1
Meet Basic Education and Eligibility Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and meet U.S. citizenship or legal residency requirements.
Locomotive Engineer
UPDATED FOR 2025
Locomotive Engineers are responsible for operating trains, whether passenger or freight, between stations. Their duties include inspecting locomotives before departure, monitoring controls and instruments, following schedules, communicating with dispatchers, and strictly adhering to all safety protocols. Locomotive engineers play a critical role in rail transport safety and efficiency.
To become a Locomotive Engineer in New Jersey or anywhere in the U.S., you must complete a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-approved training program, pass vision and hearing tests, successfully complete written knowledge and practical skill tests, and obtain certification from your railroad employer.
Step-by-Step Guide
2
Complete FRA-Approved Locomotive Engineer Training
Get hired by a railroad company and complete their Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-approved training program. Training includes classroom instruction and supervised hands-on practice in locomotive operations and safety.
3
Pass Medical (Vision and Hearing) Examinations
You must pass medical screenings, including vision and hearing tests, as required by the FRA to ensure you are fit for duty.
4
Pass Written and Practical Examinations
Successfully pass FRA-administered written and skill performance tests covering locomotive operation, signaling, emergency procedures, and safety regulations.
5
Obtain Certification from the Railroad Employer
Once you have completed training and passed all exams, your railroad employer will certify you as a qualified locomotive engineer, as required by the FRA. You must maintain certification with periodic re-testing and ongoing training.