Certified Conductor Practice Examination

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Certified Conductor Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following best defines a conductor’s primary responsibility

under FRA regulations?

• Manage freight billing
• Inspect locomotive engines
• Ensure safe movement of trains and compliance with operating rules
• Supervise mechanical maintenance

Rationale: Conductors are legally responsible for the safe operation and

compliance of trains under 49 CFR Part 242.

• What document governs a conductor’s certification requirements?
• 49 CFR Part 240
• 49 CFR Part 242 1 / 4

• 49 CFR Part 228
• 49 CFR Part 219

Rationale: 49 CFR Part 242 establishes standards for conductor

certification.

• Before a train departs, who must verify brake tests have been

performed?

• Dispatcher
• Conductor
• Engineer
• Yardmaster

Rationale: Conductors must confirm air brake tests are complete and

documented before departure.

• Which signal requires a train to stop immediately?
• Approach
• Clear
• Stop
• Diverging clear

Rationale: A “Stop” indication requires immediate cessation of movement.

• / 4

• What is the purpose of a “job briefing”?
• To communicate tasks, hazards, and safety expectations
• To log crew hours
• To check locomotive condition
• To discuss meal breaks

Rationale: FRA mandates job briefings to ensure all employees understand

safety responsibilities before work.

6. A conductor’s certification may be revoked for:

• Exceeding on-duty hours once
• Failure to submit time tickets
• Operating contrary to a mandatory directive
• Forgetting to call a dispatcher

Rationale: Violating mandatory directives is a decertifiable offense under

FRA rules.

• How long must certification records be retained by the railroad?
• 12 months
• 24 months
• 36 months
• 60 months

Rationale: FRA requires conductor certification records to be kept for at

least 36 months. 3 / 4

• What does an “Approach” signal mean?
• Proceed at normal speed
• Proceed prepared to stop at next signal
• Stop immediately
• Reverse direction

Rationale: An “Approach” indication warns of a stop signal ahead.

9. When performing a roll-by inspection, a conductor should look for:

• Brake shoe thickness
• Engine horsepower
• Dragging equipment, smoke, or fire
• Employee attendance

Rationale: Roll-by inspections detect mechanical defects that could

endanger operations.

• What should be done if a handbrake fails to hold a standing car?
• Ignore it if the grade is flat
• Apply additional handbrakes or chock wheels
• Notify crew and continue work
• Wait for maintenance without securing
• / 4