# 2026-08259: Train Conductors Get Digital Certs: FRA Simplifies Qualification Rules 2026-08259, Miscellaneous Revisions to the Qualification and Certification of Conductors, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration published 2026-04-28, effective 2026-05-28; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08259 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2026-08259 - Title: Miscellaneous Revisions to the Qualification and Certification of Conductors - Type: Rule - Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Railroad Administration - Citation: 91 FR 22758 - Published: 2026-04-28 - Effective: 2026-05-28 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: no - Touches household money: yes - Regulation identifier numbers: 2130-AD61 - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line Train Conductors Get Digital Certs: FRA Simplifies Qualification Rules ## Summary Starting May 28, 2026, train conductors will get simpler, electronic certificates instead of bulky paper ones. Railroads must now clearly explain why they revoke a conductor’s certification, and they’ll always have to prove their case in hearings. These changes make conductor rules easier to follow without costing extra time or money. ## Abstract This rule updates FRA's conductor certification requirements to reduce the information required on a conductor's certificate and allowing certificates to be electronic. This rule also changes the certification revocation process and the Administrative Hearing Officer (AHO) process. Lastly, this rule makes administrative updates, including revising definitions and correcting errors in the regulatory text. ## Effects PRIA read - Electronic or Wallet-Sized Certificates: benefit, low. Starting May 28, 2026, conductor certificates may be electronic or small enough to fit in an ordinary pocket wallet. Railroads may issue paper certificates, electronic certificates, or both; if a conductor does not have a railroad-issued electronic device, the railroad must ensure a physical copy s… - Year of Birth Removed from Certificates: benefit, low. Effective May 28, 2026, conductor certificates no longer must include the conductor's year of birth. FRA stated this change enhances privacy and data protection and reduces exposure to identity-theft risk from carrying a certificate. - What Certificates Must Include: mixed, low. As of May 28, 2026, conductor certificates must identify the person by name and employee identification number and include either a physical description or a photograph. The rule also states certificates may be electronic or small enough for an ordinary pocket wallet. - Time Limit for Relying on Knowledge Exams: cost, low. The rule requires that a determination concerning demonstrated knowledge used for certification must have been conducted no more than 366 days before the railroad's certification decision (except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)). - Railroad Must Put Findings in Revocations: benefit, medium. Railroads must include findings of fact and the basis for those findings in any certification revocation decision, regardless of an applicable collective bargaining agreement. When there is no applicable CBA, the decision containing findings of fact must be prepared and signed no later than 10 days… - Railroad Bears Burden in Hearings; FRA Optional: benefit, medium. Regardless of who prevailed before the Operating Crew Review Board, the railroad that took the certification action will be the 'hearing petitioner' and must prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence. FRA is no longer a mandatory party at administrative hearings but may participate as a par… - Civil Penalty Rules and Limits Updated: mixed, low. Section 242.11 now refers to civil penalty amounts in 49 CFR part 209, appendix A. Penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations, aggravated maximum penalties apply for grossly negligent violations creating imminent hazard or causing death or injury, and each day of a co… - FRA Finds Net Costs Less Than Zero: benefit, low. FRA concluded this final rule will produce net costs less than zero and certified that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; FRA states the revisions provide cost savings for many regulated entities. ## Related documents - [2026-17904](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17904): National Environmental Policy Act Regulations, 2026-09-01 - [2026-19031](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19031): Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only…, 2026-09-17 - [2026-18981](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18981): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16 - [2026-18982](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18982): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16 - [2026-18986](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18986): Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report, 2026-09-16 - [2026-17996](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17996): Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed, 2026-09-03 ## Sources - [2026-08259 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/28/2026-08259/miscellaneous-revisions-to-the-qualification-and-certification-of-conductors) - [2026-08259 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-28/pdf/2026-08259.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2026-08258, Regulatory Relief To Allow Speeds Up to 45 MPH for Non-Traversable Curbs](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08258) - [Next: 2026-08260, Open Fires in Marine Terminals](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08260) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08259 (as of 2026-06-11).