Examinations
For the IDE examinations Entrants to the Institute are expected to offer themselves as soon as possible after entry for the IDE examinations. These test the candidate’s knowledge, experience and competence in demolition engineering.
There are two parts to the examinations, taken on the same day.
Exam contents
Part 1 is over 45 minutes and is a multiple choice paper covering aspects such as legislation, codes of practice and health and safety. Candidates are expected to attempt all the questions.
Part 2 takes three hours and is a specialised subject section. Entrants must complete three questions from a choice of six. The questions consist of “case studies” and require the experienced knowledge of a demolition engineer.
The pass mark for both parts of the examination is 70%. There is no limit on the number of times the examination may be taken within two years of joining.
Exam regulations
The Institute has stringent procedures for our examinations. These can be found in full here .
Preparation Day
To support candidates with understanding of the rationale behind our questions and to learn how to structure answers, we hold two preparation days each year. This is mandatory for those sitting the exams for the first time. Information about dates and locations for these sessions for 2024 can be found on the booking form here.
The Preparation Day will also offer advice on managing timeframes, on the examination rules, infringement penalties and our results appeal process.
New Examination sessions and Preparation days just announced for 2025. You can download the 2025 booking form here.
Where and when?
Examinations are currently held twice in each year. The main examination centre is at the IDE Headquarters in Kent but we do arrange regional centres if there are sufficient candidates.
The address is Office 2 Innovation Studios Medway, 1044 Canal Road, Rochester, Kent ME2 4DT.
Planned dates for preparations and examinations can be found on the booking form and on the Events page.
To book an examination and preparation day during one of our two sessions in 2024, please fill out this form and send it to Isobel Woodbury.
New Examination sessions and Preparation days have just been announced for 2025. You can download the 2025 booking form here.