How to become a railroad engineer?

The minimum qualifications to pursue a career as a railroad engineer are a high school diploma or GED certificate, a commercial driver’s license, and an interest in trains and railroads. While post-secondary training is not required, you may want to explore railroad industry training programs through a trade school or community college, which can provide you with valuable knowledge and experience to enter into this job with confidence. Many employers prefer you to have previous experience as a rail industry worker or conductor. Once you are working as a railroad engineer, you must complete on-the-job training followed by a series of tests to earn your certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).