On-the-Job Training Standards

For

Conductor Trainees

February 12, 2019 
Page 2 of 13

Foreword

The OJT tasks identified below assumes a continuous and ongoing positive conversation between the designated 

instructor / qualified person and trainee. It means enough opportunity for conversational feedback before, 

during, and after any task is undertaken. The purpose of this conversation is to ensure learning transfer 

occurs. Depending on task complexity and learner skill level, most adults gain mastery of new skills through 

practice and repetition. OJT standards provide the basis for measuring mastery of new skills in a fair and 

objective manner. It is understood that many of the tasks below are presented in a manner that may suggest 

non-complying conditions must be present for the trainee to demonstrate proficiency. That is not the case and it 

is for this reason that a positive conversation between teacher and learner is encouraged throughout the OJT 

process.

Please also note that there is no obligation under 49 CFR Part 243 for employers to train safety-related 

railroad employees on skills they will never apply in connection with their duties. For example, if an employee 

will not be required to perform duties in passenger service, no training on those tasks is required. 
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On-the-Job Training Roles and Responsibilities – Example Template

1. The designated instructor serves as the overall coordinator of the specific OJT program and is primarily 

responsible for:

• Acting as the principal point of contact for the process, and ensuring the process is properly 

implemented. 

• Ensuring that all trainees and qualified persons involved in the OJT process have received hard copies of 

the OJT program or electronic copies of the checklist.

• Providing guidance to both the trainee and qualified person in the process once they have received the 

OJT program.

• Ensuring that trainees have access to all the supporting publications listed in this OJT program. 

• Ensuring the trainee has successfully completed all safety-related tasks to become a qualified member of 

an occupational category or subcategory.

2. The qualified person (sometimes referred to as a peer trainer) may serve as the mentor/coach for trainees. 

The qualified person must be qualified and has a duty to communicate with the trainees to ensure OJT is 

properly administered throughout the process. The qualified person will also provide daily briefings at the 

beginning and end of each day regarding the specific tasks focused on during that day. The trainee may 

perform OJT under the direct onsite observation of any qualified person, provided the qualified person has 

been advised of the circumstances and is capable of intervening if an unsafe act or noncompliance with 

Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders is observed. However, the trainee must demonstrate 

OJT proficiency to the satisfaction of the designated instructor to become a qualified member of an 

occupational category or subcategory. A designated instructor and qualified person can be the same 

person. 

3. The trainee (new hire) has the responsibility to pay close attention to the qualified person providing OJT, 

and to take advantage of the knowledge and experience he or she has to offer. Tracking progress of the OJT 

is essential and is the trainee’s responsibility. Trainees should be aware of, and abide by, the following:

• The designated instructor and/or qualified person will provide practical information and advice on the 

requirements and responsibilities of assigned duties.

• Trainees are responsible for completing any narrative and self-study assignments outside the scope of 

this OJT program. Additional assignments are an integral part of the training experience and must be 

completed before being deemed qualified by the employer. 

• To gain the maximum benefit from the OJT experience, trainees should:

o Remain alert and involved in the training activities. 

o Ask questions and learn from feedback. 

o Take notes and apply previous lessons. 

o Complete all required assignments. 

o Become familiar with and comply with FRA regulations, railroad safety rules, and other procedures 

mandated as a condition of employment by the employer.
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o Develop and maintain a learning attitude.

• The OJT experience is designed to be much more than following a qualified person around and watching 

what he or she does. Trainees must take an active role in the OJT and thoroughly engage in the various 

job tasks outlined in this OJT program.

• Expect the qualified person to say, “Here, you give it a try.” Remember, while progressing through the 

OJT program, trainees can learn skills, to develop knowledge, and to adopt work habits and routines that 

will last throughout a railroad career. 

• Tracking and documenting OJT progress is an essential process step. 

Guidelines for On-the-Job Training Program Coordination and Administration

In most cases, the first week or so of employment will involve administrative details and an overall orientation. 

Although it is understood that a trainee’s duties may overlap with other organizational requirements, each day 

of OJT should focus on one of the major duties of the OJT program to the extent possible. Once the tasks have

been selected, there should be both an initial briefing on the tasks to be completed at the beginning and end of 

each day. 

• The purpose of the debriefing is to go through the day’s activities, and to focus on each of the tasks 

associated with the task selected. 

