Full Compliance with Railway Safety Standards
The course is fully aligned with Network Rail safety requirements, ensuring every learner gains the essential knowledge needed to work safely on or near the operational railway.
Combination of Theory and Practical Learning
Learners benefit from a balanced structure that includes classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises, and a supervised track visit to apply skills in a real rail environment.
Covers All Core Safety Competencies
From railway terminology and electrification systems to emergency procedures and safety-critical communications, the course delivers every competency required for safe trackside access.
Includes Mandatory Medical & Drug Screening
The PTS Full Package integrates the required medical assessment and drug & alcohol screening, enabling learners to complete all prerequisites as part of one seamless course.
Benefits of Completing the PTS Training Course
The benefits include:
Earn Your PTS Certification
Successful completion awards you an industry-recognised Personal Track Safety (PTS) Certificate, confirming your competence to work safely on the railway.
Qualify for Sentinel Registration
You become eligible for registration on the Sentinel database; the official system used across the UK rail industry to verify worker qualifications and track safety credentials.
Work on or Near the Railway Under a Sponsor
With verified PTS competence, you can legally work on or near operational railway lines under a sponsoring employer, opening the door to essential roles across the rail network.
Course Overview
This comprehensive PTS training course provides all the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and on-track experience required for your first PTS competence. The course is designed to prepare you for real railway working environments and includes:
Learn the essential rules and safe systems of work required when operating close to active rail tracks.
You Will Learn:
- How to maintain safe positioning while performing duties near fast-moving trains
- The meaning and importance of “safe cess,” “danger zones,” and site-specific risk assessments
- How train warning systems operate and how to respond appropriately
- The roles of Controller of Site Safety (COSS), Lookouts, and other protection staff
- Correct behaviour and awareness required during live rail activities
Develop strong familiarity with the specific vocabulary, abbreviations, and operational language used across the rail industry.
You Will Learn:
- Common terms used by signalling staff, track workers, and supervisors
- Acronyms and shorthand used during safety briefings and trackside tasks
- How correct terminology improves communication accuracy and reduces misunderstandings
- Language requirements for safety-critical conversations and documentation
Understand the basics of UK signalling, why they are essential, and how they impact railway safety and worker positioning.
You Will Learn:
- Types of signals, including colour-light signals, ground signals, and route indicators
- How signals regulate train movement and ensure safe operations
- Identifying signal aspects and understanding what each instruction means
- Working safely around signals and avoiding interference with signalling equipment
Build awareness of electrical hazards related to both overhead and third-rail systems, helping you stay safe in electrified areas.
You Will Learn:
- Differences between AC overhead line equipment (OLE) and DCCR third-rail systems
- Voltage dangers, exclusion zones, and safe approach distances
- Isolation procedures and responsibilities of electrical staff
- How to recognise electrical signage and protective equipment requirements
- Situational awareness required when working near electrified assets
Be fully prepared to manage, report, and respond to emergencies on the railway network.
You Will Learn:
- What to do in incidents involving injury, trains, fire, or hazardous conditions
- How to follow escalation procedures and notify the appropriate personnel
- Correct use of emergency telephones, alarms, and communication channels
- How to safely evacuate a site and maintain control during high-risk scenarios
- Requirements for documenting incidents or near misses accurately
Master the strict communication standards used across the UK rail industry to maintain operational safety.
You Will Learn:
- The correct structure of railway-approved message protocols
- How to give clear, concise, and unambiguous safety messages
- Why repeating and confirming instructions is essential
- Communication rules for speaking with signallers, controllers, and protection staff
- How poor communication can lead to operational risks—and how to avoid it
Apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world setting through a supervised, safety-controlled site visit.
You Will Learn:
- How live track environments operate and what hazards to identify
- The behaviour and awareness expected from all PTS-certified workers
- How trains move, sound patterns, and visibility change in real conditions
- The practical application of safe positioning, hazard spotting, and communication
- The practical application of safe positioning, hazard spotting, and communication
Our Process
Begin your journey toward gaining full Personal Track Safety competence with our simple, structured enrolment process:
Complete Your Screening
Before attending the course, all delegates must pass a Network Rail-approved medical assessment and drug & alcohol test. We guide you through the process to ensure smooth compliance.
Attend Classroom & Practical Training
Over two days, you’ll complete structured theory sessions, hands-on practical work, safety demonstrations, and communication exercises delivered by expert instructors.
Track Visit & Assessment
Your learning concludes with a supervised visit to a live railway environment, followed by assessments to confirm competence. Successful learners receive their PTS certification and can be registered on Sentinel.
Who Should Take This PTS Training Course?
This PTS training course in London is designed for anyone who needs safe access to the operational railway. It provides the mandatory knowledge, safety awareness, and certification required across a wide range of rail roles.
- Safe handling of challenging situations
- Identifying hazards in public and private venues
- Contractors requiring access to rail sites
- Anyone entering a rail company requiring Sentinel PTS certification
Frequently Asked Questions
The PTS certification is typically valid for two years. After this period, you will need to complete a renewal or recertification course to maintain your eligibility to work on or near the railway.
No prior rail experience is required. The course is designed to support complete beginners as well as individuals transitioning into railway engineering or infrastructure roles.
Participants should bring valid photo identification, comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises, and any documentation provided during enrolment. PPE may be provided on-site if required.
Yes. The training includes both theoretical and practical assessments to ensure participants fully understand safety protocols and can demonstrate essential skills before certification is issued.
Yes. Completing the PTS Full Package makes you eligible for safety-critical roles across the rail network and improves your chances when applying for trackside or infrastructure positions.
Absolutely. The PTS Full Package follows industry standards and is accepted across UK railway operators, contractors, and infrastructure companies.
If a learner does not pass a module on the first attempt, trainers will provide guidance and opportunities for reassessment. Additional support may be offered to help you meet the required competency level.
Start Your Railway Career Today
Take the first step toward becoming fully certified for trackside work. Enrol in the PTS Full Package and gain all the essential skills, knowledge, and qualifications you need to work safely and confidently within the rail industry.