements and guidance. They must be capable of managing the integration of the project in the railway environment. |
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2.2.230 |
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Covers the implementation of the Telecommunications engineering part of the project. Applicants may be part of a multidisciplinary team and may also cover Project Management activities for engineering aspects of a project. These activities may include any or all of the design, implementation, system assurance, installation, test & commission and post commissioning activities. Applicants would be responsible for the effective use of telecommunications engineering resources within the project, which may include directly employed staff, contractors, and sub-contractors. They will advise the project manager on decisions effecting telecoms systems. They would be required to assess the impact of requested changes to the telecommunications system, and propose effective solutions in co-operation with the other engineering functions and the customer. They would be responsible for the operation of the system to ensure that the implemented design, including any changes, is approved by the appropriate authorities. The approved design is to comply with project and external engineering standards, and regulatory requirements and guidance. They must be capable of managing the integration of the project in the railway environment. |
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Miscellaneous |
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4.2.100 |
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Covers installing and maintaining low voltage (LV) power supplies for traction and associated equipment, and providing relevant safety protection, under the direction of a Electrical traction Technician(4.2.110). This licence category covers low voltage overhead and 3 & 4 rail systems. It does not cover high voltage systems. |
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4.2.110 |
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Covers installing, maintaining, fault finding and cable jointing of low voltage (LV) traction power distribution systems and associated circuits. The licence holder will also be capable of setting up a safe system of work in both the electrical and railway environments and directing the work of assistants. This licence category covers low voltage overhead and 3 & 4 rail systems. It does not cover high voltage systems. |
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6.2.115 |
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Factory installers assemble and wire electrical and electro-mechanical signalling and telecommunications equipment to specifications, and undertake integrity checks on their own work. This licence category does not cover work undertaken on, or adjacent to commissioned safety critical equipment. |
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6.4.230 |
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Technical investigators shall be capable of in-depth technical investigation of signalling or telecomms systems and equipment to: - Identify relevant information regarding failures and incidents - Establish equipment and system condition and performance - A detailed technical knowledge of equipment and systems relating to the area of responsibility is required - Evidence may be accepted for carrying out an investigation that was not in response to a failure - Technical investigator licences for either operational environment (6.2.230X) or Non operational environment (6.4.230Y) |
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6.4.235 |
6.4.230 |
Lead technical investigators shall be capable of in-depth technical investigation of signalling or telecomms systems and equipment to: - Identify relevant information regarding failures and incidents - Establish equipment and system condition and performance - Give advice and make recommendations on suitability of equipment and systems and identify appropriate remedial actions - A detailed technical knowledge of equipment and systems relating to the area of responsibility is required - Evidence may be accepted for carrying out an investigation that was not in response to a failure |
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6.5.100 |
Information Manager |
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An Information Manager, will have responsibility for managing information, to recommend decisions to others, and be capable of seeking correct information, analysing the information and recommending decisions. They should also be able to provide advice and information on aspects of S&T engineering within their job role. |