The Railroad Conductor Program is a five-week program, meeting five days a week in Huntington, WV. The course includes an introduction to railroading safety, operating rules, signals, equipment, and other topics essential for success as a conductor. Students spend eight hours per day training either in class or on rail equipment. The classes also include daily testing in which certain scores are required to pass. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday. Students are provided all of the study materials and safety equipment to complete the course.

Typically, classes will run with ten to sixteen students and with two instructors present. Instructors are experienced, certified conductors from Class I railroads, who provide the training necessary to prepare qualified men and women for entry-level positions. Students receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

Along with tuition, students are required to pay for their own lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the training facility. We have identified select hotels within a few miles of the training facility, which offer the students discounted rates.

Click here to view lodging information.

In the second week of class, a Class 1 Railroad will conductor job interviews with each student.  The employing railroad will typically require those students selected for employment to undergo medical evaluations, drug testing, background investigation and strength tests during the third and fourth week of class.  By the end of the fifth week, the railroad will notify students of test results and officially offer employment as freight conductor.  Graduation is conducted on the last day of the fifth week of class. Graduates normally begin employment within the next week.