When applying to become a Train Conductor, educational requirements vary between employers. Municipal and national government-run transit systems set a prerequisite of at least secondary school education. Governments may see this as an opportunity to train from a clean slate and get more successful years out of their employees.   
 
Private companies, on the other hand, may prefer to hire conductors with college/university degrees in mechanical or train engineering to lower their insurance costs associated with their corporation. As for owners, these costs come out of pocket and make the company less profitable overall. Previous experience is a key factor in gaining employment as a train conductor. At least two years of working in a train station or as a ground traffic control personnel will be seen as a great asset during the application process.  
 
A helpful tip for aspiring Train Conductors is to frequent the US Railroad Retirement Board, which issues a list of vacancies across the USA each month. The same page has a list of links directly to US railroads’ website job pages (including Canadian National and Canadian Pacific).
 
 
What is required to become a Train Conductor

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with passengers, make announcements, and liaise with station personnel and headquarters.   
• The ability to relay information, receive and follow instructions, and partner with an assistant.  
• Exceptional operating skills with outstanding levels of alertness and spatial awareness. 
• The ability to identify potential risks and avoid accidents by monitoring the status of the train and conducting regular check-ups and maintenance.   
• The ability to perform minor mechanical maintenance or repair tasks as needed.  
• Possessing high levels of self-reliance and resourcefulness.  
• The ability to work alone most of the time; and  
• Quick and efficient response and action to obstacles on the job. 
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills, and a strong capacity for understanding and interpreting railroad signs.  
• Excellent physical condition and stamina to endure long journeys, while also needing to stay alert and awake during late hours while operating the train.  
• Elevated stress and time management skills to operate trains according to pre-established schedules.  
• Reliable mathematical skills for calculating hours of arrival and departure and when monitoring train location and speed.  
• High levels of honesty, integrity, and reliability.