How to Submit Your 243 Programs

Are you almost ready to submit your 243 training programs but having questions about what to submit or not to submit or how to use the FRA's portal? This article will walk you through that process.

Step 1: Determine what you will submit to the FRA

Before you can submit your programs, you first need to identify which of your training programs you need to submit. For our customers and those using the ASLRRA's templates, this should be pretty easy because the courses are identified as "submit" or "do not submit." If you are still unsure, refer to pages 8-11 of the Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees; Compliance Guide.

Note: All safety-related tasks that are governed by a federal railroad safety law, regulation, or order must be included in your 243 training program and meet the new training standards even if a training program does not require submission.

Along with identifying what needs to be submitted, you should gather the required information. Here are a couple of questions you should make sure you can answer:

• Am I adopting a model program in its entirety?
  • If so, you will need to know the name of the model program provider and the unique course ID.
• Am I adopting a model program with modifications?
  • In addition to the organization's name and unique course ID, you will also need to be able to summarize or provide an attachment of what changes you are making.
• Am I submitting a course owned and developed by our company?
  • If this is the case, be prepared to submit all the required information in §243.103.

Step 2: Request Access to the FRA PortaL

Make sure you can log in and access the FRA's Portal for 243. If you haven't done this yet, fill out the FRA's New Account Request Form ASAP here: https://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/SPAccountRequests/default.aspx?app=part243

Step 3: Login and Complete Your Submissions

There have been quite a few questions on this, so watch this short video where I walk you through the process.

Are you still feeling stuck on your 243 training programs or not sure how to get started? We can help! We have helped Class 1, short line, and regional railroads, and contractors prepare for 243. Contact us at info@sparkts.net