Learn How To Become A Railroad Track Inspector

Find out how you can find the proper schools to get training and classes in track inspection.

Track Inspection Training

Track inspectors play an important part in keeping the over 150,000 miles of railroad track in the United States in safe, operating condition.

What is a track inspector?

Track inspectors operate special vehicles, called high-rail trucks, which are pickup trucks that can go from rail to road with rubber and steel tires. The track inspectors travel in high-rail trucks along railroad right-of-ways, inspecting track and equipment such as signals and crossings, to ensure safe operation.

Track Inspector Education

Track inspectors should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Science, math and technical classes are the recommended course of study if you want to be a track inspector. Many track inspectors start out as track repairmen, and are promoted within the industry, with on-the-job, hands-on training.

If you want to be a track inspector, but do not have track repair background, formal track inspector training is available through Rail Sciences and at the University of Tennessee Center for Transportation Research.

The UT Center for Transportation Research, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers courses in railroad track safety, which is helpful knowledge for Track Inspectors. Rail Sciences has a Track Inspection Training Seminar, which reviews track structure, track components and Federal Railroad Administration standards.