Transportation & Logistics training

Locomotive Engineer Training

Learn what locomotive engineers do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Locomotive Engineer training

A practical, general introduction to the locomotive engineer job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as perform an initial air brake test and control slack on a long train, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 12 hours, $109.99.

  • Tuition
    $109.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    12 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a locomotive engineer does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential locomotive engineer terms correctly
  • Walk through perform an initial air brake test, control slack on a long train, and respond to a signal indication step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as FRA locomotive engineer certification

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 12 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Locomotive Engineer Role1 hr
  • What locomotive engineers do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job45 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Locomotive Engineer Vocabulary1 hr 10 min
  • Key term: Consist
  • Key term: Air brake test
  • Key term: Dynamic brake
  • Key term: Slack
  • Key term: Track warrant
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities1 hr 10 min
  • Inspect locomotives and equipment before departure
  • Perform and verify air brake tests
  • Operate throttle, dynamic and air brakes
  • Follow signals, speed limits and track authorities
  • Communicate with dispatchers and the conductor
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step2 hr 40 min
  • How to perform an initial air brake test
  • How to control slack on a long train
  • How to respond to a signal indication
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology1 hr
  • Locomotive controls
  • Event recorders
  • Radios
  • Positive train control (PTC) displays
  • Timetables and bulletins
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr 25 min
  • Follow hours-of-service rules and get rest
  • Call and obey every signal
  • Comply with PTC and speed restrictions
  • Use three points of contact on locomotives
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For1 hr
  • Train handling
  • Air brake systems
  • Signal and rule knowledge
  • Concentration
  • Responsibility
MODULE 09Launching Your Locomotive Engineer Career1 hr
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: FRA locomotive engineer certification
  • Credential overview: Conductor certification
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check1 hr
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the locomotive engineer job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new locomotive engineer.

Pricing

$109.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Locomotive engineers drive trains, controlling speed, braking and train handling while following signals, track warrants and operating rules to move freight and passengers safely. BLS reports a median wage of $81,410 (May 2025) and about 2,000 openings per year. Read the full locomotive engineer career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Locomotive Engineer Training

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Course Locomotive Engineer Training · 12 hours · $109.99 per learner

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Locomotive Engineer training FAQ
How long is the Locomotive Engineer training?
About 12 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Locomotive Engineer training cost?
$109.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified locomotive engineer?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. Locomotive engineers must be certified by their railroad under FRA regulations, with periodic recertification, vision and hearing tests and review of their safety record. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding locomotive engineers.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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