ISRI Entrance Examination study plan

Build a personal reference sheet listing the ISRI-style grade categories for the major ferrous scrap types and the distinguishing physical features of each

Classify 20 photographed or in-yard scrap samples into the correct ferrous grade and justify each choice in writing

List the common contamination and preparation defects that downgrade ferrous scrap and describe how each is detected visually

Distinguish the major nonferrous families (copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, nickel/stainless, brass/bronze) by color, density, magnetism, and spark or fracture behavior

Sort a mixed set of 25 nonferrous samples into correct grade groups and flag ambiguous pieces for further testing

Explain how alloying and coatings (e.g., insulated wire, plated material, mixed alloys) affect nonferrous grade and value

Describe the basic steelmaking and ironmaking flow and where scrap enters the process as feedstock

Explain how alloying elements and residual elements affect ferrous scrap acceptability and mill specifications

Summarize the metallurgical differences among key nonferrous metals that drive their recycling grades and separation methods

Re-classify 15 previously mislabeled or ambiguous samples using metallurgical reasoning

Match each major processing equipment type (shear, baler, shredder, granulator, eddy current separator, magnet, wire chopper) to the material streams it serves

Sequence the steps for preparing a mixed nonferrous stream from receipt to saleable sorted product

Identify the safety hazards associated with each major piece of processing equipment

Explain how sizing, densification, and separation choices affect the saleable grade of output

List the core yard safety practices covering mobile equipment, material handling, cutting, and confined or elevated work

Describe the environmental compliance obligations for stormwater, air emissions, fluids, and regulated waste at a scrap facility

Explain how to recognize and respond to hazardous or prohibited materials arriving in inbound loads

Outline the documentation and training records a compliant facility must maintain

Explain how weighing, tare, and moisture or contamination deductions affect payable weight and settlement

Compute net payable value for several inbound and outbound transactions including deductions and unit conversions

Describe how scrap prices are quoted and how ferrous and nonferrous market drivers differ

Explain the roles of brokers, mills, and exporters in price formation and how hedging or fixed-price contracts manage risk

Identify the key regulatory categories affecting scrap trade, including export controls, environmental rules, and documentation requirements

Describe the transportation requirements for moving scrap by truck, rail, and ocean container, including loading, securing, and weight limits

Explain the trade documentation needed for a scrap export shipment and the common errors that cause delays

Summarize how classification and contamination affect regulatory and customs treatment of a shipment

Explain how accurate grading, weighing, and communication build customer trust and repeat business

Describe how to handle a grading dispute with a supplier using evidence and clear documentation

Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and review every missed item to its source domain

Revisit and update the weakest reference sheets from earlier weeks