Become a Conductor
Click on the video to see what a career as a train conductor looks like, and read below to learn more about the application process, role requirements, conductor assessments, paid training at CN Campus, and more.
Job Summary
Conductors coordinate the assembly of trains and execute any groundwork outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or en-route (ex: operating track switches, picking up rail cars, making emergency repairs, etc.).
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Working outdoors in all kinds of weather
- 24/7 schedule including weekends and nights
- Mobility required as you may be asked to travel for work
- Pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 90 pounds
- Climbing on and off ladders of rail cars
- Walking for frequent extended periods
- Bending, stooping, squatting, and kneeling frequently
Pre-Qualifications & Requirements
- Safety focus
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid passport and permission to cross borders (in certain specific locations)
- Proficiency in both oral and written communications
- Meeting medical fitness requirements for the position, including the ability to recognize and distinguish between the colors of signals
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting.
Application Process
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Conductor role at CN:
- You will receive an automated email confirming your application.
- Our team will communicate a decision within 2 to 3 weeks via email or phone.
- Selected candidates will need to successfully pass Conductor assessments.
- Candidates who successfully pass the Conductor assessments will be invited to attend an information session and interview for the role.
- Selected candidates will need to pass a criminal background check and medical.
- Offer is made upon successful background and medical clearance.
The recruitment process for the Conductor position will typically take approximately 8 weeks in between being invited to an information session to an offer being extended.
Conductor Assessments
Candidates for the Conductor role at CN will have to successfully complete screening assessments to progress with their application. These assessments aim to test logical problem-solving skills, identify work styles and behavioural dispositions, and gauge safety orientation.
SwitchChallenge: Logical deductive reasoning assessment which tests your problem-solving skills. You have 6 minutes to complete as many questions as you can. You will be asked to find the correct sequence of symbols from one row by using the symbols on the other row as your guide.
Adept-15: Personality assessment which helps determine behavioural traits and work styles by having you select the statements you agree with most from paired items. This assessment takes around 15 minutes to complete.
Sample Question: Which statement do you agree with more? “Most of the time I tend to hold a positive perspective // I enjoy collaborating with others towards a common goal”
Workplace Practice Safety Orientation: Evaluates safety mindset and professional behaviour through a series of questions regarding sentiment-selection and situational judgement. This assessment takes 15 minutes to complete.
Sample Question: How would you describe your attitude towards safety rules on the job?
Paid Training
Once a start date is offered, candidates will be considered Conductor trainees and will take part in a comprehensive paid training program at a CN Campus with travel, meals, and accommodations covered for by the company.
The Conductor paid training program is divided into the following (Canada):
- 9 – 10 weeks* at CN Campus (classroom training & exams at Winnipeg, MB or Homewood, Il)
- 11+ weeks* at CN Home Terminal (on-the-job training & qualifying trips)
The Conductor paid training program is divided into the following (United States):
- 4 weeks at CN’s Campus (Classroom training)
- 4 weeks at a CN Home Terminal (working on-site with training team)
- 3 weeks at Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
- 45+ trips to qualify as a conductor (supervised train trips)
* The specific number of weeks spent in training will depend on the requirements of the terminal and union agreement.
Note: Conductor trainees will be required to pass a final exam to maintain their role and ensure that they have received adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN’s safety culture. An additional two-week fitness training is then assigned to better prepare for the physical requirements of the role, including physical training and equipment simulations. Newly hired conductors can expect to spend approximately six to eight months as Conductor Trainees.