Career Details

Conductor Certification

Description

FRA's rule for certification of conductors, as required by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, was issued to ensure that only those persons who meet minimum Federal safety standards serve as conductors, to reduce the rate and number of accidents and incidents, and to improve railroad safety. The rule requires railroads to have a formal program for certifying conductors. As part of that program, railroads are required to have a formal process for training prospective conductors and determining that all persons are competent before permitting them to serve as a conductor. The rule prescribes minimum Federal safety standards for the eligibility, training, testing, certification and monitoring of all conductors to whom it applies. The rule does not restrict a railroad from adopting and enforcing additional or more stringent requirements consistent with the rule. The conductor certification requirements prescribed in the rule apply to any person who meets the definition of conductor contained in the rule, regardless of the fact that the person may have a job classification title other than that of conductor.

Certifying Organization

United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Details

If significant education or training is needed? Yes

If significant work experience is needed? Yes

Is an exam required? Yes

How many years until certification must be renewed? 1 year(s)

Certification can be renewed with Continuing Education Units? Unknown

Certification can be renewed with re-examination? Yes

Certification can be renewed with Continuing Professional Development? Unknown

Certification can be renewed in multiple ways? Unknown

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