NYCTA train operator signal test

can any one who took the signal test, for the train operator job, please tell me how hard it was, I'm hearing that it is very hard,do they really let you go you if you don't get a 100, and also what % of people actually pass,I'm a little worried about leaving my current job if they can let you go if you fail, thank you

Jnh26,

I was not a T/O, but I worked in NYCTs Track Dept for many years. I took several classes, and the instrcutors would go over the information so often that it was almost impossible to fail. The guy who runs the track inspector course quizzed us daily until we knew the measurments inside and out. It costs money for hiring and performing background checks, so I don't think they would be too quick to dump new hires.

-G-

how does the train operator signal test goes?

I am currently enrolled in Conductor School in Atlanta. It is true you must pass the signal's test with 100%. The test consists of a picture of the signal aspect. You must write the correct name as well as the full signal indication VERBATIM. But...you have 6 chances to pass. It is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we are only seeing less than 2% who fail because of the signals test. We lose many more to the strict minimum 85% overall academic average, and the field competencies tests than we do the signals test. SAFETY HERE IS JOB #1. Violate a safety rule....you go home. But it's worth every bit of it.

soldiertim wrote:I am currently enrolled in Conductor School in Atlanta. It is true you must pass the signal's test with 100%. The test consists of a picture of the signal aspect. You must write the correct name as well as the full signal indication VERBATIM. But...you have 6 chances to pass. It is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we are only seeing less than 2% who fail because of the signals test. We lose many more to the strict minimum 85% overall academic average, and the field competencies tests than we do the signals test. SAFETY HERE IS JOB #1. Violate a safety rule....you go home. But it's worth every bit of it.

NYCT is training in Atlanta?

tim is talking about csx training in atlanta.

Make flash cards with coloured markers.

Oh, its not that hard if you just read the rule book you will get to know the signals !
The signal lights are not all that many, remember trackside signs are also called signals.
If you put your mind to it, you'll do fine.

Fail to prepare, or you ,must prepare to fail.

Dont worry..By the time you take the signal test you will know signals better than the english language..! The TSS instructors burn signals into your brain..!

jnh26 wrote:can any one who took the signal test, for the train operator job, please tell me how hard it was, I'm hearing that it is very hard,do they really let you go you if you don't get a 100, and also what % of people actually pass,I'm a little worried about leaving my current job if they can let you go if you fail, thank you

The one thing you must remember with leaving your job for a new career is this. Your salary is dependant upon the interpretation of the signals presented to you so that you may operate your train in a safe manner. Anything else is unacceptable. Look at it as a new challenge.

Would you want a Doctor to examine you who squeaked by med school?