BNSF News
Understanding the ABCs of Training and Certification
2010-02-18
Beginning in 2010, BNSF simplified safety and rules training for all Transportation employees, moving to a two-year cycle that alternates between "Year A" and "Year B" training.
But the new training schedule raised questions for some employees who must maintain certifications. In addition to completing BNSF safety and rules training, engineers, RCO and hostler employees must maintain licenses on a three-year cycle. This re-certification requirement is separate from BNSF's alternating "Year A" and "Year B" training cycle.
"Transportation employees should understand that the new two-year cycle does not affect the three-year certification requirements for employees who are required to be licensed," said Scott Schafer, general director, Railroad Training Services. "Training and certification cycles are separate, and we handle them separately."
The "A" and "B" training cycle
All Transportation employees must undergo the two-year alternating cycle, completing either "Year A" or "Year B" training annually.
"Year A" training
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Who takes it |
All Transportation employees assigned to "Year A" training must take "Other Required Training" (ORT). ORT includes Securing America's Railroads, Hearing Conservation, Hazardous Materials and other safety training. |
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Method of training |
ORT is only available via computer-based training (CBT). |
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Who schedules it |
The Technical Training Center (TTC) schedules all ORT. |
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Method of notification |
Employees receive notification via the paperless timekeeping system in TSS of "Year A" training assignment from the TTC. |
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Additional requirements |
Most locomotive engineers will take their required NETSIM training on the scheduled day of their CBT training. |
"Year B" training
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Who takes it |
All Transportation employees assigned to "Year B" training are required to take "Rules" training. Rules training includes GCOR, ABTH and safety training. |
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Method of training |
Employees selected either instructor-led classes or CBT for rules training. |
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Who schedules it |
The TTC schedules all "Year B" rules training. |
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Method of notification |
Employees receive notification via the paperless timekeeping system in TSS of "Year B" training assignment (either CBT or instructor-led classes) from the TTC. |
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Additional requirements |
Locomotive engineers normally receive their train ride from a road foreman of engines. |
Certification requirements
Engineers, RCO and hostler employees must undergo re-certification requirements every third year. This three-year schedule is separate from "Year A" and "Year B" training and must be completed prior to the date of license expiration.
Re-certification
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Who must meet certification requirements? |
Engineers, RCO and hostler employees must meet certification requirements. Employees must complete hearing and vision exams and motor vehicle paperwork. |
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Who schedules it |
Employees schedule hearing and vision exams by calling LHI at 1-888-634-1121. Employees complete motor vehicle paperwork and submit to the certification office. |
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Method of notification |
Beginning in 2010, employees will receive recertification instructions and forms via a General Notice rather than U.S. mail. Ninety days prior to the expiration of the employee's license, the employee will receive a courtesy reminder from the TTC via the paperless timekeeping system in TSS. |
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Additional requirements |
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Positive changes
The move to "Year A" and "Year B" training cycles allows employees to choose the method of rules instruction in "Year B" that best suits their learning style. This year, 61 percent of Transportation employees scheduled for "Year B" rules training chose instructor-led classes.
Another change allows employees to use their rule books during exams. "We believe the open-book testing better reflects our expectation for employees to use their rule book if in doubt of rule or requirement," Schafer said.
"Most of these training changes were based on employee input," Schafer said. "That is what changed; the certification requirements are separate, and that schedule remains the same."
BNSF Headquarters
BNSF Railway Company2650 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
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