Certified Railcar Technician CRT Exam

Certified Railcar Technician (CRT) Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a railcar’s draft gear?
• To provide braking
• To connect the railcar to the locomotive
• To absorb impact forces during coupling
• To support the railcar body

Rationale: Draft gear absorbs the shock of coupling and movement between

railcars, protecting the car structure.

• Which type of railcar is designed to carry bulk liquids?
• Boxcar
• Hopper car
• Flatcar
• Tank car 1 / 4

Rationale: Tank cars are specifically designed for transporting liquids safely.

• What does the acronym AAR stand for in railcar standards?
• American Association of Railroads
• Association of American Railroads
• Automatic Automated Rail
• Association for Automated Railcar Safety

Rationale: The Association of American Railroads sets design and safety

standards for railcars in North America.

• Which component prevents a railcar from rolling when parked on a

grade?

• Draft gear
• Brake wheel
• Hand brake
• Coupler

Rationale: Hand brakes are applied manually to secure a stationary railcar.

• What is the standard gauge of most North American railways?
• 4 ft 6 in
• 4 ft 8.5 in
• 5 ft
• 3 ft 6 in

Rationale: Standard gauge is 4 feet 8.5 inches, widely used in North America

and much of the world. 2 / 4

• What inspection is required after a railcar has been idle for an

extended period?

• Brake test
• General mechanical inspection
• Coupler replacement
• Draft gear lubrication

Rationale: Railcars must undergo general mechanical inspections to ensure

safety after periods of inactivity.

• Which type of brake system is most common on freight railcars?
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic (air brakes)
• Magnetic
• Mechanical cable

Rationale: Air brakes are standard on freight railcars, allowing controlled

braking across a train.

• What is the function of a railcar’s coupler?
• To provide air braking
• To connect cars together
• To support cargo
• To absorb vibrations

Rationale: Couplers physically link railcars so they can move together as a

train. 3 / 4

• Which railcar type is used to transport automobiles?
• Boxcar
• Hopper car
• Auto carrier
• Gondola

Rationale: Auto carriers are designed specifically to transport vehicles safely.

• Which railcar component is lubricated to reduce friction and

wear on the wheelset?

• Brake shoes
• Draft gear
• Bearing
• Coupler

Rationale: Bearings allow wheels to rotate smoothly and require lubrication

to prevent overheating and wear.

• What is the purpose of a railcar’s side sill?
• To attach the brake system
• To provide structural support along the sides
• To mount couplers
• To support the roof

Rationale: Side sills are structural beams running along the car’s side,

supporting loads and the car body.

• / 4