BNSF News

Technical Training Remodels and Streamlines Qualified Mechanical Inspectors Training

2010-04-15

The Technical Training Center (TTC), based in Overland Park, Kan., has done some remodeling, so to speak, to provide employees with needed training in the field.

Changes have streamlined processes and resulted in other improvements that make it easier for employees and supervisors to schedule and complete training.

What's changed?

The mechanical carman test, formerly known as the 1690i exam, has changed names and is now known as the qualified mechanical inspectors exam, or QMI. The new name also brings a new process. Employees subject to QMI testing are now required to take the exam every other year rather than annually. The list of employees required to take the QMI exam this year has been made available to all Mechanical supervisors. To reduce the effects on any one local facility, enrollments are made monthly.

Groups of employees will be enrolled in the computer-based training QMI course the same month they have their required hands-on power brake law (PBL) testing. The PBL testing will also be changed to every other year.

"In the past the QMI training and PBL testing were scheduled at different times," said Brandon Mabry, assistant vice president and chief mechanical officer, North. "By combining the QMI course with the PBL test, it will be easier for each employee to schedule and complete their testing. We have also made more efficient use of each employee's time by going to every-other-year testing."

Other improvements have also been made to the CBT modules. A security question has been added at the beginning of each test. Each time an employee opens an exam, he/she will be asked to respond to that question.

"We've also rewritten the questions to include examples, photographs and illustrations to help employees understand the context of the question," said John Garcia, manager, Freight Car Training. "The new questions test employee knowledge and direct employees to additional training when needed."

For example, if an employee gives an incorrect answer, the employee will be taken to a study guide for a refresher. If the employee misses the question again, the test will direct him/her to the Association of American Railroads or Federal Railroad Administration rule in the question for further review. Employees will not proceed to the next question until the correct answer for the question has been given. It keeps track of their progress.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com