• There is no required sequential order for completing the OJT associated with any task, and no attempt is 

made to prioritize any tasks. Although OJT should be focused on a task, it is anticipated that the task 

standards will be accomplished based on available training opportunities.

Important Note: Although OJT is a critical aspect of 49 CFR Part 243, FRA will consider, on a case by case 

basis, alternate approaches to OJT in lieu of the traditional approach (see 49 CFR § 243.5- On-the-job training). 

For example, some employers or training organizations may have access to state of the art indoor/outdoor 

training facilities that permit students to practice tasks that require neuromuscular coordination to learn in a 

controlled environment with minimal or no risk of personal injury. Other approaches may include; classroom 

practical exercises, role play, lab simulation, virtual reality (VR), and other emerging technologies. While 

FRA does encourage alternate approaches to OJT to lessen the risk of personal injury exposure to students, 

enough detail must be included in the submission and satisfy the regulatory requirements of 49 CFR § 

243.101(d) (1-3). 
Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

general requirements for 

all train brake systems

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR 

Part 232, Part 238, relevant railroad 

air brake train handling and/or 

operating rules, one oral briefing by 

the designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing, 

and

Explain in detail, with 100% degree of accuracy; 

 The minimum number of operative air brakes in a freight or passenger 

train at any given time.

 The number of operative air brakes required on freight or passenger trains 

receiving a Class I brake test.

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

general requirements for 

all train brake systems 

regarding the securement 

of unattended equipment

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR 

Parts 232 & 238, relevant railroad air 

brake train handling and/or operating 

rules, and at least one oral briefing by 

the designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing, 

and:

Explain in detail, with 100% degree of accuracy; 

 The purpose of venting air from brake pipe at a rate not to exceed a 

service rate and leaving the angle cock in the open position on the first 

unit of equipment left unattended. 

 Number of handbrakes required to be applied on unattended freight or 

passenger cars.

 Number of handbrakes required to be applied on unattended locomotives 

in the lead consist of a train

 Number of handbrakes required to be applied on an unattended 

locomotive consist outside a yard

 Number of handbrakes required to be applied on an unattended 

locomotive consist in a yard

 Requirements for securing the controlling locomotive cab and/or reverser 

on unattended train standing on a main train or siding outside a yard with 

any loaded tank car containing a poisonous inhalation hazard, and/or a 

combination of twenty (20) or more loaded tank cars, or loaded 

intermodal portable tanks with hazardous materials
Page 6 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

requirements for 

performing air brake tests 

from the cab of a 

locomotive or cab car

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR 

Parts 232 & 238, relevant railroad air 

brake train handling and/or operating 

rules, on at least two separate 

occasions, to the satisfaction of a 

qualified person or designated 

instructor, the trainee will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing, 

and:

Explain the requirements associated with each of the following brakes air 

brake tests with 100% degree of accuracy:

 Class I

 Class IA

 Class II

 Class III (freight only)

 Running (passenger only)

 Standing Locomotive Brake Test
Page 7 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Demonstrate an 

understanding of when a 

Class I (Initial Terminal) 

freight air brake test must 

be performed.

Given an opportunity to read 

§232.205, relevant railroad air brake 

train handling and/or operating rules, 

and to assist in performing at least 

three Class I freight air brake tests 

with a designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will:

Find, on two separate inspections, at least 95 percent of any non-complying 

conditions noted by the designated instructor or qualified person, and/or 

confirm compliance with the following:

 Brake pipe pressure within 15 psi at which train will be operated, but not 

less than 75 PSI at rear of train.

 Brake pipe service reduction of 20 psi. 

 After waiting 45-60 seconds, maintaining feature (if equipped) cut-out 

and brake pipe leakage does not exceed 5 psi.

 If used, air flow does not exceed 60 CFM.

 Correct retaining valve position.

 Inoperative brake.

 Brake rigging fouling.

 Excessive piston travel as indicated by badge plate or stencil.

 Insufficient piston travel as indicated by badge plate or stencil.

 Brake connection rods/pins worn or missing.

 Brake shoes worn or missing.

 Brake hose worn.

 Brake pipe insecure.

 Slack adjuster inoperative (if equipped).

 Angle or cut-out cock not properly positioned.

 Inspection of both sides of train.

