Course Summary
This entry-level qualification is the foundational requirement for anyone wishing to work on or near the railway. While it does not permit direct interaction with the railway infrastructure, it enables individuals to carry out a range of support roles, such as vegetation clearance, general labour, and other non-infrastructure tasks. Most employers require candidates to hold this competency before offering employment.
The PTS Initial course includes two components:
- E-learning (completed independently before attending)
- Two days of classroom and practical training covering AC (Overhead Line) and DCCR (Conductor Rail) environments
Completion of the E-learning module and its assessment is mandatory before attending the practical sessions.
The course aims to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and carry out their duties and responsibilities when working on or near railway lines
- Safely follow a Safe System of Work
Competency Duration
- Validity: The PTS qualification is valid for 2 years
- Renewal: A one-day re-certification course must be completed within 56 days before the expiry date
- Lapsed Certification: If not renewed in time, the full PTS Initial course must be retaken
Additional Information
Holding a valid PTS competency grants access to Network Rail sites, but does not permit physical contact with the railway infrastructure. To perform tasks involving track maintenance or engineering, individuals must also complete Track Induction training.
Pre-requisites
To be eligible for the PTS Initial course, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be sponsored by a RISQS-approved railway company
- Have Primary Sponsor approval prior to booking
- Meet medical fitness standards as defined in Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124
- Pass a Drugs & Alcohol test in accordance with NR/L1/OHS/051, conducted no more than 3 months before training
- Successfully complete E-learning training and assessment before attending
- Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English as outlined in Network Rail Specification NR/S/CTM/021
- Observe a mandatory 12-hour rest period before the course, in line with Working Time Regulations (1998) and Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/003
Assessment and Results
Upon successful completion of the course:
- Your PTS Initial (AC/DCCR) competency will be uploaded to your Sentinel profile within 24 hours
- In the event of any upload issues, efforts will be made to resolve them within 5 working days