Regulatory Requirements Under 49 CFR Part 243

49 CFR Part 243 establishes the federal requirements for the training, qualification, and oversight of railroad safety-related employees. A central requirement of this regulation is found in 49 CFR § 243.111, which governs the approval and use of training programs by Training 
Organizations and Learning Institutions. Under this section, any entity providing Part 243 training must operate under a Federal Railroad Administration–approved training program. Training delivered outside of an approved program does not satisfy Part 243 requirements. 
Section 243.111 requires training programs to be formally submitted to the FRA for review and approval prior to implementation.

 

Approved programs must define the job tasks covered, training content, instructional methods, evaluation and testing processes, On-the-Job Training structure, refresher training requirements, and recordkeeping practices. Once approved, the program must be implemented as written. Failure to maintain or follow an approved program creates significant regulatory exposure. 
 

Axiom's FRA-Approved Model Program

Axiom Rail Services specializes in Part 243 program development, implementation, and delivery. This is the core of our business and the foundation of the compliance services we provide. Axiom maintains an FRA-approved Model Part 243 Training Program that meets the requirements of § 243.111 and allows customers to immediately access compliant training without the burden of developing and submitting a program from scratch. 
 

Custom Program Development and Full Part 243 Compliance Support

Through our Model Program, Axiom delivers structured training, qualification, and evaluation of covered employees using defined task lists, performance-based assessments, documented OJT, refresher training, and compliant records. Training is conducted under the approved framework to ensure consistency, defensibility, and regulatory credibility. 
 

In addition to providing training through our approved Model Program, Axiom also works directly with customers who choose to develop and maintain their own Part 243 training program. We assist organizations throughout the entire process, including task analysis, program structure, curriculum development, OJT design, evaluation standards, recordkeeping systems, and preparation of the formal submission required under § 243.111. Axiom supports customers during the FRA review process and assists with implementation once approval is granted. This approach allows customers to retain ownership of their training program while ensuring it is compliant, practical, and aligned with how their operation actually functions. Whether using Axiom’s approved Model Program or developing a custom program, customers receive guidance grounded in regulatory intent and operational reality. 
 

Part 243 compliance is not achieved through generic training or stand-alone courses. Section 243.111 makes clear that training must be delivered under an approved program and supported by structured oversight, evaluation, refresher training, and accurate records. Axiom ensures that what is submitted to the FRA is reflected in day-to-day operations. 
 

The result is not simply regulatory approval, but a defensible training system that produces competent employees and withstands regulatory scrutiny. Axiom does not provide generic rail safety training. We provide Part 243 compliance programs built around real operations, real equipment, and real regulatory expectations.