Rail Medical

A rail medical assesses your ability to work safely in the rail corridor, including hearing instructions, moving to a safe location, and maintaining situational awareness.

CERT Training in partnership with CMS, an Authorised Health Professional (ARA), are pleased to provide Category 1, 2 and 3 railway medicals, as well as pre-employment medicals and other services nationally.

Health assessments are conducted by appointment and must be booked in advance via our state-based online system, email: medbookings@cert.edu.au or, phone: 1300 042 378

Do I need a rail medical?

A Rail Safety Medical is required under and conducted in line with the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers.

Under the rail safety legislation, it is the responsibility of all rail transport operators to manage the risks associated with the ill health of rail safety workers in Australia. Rail Safety Medicals are designed to both minimise risk and protect the safety of the public, rail workers and the rail environment.

All health assessments conducted with CERT are performed by only authorised health professionals trained in the new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers, which came into effect in 2024.

Which railway medical do I need?

Often your employer will specify which rail medical you require however, when undertaking additional training or exploring new opportunities, it can be helpful to understand the differences in medicals and which one will be the most relevant to you.

This page will outline the three different types of railway medicals and provide advice to determine which rail workers safety medical is right for you.

Rail Medical Categories

CAT 1 Medical

Category 1 Medical is the highest level of rail medical available and is for rail safety workers or contractors undertaking a safety critical role requiring a high level of attentiveness to their tasks and where sudden incapacity may result in a serious incident affecting the public or the rail network.
» Find out more CAT 1 Medical

CAT 2 Medical

Category 2 Medical applies to rail safety workers or contractors that perform safety critical work, however, a sudden medical event or incapacity will not result in a serious incident affecting public safety.
» Find out more CAT 2 Medical

CAT 3 Medical

A Category 3 Medical is an assessment designed to help non-safety critical workers make sure their health and fitness does not impact the rail network. The CAT 3 Medical tests your ability to operate safely in the rail corridor so you can hear instructions, move to a safe place, and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
» Find out more CAT 3 Medical

FAQs on Medical for Railway

No. But you must complete one before going out on track for either work, on-the-job mentoring, or practical assessments; and it must be suitable for the requirements of all the roles you will be working in. You will need a railway medical to obtain your Rail Industry Worker card.

You can book your Cat 3 rail medical as an optional extra when enrolling into your CERT Training course. Alternatively, you can book your Cat 3 rail medical via email: medbookings@cert.edu.au or phone 1300 042 378

For all enquiries and bookings please contact medbookings@cert.edu.au or phone 1300 042 378

Category 1 rail medicals require you to fast prior to your blood test. This requires you to stop eating and drinking (except water) from the night before your test (approx. 12 hours).

Your assessment will often require you to perform a full range of movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and stretching. It is recommended you wear clothing that allows you to perform these activities comfortably and freely.

Yes. If you have hearing aid/s please ensure these are fully operational for your hearing assessment. Please also bring any glasses, contact lenses or corrective lenses to this appointment.

If you are on prescribed medication, bring your prescription and/or any other documentation, to assist with the Drug and Alcohol screening.

It is not uncommon for workers to be concerned about pre-existing conditions or problems prior to a medical. It is important to be open and honest with your answers to medical history questionnaires – our medical professionals are there to ensure you don’t place yourself, or others, in a position of harm or at risk during the course of your duties.

If you have pre-existing conditions, please bring along any supporting or additional documentation for your medical assessment. This may include scans, prior medical results, or reports.

CERT Training holds a partnership with Company Medical Services (CMS) who undertake all medicals onsite. CMS have over 30 years of experience in conducting medicals and employ over 50 staff composed of a mix of doctors, nurses, and admin staff. They also have their ISO and NATA certifications. Additional details about CMS can be found here: CMS

Ensure you arrive on time for your appointment and allocate enough time for your medical examination – including filling out your medical history form.

It is recommended that you avoid exposure to loud noises, including loud music, in the 16 hours prior to your audiogram (hearing test) so your results will not be impacted.