 Verify release of each brake.

 Roll-by option if used train speed not to exceed 10 mph. 

 Documentation/record for locomotive engineer of Class I brake test 

includes; date, time, number of cars inspected, name of qualified 

person(s) conducting test, and location where test was performed. 

Demonstrate an Given an opportunity to read Find, on two separate inspections, at least 95 percent of any non-complying 
Page 8 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

understanding of when a 

Class IA (1000 Mile) 

freight air brake test must 

be performed.

§232.207, relevant railroad air brake 

train handling and/or operating rules,

and to assist in performing at least 

three Class IA freight air brake tests 

with a designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will:

conditions noted by the designated instructor or qualified person, and/or 

confirm compliance with the following:

 Correct brake pipe pressure.

 Inoperative brake.

 Excessive brake pipe leakage.

 Excessive air flow (CFM).

 Brake rigging fouling.

 Excessive piston travel.

 Insufficient piston travel.

 Brakes ineffective.

 Brake connection pins worn or missing.

 Brake shoes worn or missing.

 Slack adjuster inoperative (if equipped).

 Angle or cut-out cock not properly positioned.

Demonstrate an 

understanding of when a 

Class IA passenger air 

brake test must be 

performed.

Given an opportunity to read § 

238.315, relevant railroad air brake 

train handling and/or operating rules, 

and to assist in performing at least 

three Class IA freight air brake tests 

with a designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will:

Find, on two separate inspections, at least 95 percent of any non-complying 

conditions noted by the designated instructor or qualified person, and/or 

confirm compliance with the following:

 Leakage does not exceed 5 psi per minute.

 Application and release on each car.

 Emergency application functions when required for MU locomotives.

 Angle and cut-out cocks in correct position.

 Communicating signal system or radio functions as intended. 

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

Given an opportunity to read 

§238.305, and relevant railroad rules 

Find, on two separate inspections, at least 95 percent of any non-complying 

conditions noted by the designated instructor or qualified person, and/or 
Page 9 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

interior calendar 

inspection of a passenger 

vehicle.

Note: Only If railroad 

requires non-QMP’s 

(QP’s) to conduct this 

inspection. 

with a designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will:

confirm compliance with the following:

 All fan openings, exposed gears and pinions, exposed moving parts of 

mechanisms, pipes carrying hot gases and high voltage equipment, 

switches, circuit breakers, contactors, relays, grid resistors, and fuses are 

installed in non-hazardous locations or equipped with guards to prevent 

personal injury.

 Floors of passageways and compartments are free from oil, water, waste, 

or any obstruction that creates a slipping, tripping, or fire hazard, and 

floors are properly treated to provide secure footing.

 All D rings, pull handles, or other means to access manual door releases 

are in place based on a visual inspection.

 The words "Emergency Brake Valve" are legibly stenciled or marked 

near each brake pipe valve or shown on an adjacent badge plate.

 All safety related signage is in place and legible.

 All trap doors safely operate and securely latch in place in both the up 

and down position. *

 All vestibule steps are illuminated. *

 All end doors and side doors operate safely and as intended. *

* Trainee should discuss provisions allowing non-complaint equipment to 

remain in service. 
Page 10 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Demonstrate knowledge of 

physical characteristics

NOTE: in accordance with 

§ 242.301

Given an opportunity to ride in a 

locomotive or simulator (type 1 or 2), 

on at least two separate occasions, to 

the satisfaction of a qualified person 

or designated instructor, the trainee 

will conduct a comprehensive job 

safety briefing, and:

Demonstrate their knowledge of the physical characteristics of the territory 

over which they will operate with a 90% degree of accuracy including the 

following that apply:

 Wayside Signals

 Highway crossings at grade

 Railroad crossings at grade

 Pedestrian crossings at grade

 Crossovers

 Control points

 Passenger Stations

 Wayside detectors

 Curves & Topography

 Tunnels & Bridges

 Close clearances

 Interlockings

 Sidings, location and length

 Track speeds

 Remote control locomotive zones

 Quiet zones

 Method of operation

 Joint operations

 Temporal separation
Page 11 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Control a shoving, 

backing, or pushing 

movement to a successful 

coupling or stopping at a 

specified spot using a 

radio.

