Rail Traffic Controller Numerical & Material Recording Clerks
SaveWhat Does a Rail Traffic Controller Do?
Rail traffic controllers operate signals and points that help make sure trains run safely and on time. They operate from a signal box in order to control the order and movement of trains and ensure safety at all times. They are responsible for maintaining safety standards when trains are running normally and also in degraded or emergency operational situations.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Mechanics Of Trains
Possess basic knowledge of the mechanics involved in trains, understand the technicalities and participate in discussions on related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Rail Traffic Controller
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialMechanics Of Trains knowledge
Possess basic knowledge of the mechanics involved in trains, understand the technicalities and participate in discussions on related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSignal Box Parts knowledge
Know and understand the structures located besides railway tracks known as signal boxes, interlocking towers, signal posts, and signal cabins, from which signals, points, and other equipment are controlled.
Recommended Books
1 bookA Voice From the Signal-Box -
EssentialTrain Routes knowledge
Know principal train routes and quickly search for relevant information to respond to customer questions. Provide advice on potential shortcuts and itinerary options.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialModern Power Signalling Systems knowledge
Understand traditional and modern signalling systems; operate railway signalling systems.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSignal Boxes knowledge
The different kinds of signal boxes, such as older signal boxes utilising levers and manual equipment, LED-based panel signal boxes, and integrated electronic systems.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialHandle Stressful Situations skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMark Differences In Colours skill
Identify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialReact Calmly In Stressful Situations skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Different Communication Channels skill
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain Railway Signal Equipment skill
Test, operate, and maintain railway signalling equipment such as power switches and grade crossing warning devices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialManage Train Working Timetable skill
Manage the train working timetable that shows every movement on the railway network. Prepare for the arrival and departure of every train, intermediate points, and appropriate passing points.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOperate Led-based Panel Signal Boxes skill
Work with high tech LED-based signal boxes; a signaller flips switches and pushes buttons to manipulate train movements on stretches of track up to 50 miles long.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOperate Railway Communication Systems skill
Operate railway communication systems; make announcements over the public address system or communicate with central train administration.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOperate Train Integrated Electronic Control Centre skill
Operate integrated electronic control centres where signallers apply modern-day technological operating systems and equipment to control train progression over long stretches of railway track.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOperate Train Signalling Equipment skill
Operate train signals to indicate whether or not train drivers may proceed; manipulate light signals or barriers; control direction of trains by moving points.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOversee Operational Safety On Trains skill
Oversee all operations in a defined area, as part of a team that manages operational safety and train services for a specific geographical location.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOversee The Daily Train Operations Plan skill
Check the daily train plan and oversee operations according to the trains running in a specific area; be aware of any timetable changes or speed limitations and any line or …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTest Railway Signalling Equipment skill
Test signalling equipment (signal lights and communication devices) utilised in railways and train yards, such as train instrument panel lights, the lights along each track, flashing red signal lights, and/or …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWrite Signalling Reports skill
Write accurate communications and reports about signalling operations and safety procedures. Perform record keeping and event recording.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (4 of 4 displayed)
-
OptionalTrain Planning knowledge
Thoroughly understand the techniques, procedures, and tools used to compose a train timetable; know various types of train plans; identify possible constraints to be considered in planning activities.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalShow Responsibility skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDetermine Train Operational Safety Actions skill
Decide on train operational safety actions after having received information on the facts of a situation. Analyse the information, make sound judgements, create feasible scenarios using logic. Take the best …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMonitor Train Schedules skill
Ensure train schedules are followed; trains should not leave the station too late or too early. Monitor and regulate train dispatch and arrival in order to avoid trains arriving either …
Course recommendations coming soon.