Training centre for train drivers
SNCB is accredited as a training centre for train drivers. For a variety of driving categories, the training centre provides:
- General training;
- Specialist training (professional knowledge of the rolling stock and infrastructure + professional linguistic knowledge);
- Continuous training.
Examinations
The training centre organises examinations in the following cases:
- Upon completion of a general training course;
- Upon completion of a specialist training course;
- At the three-yearly testing of professional skills;
- When an ad hoc and substantiated request is made to test professional competency as submitted by the rail company, the rail infrastructure manager or the health and safety authority.
Access to the training courses is guaranteed for private individuals and the staff of all of the rail companies operating on the Belgian rail infrastructure.
| CODE | CATEGORY |
| A1 | Shunting locomotive driver |
| A2 | Work train driver |
| A3 | Maintenance rail vehicle driver |
| A4 | Driver of any other locomotive used for carrying out shunting |
| B1 | Driver providing passenger transport |
| B2 | Driver providing freight transport |
Objective
General training, lasting 12 days, offers preparation for gaining one's license.
Curriculum
- Description of the duties incumbent on the profession of a driver and the required professional etiquette;
- Basic principles of safety and signalling;
- Basic principles of braking trains;
- Basic understanding of electrical engineering.
A theory exam is organised upon completion of the training course. If successfully passed, the training centre provides the certificate of general professional knowledge required to obtain one's license.
Terms and conditions for admission to general training
- Being aged at least 20 years (18 if a license is limited to Belgium);
- Certificate of upper secondary education (or equivalent);
- Medically fit;
- Psychologically fit.
Objective
Preparation for the exam for the purpose of obtaining the train driver's certification.
Curriculum
- Professional linguistic knowledge;
- Professional knowledge about rolling stock;
- Professional knowledge about infrastructure.
Training pathways
The training pathways are based on:
- Task-oriented training making use of professional situations;
- Graduated complexity of teaching in different phases;
- Integrating theory and practise.
The training pathways are structured into phases. Upon completion of each phase, an evaluation test is organised.
Upon completion of the training course, the candidate undergoes a practical and theory exam. If this exam is passed, the training centre awards the certification of specialist professional knowledge required to obtain the train driver's certification.
Terms and conditions for accessing the specialist training
To hold a valid license.
Objective
The training centre provides the option to a variety of railway operators to maintain the competencies of their staff using a system of continuous training.
SNCB has 13 training centres at: Courtrai, Ghent, Antwerp North, Antwerp Central, Brussels, Hasselt, Liège, Mons, Charleroi, Ronet, Arlon, Leuven and Ostend.
Theory training delivered by experienced trainers using modern training resources:
Theory put into practise by regular sessions on our simulators (49 static SIMPACT simulators distributed across 11 local training centres)
Practical training with experienced drivers with time on the track
For all information about training courses, exams and registrations:
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer belges (SNCB)
For the attention of Monsieur H. Raddoux
Service B-TR.2 section 10-14 Avenue de la Porte de Hal, 40
B - 1060 Brussels, Belgium
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +32 2 528 31 62
Fax: +32 2 528 21 95
The training centre for SNCB train drivers holds ISO 9001 certification: 2015 "Quality Management System".
By obtaining the certificate, the training body:
- demonstrates its ability to regularly provide product that complies with the customer's requirements and with the applicable statutory requirements;
- seeks to increase customer satisfaction by effectively using the system, and in particular, implementing a process of continuous improvement.
To find out more, download the certification.