Given a radio, a locomotive with a cut 

of cars, an engineer, and an employee 

directing the move will conduct a job 

briefing in accordance with CFR Part 

218.99, Part 220.49, and any 

applicable operating rules. On three 

separate occasions, to the satisfaction 

of the designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will

conduct a comprehensive job safety 

briefing, and:

Demonstrate the ability to direct a shoving, backing, or pushing movement 

using only radio communications. This task must be achieved with 100 

percent accuracy and include the following:

 Determine by whom the movement will be directed

 Establish point protection

 Establish what method of communication will be used to control the 

movement

 Specify the distance of the movement.

 Provide remaining distance prior to 1⁄2 the previous distance provided

Demonstrate an 

understanding regarding 

the radio transmission of 

mandatory directives.

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR 

Part 220.61, and to be a member of a 

train or engine crew, on 3 separate 

occasions, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing, 

and:

Demonstrate the following with 100% accuracy and include the following:

 The steps required by a train dispatcher or operator before a mandatory 

directive can be transmitted.

 What information the receiving employee is required to provide before

mandatory directive is transmitted.

 How the receiving employee shall copy the mandatory directive.

 Demonstrate the conversation between the person giving and the person 

receiving the mandatory directive after it is copied.

 Demonstrate how to distribute copies of the mandatory directive to other

train crew members.

Demonstrate an 

understanding of FRA 

definitions pertaining to 

handling equipment, 

switches, and fixed derails.

Given an opportunity to read § 

218.93, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated 

instructor or qualified person:

Explain the definition of the following, achieving an accuracy of 100%:

 Clearance point

 Crossover Switch, including correspondence

 Fouling 

 Hand operated switch

 Track is clear

 Remote Control Zone
Page 12 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Read and understand work 

instructions and prepare 

good faith challenge.

Given an opportunity to read § 218.97 

or any applicable railroad rules, 

demonstrate to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified 

person the ability to:

Explain the procedures of initiating a good faith challenge, and achieve and 

accuracy of 90%

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

requirements when 

shoving or pushing 

equipment.

Given a radio, a locomotive with a cut 

of cars, after reading § 218.99 or any 

applicable railroad rules, on three 

separate occasions, to the satisfaction 

of a qualified person or designated 

instructor, the trainee will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing, 

and:

Demonstrate the ability to conduct shoving or pushing movement with 

achieving 100% accuracy the following, if applicable:

 Provide instructions necessary to control the movement

 Provide point protection

 Visually determine track is clear

 Comply with the conditions required for shove lights

 Comply with additional remote-control movement instructions.

NOTE: The above items must be accomplished without participating in any 

other unrelated tasks

Demonstrate an 

understanding of the 

remote-control locomotive 

operations when shoving 

or pushing equipment

After reading § 218.99 (c, d, and e) or

any applicable railroad rules, 

demonstrate to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will:

Explain the exceptions to providing point protection with 100% accuracy, as 

follows:

 Visual inspection of track,

 Active remote-control zone

 Proper use of shove light system

 Signal governing movement is more favorable than restricting

 Movement does not exceed train’s length

 The track is under the exclusive and continuous control of a yardmaster 

or other qualified employee
Page 13 of 13

Part 242 Subpart B: Program and Eligibility Requirements

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, 

Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Demonstrate the 

exceptions to leaving 

rolling and on-track 

maintenance-of-way 

equipment in the clear

After reading § 218.101 or any 

applicable railroad rules, demonstrate 

to the satisfaction of the designated 

instructor or qualified person, the 

trainee will:

Explain, with 100% accuracy, the exceptions for leaving equipment fouling 

adjacent tracks as follows:

 On the main track

 On a siding

 On an industrial track

 On a yard switching lead

Demonstrate proper use of 

hand-operated switches, 

including crossover 

switches

Given a locomotive with a cut of cars, 

and an engineer the trainee will, after 

reading §218.103 or any applicable 

railroad rules, on three separate 

occasions, will conduct a 

comprehensive job safety briefing and 

demonstrate to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will:

Demonstrate with an accuracy of 100%, their ability to:

 Visually determine that switches are properly lined for the intended route 

and that no equipment is fouling the switches

 Visually determine that the points fit properly and the target, if so 

equipped, corresponds with the switch's position

 After operating a switch and before making movements in either 

direction over the switch, ensure that the switch is secured from 

unintentional movement of the switch points