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RailwayEngineer Knowledge Test (49 CFR 240.125)
Twenty flashcards on the written test every locomotive engineer passes before certification and recertification.
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20 cards
- What must the railroad's knowledge test find out?
- Whether the person knows the railroad's rules and practices well enough to operate trains safely.
- Who must adopt and follow a knowledge testing program?
- Each railroad; anyone who breaks that program, from officers to employees, breaks the federal rule.
- Which kinds of engineer service does the knowledge test qualify a person for?
- Locomotive engineer in either train service or locomotive service.
- What form must the test take?
- Objective in nature and given in written form.
- How many subjects must the written test cover?
- Five.
- What are the first two required subjects?
- Personal safety practices and operating practices.
- Which required subject is about checking the equipment?
- Equipment inspection practices.
- Which subject includes knowing the physical characteristics of the territory?
- Train handling practices.
- What is the fifth required subject?
- Compliance with federal railroad safety laws, regulations and orders.
- Can the candidate use open reference books during the test?
- No, unless the test is checking the person's ability to use those books or materials.
- How good must the test be at measuring?
- Good enough to accurately measure the person's knowledge of the covered subjects.
- What can a candidate do if a question is unclear?
- Ask a supervisory employee with territorial qualifications for that territory to explain it.
- How must the conduct of the test be recorded?
- In writing, with enough information to identify the facts relied on for the evaluation.
- What must the test record say at the end?
- Whether the person passed or failed.
- What happens if a person fails the knowledge test?
- No railroad may let them work as an engineer until they pass a reexamination.
- Is the knowledge check only for brand-new engineers?
- No. The railroad must make it before initial certification and before every recertification.
- What written proof of the knowledge test must the railroad keep?
- Documentation that the person either achieved a passing grade or did not.
- Besides knowledge, what must the railroad confirm before certifying?
- Eligibility, vision and hearing acuity, operating skills and, for a first certificate, completed training.
- Does a new engineer's initial training include testing?
- Yes, both knowledge testing and performance skill testing.
- Does learning stop once the engineer is certified?
- No. The railroad must provide continuing education on safety, rules, equipment, train handling and federal rules.
Official sources
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), via eCFR
49 CFR Part 240: Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers
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