What will I learn in a Certificate II Rail Infrastructure course?

June 15, 2022

As a rail worker, you’re one of the most highly assessed workers in Australia. The skilled nature of your work, the unique equipment and machines you work with and the often-dangerous environment you work in, means you need to show you can perform your role safely.  A Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure is one of the tools you can use to prove your level of competency, safety and skill to perform work out on track.

Out on track, you’re not only responsible for your own safety, but also for the safety of the team, the general public, and anyone else who uses Australia’s train tracks. As such, the safety regulations around the industry are very high; and all workers are required to prove they have adequate certifications to work in the industry.

For anyone who wants to work in a labouring role on the railway or, enter the rail corridor and access the track in Australia, then the TLI27121 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure is a requirement.

You may have heard of this course, but what exactly does it cover?

This post covers everything you need to know about Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, th course and other frequently asked questions. As a nationally recognised training provider, CERT Training has all accreditations required to provide training and assessment for Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure.

What is Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure?

The National Rail Labourer Course, also known as Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, provides a foundation of knowledge and key competencies needed for rail labouring and plant jobs.

RIW Card and White Card

To be considered a Rail Operator in Australia (ARO) this course is seen as a minimum requirement for working within the rail corridor. Upon successful completion of this course, along with the following two courses, track workers are eligible for the Rail Industry Workers (RIW) Card role as a ‘Rail Labourer – Worker’:

You can find more about all the requirements you would need to receive your RIW Card here as it’s a major recognition in the rail industry.

If you’re planning on being engaged in labour and other basic operations within the railway environment, then you need your Certificate II.

What will I learn in the Cert II Rail Infrastructure course?

RIW students in a cert 2 rail infrastructure course.Your Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course  covers a range of core and elective subjects. All students are required to finish a minimum of 16 units, including 8 core units of study to qualify for the Certificate.

The 8 core units of study include:

– Maintaining and using hand tools
– Shifting materials safely
– How to participate in basic workplace communication
– Following work health and safety requirements
– Applying environmental procedures to rail infrastructure
– Operating under track protection rules
– Applying fatigue management strategies
– Safely accessing the rail corridor

Safely Accessing the Rail Corridor is a standard requirement to obtain a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Card. If you already have a RIW card, or other existing assessments listed above, you may qualify for course credits for some units.

In addition to the 8 core units, the course includes 8 elective units. Choosing a specific ‘steam’ of electives means your course can be tailored to Track Work or Track Surfacing roles.

Additionally, there are many general electives you can choose to complete to add specific knowledge to your railway awareness. Some of these include:

  • Install and maintain guard rails
  • Maintain rail joints
  • Install and maintain surface track drainage

You can find the full lists of core and elective units in the course overview.

Why Do I Need to Complete a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure Course?

Many rail networks require a minimum entry-level standard of training. If you are looking to start your career in the rail industry, this is a nationally recognised qualification that may help your prospects of gaining employment.

Where Can I Do This Course?

You can complete this course at CERT Training Centres in:

To enquire about the schedule or availability of this course in your state, please contact your local CERT office.

If you’re located in Victoria, CERT Training and the Victorian and Commonwealth Government have partnered to offer up to 75% discount to eligible students on the Victorian All Network Cert II Rail Infrastructure course. Check your eligibility here.

If your company has several staff that require this qualification, you can contact us to discuss options for training at your premises.

Why Should I Choose Cert Training?

CERT Training is a Network Operator Approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) on the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) website, formed in 2003 and operating nationally. CERT employs more than thirty-five trainers and assessors nationally with either a safety, infrastructure and/or rail background. All CERT trainers have a current Certificate IV Training and Assessment and have a minimum of ten year’s rail experience (most have over twenty years) and two years of training experience.

How long will it take to get my Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure?

The course runs over 2 days.

Can I do this certification course online?

Due to Covid and the inability to hold face-to-face workshops in many states it is now possible to complete your full Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure online. Mixed options may also be available that split the course between online and face-to-face.

CERT is currently offering online courses for your Certificate II, find out which delivery formats are available through our Course Finder.

What roles can I get with my Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure?

Your Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure will mean you are eligible for many roles in the rail industry. Common entry-level positions you could get with this qualification include:

  • Rail Protection Officer
  • Rail Worker
  • Track Installer
  • Track Worker

Rail industry position employment roles could help you progress to this role with significantly higher salaries and responsibilities:

  • Rail Safety Manager
  • Railway Shunter
  • Plant Operator
  • Senior Track Worker
  • Signaller

Final Thoughts

Get a kick start on your railway track worker career by undertaking Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure. Get the right qualifications, if you want to work on the railways and see where it can take you.

Workers who need to enter the rail corridor and access the track must have their Certificate II to perform their job and find work.

Speak to CERT today and we can help you take the next steps in your rail career and help you stay certified.