ARA TLIF0020 Safely Access the Rail Corridor | Online
ARA Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) Course
The Australasian Railway Association’s (ARA) Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) is the nationally recognised unit of competency required for anyone entering a rail corridor, as well as those working on station platforms, buildings or in train maintenance depots.
Who Should Complete This Course?
SARC is required for:
- All employees and contractors entering or working in a rail corridor and workers in or around stations, depots or rail facilities.
It is also suitable for:
- New entrants to the rail industry seeking a foundational knowledge about safety in rail corridors.
Learning Structure
Learners complete the course entirely online, working through interactive content including animations, scenarios and knowledge checks. The format allows learners to progress at their own pace while building core knowledge of rail corridor safety.
Interactive 360° simulations and case study examples allow learners to apply what they’ve learned in practical simulated rail environments. This ensures they can recognise hazards, select safe places and respond appropriately in different situations.
Competency is measured through online assessment using simulated rail tasks and a written theory. Student verification is also built into the assessment.
Learners demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in realistic contexts, confirming they are safe to access the rail corridor under the supervision of a competent.
Course Details
Delivery: Online
Duration: Self-paced
Cost: $250 (no GST)
Outcome
A Unit of Competency is issued upon successful assessment completion:
TLIF0020 Safely access the rail corridor
Course content developed by the Australian Railway Association:
Nationally recognised training delivered under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

TLIF0025 Follow Work Health and Safety Procedures
Online Course — nationally recognised unit
This nationally recognised unit covers the skills and knowledge required to follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) / Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures in the transport and logistics / rail environment. It addresses routine workplace WHS procedures including hazard identification and risk control, contributing to WHS management arrangements, and completing WHS records. Work is generally performed under some supervision and within a team environment.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for workers who need to understand and apply established WHS/OHS procedures as part of their role — including supervisors, site operatives and those who may work on or near rail infrastructure. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit itself, but individual employers or networks may have additional requirements.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Follow workplace WHS/OHS procedures and apply hazard minimisation principles.
- Identify hazards, assess and apply appropriate controls.
- Contribute to WHS/OHS management arrangements and team safety.
- Complete WHS/OHS records and report incidents, faults or unsafe conditions in accordance with workplace requirements.
COURSE INFORMATION
This course provides a flexible, online delivery pathway for Learners looking to develop entry level, regulatory knowledge & skills needed to work in the Rail Industry.
Learning Content includes:
The skill set covers vital competencies for the railway industry, including:
- Develop an awareness of railway fundamentals.
- Taking appropriate safety precautions to access the danger zone, access the rail corridor & respond appropriately in an emergency.
- Following workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control, contributing to WHS/OHS management arrangements and completing WHS/OHS records.
- Apply effective safety critical communications.
- Identifying legislation relating to hazardous substances and dangerous goods, segregating dangerous goods and hazardous substances, and dealing with incidents involving hazardous substances and dangerous goods; and
- Identifying and acting on signs of fatigue and implementing appropriate strategies to minimise fatigue during work activities.
Equipment Requirements
- Laptop / Desktop Computer with internet access.
- Headphones or Speakers.
Enrolment details
Course Cost: $225 (GST free)
Target Audience: Those who work or are intending to work in the rail transport and logistics industry.
Delivery & Assessment method: Online
Duration – Online component: 6 Hours
Start Date: Any time after enrolment is confirmed. Our training team will be in touch to provide you with log in details to access the online course. Once enrolment is confirmed, learners will have three months to complete the course.
Certification: A Statement of Attainment will be issued upon successful completion of the assessment and assurance audit.
Assurance Audits: Railtrain conducts assurance audits on all learners completing nationally recognised online courses. To do this, we will contact you by telephone within three business days of your assessment being marked as satisfactory and ask you some questions regarding the course to ensure the assessment evidence is authentic.
RTO Code 52221
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TLI40921 Certificate IV in Rail Network Control
This is a qualification for a person engaged in the control of rail traffic.
Course Information
Railtrain is pleased to announce that TLI40921 Certificate IV in Rail Network Control is approved on our scope of registration. This nationally recognised qualification is designed to equip rail industry professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge required for effective network control, ensuring safe and efficient rail operations.
This qualification is suitable for rail organisations that would like to upskill and qualify their network controllers. It can be delivered under auspice arrangements using client training resources and trainers. Railtrain can validate these to quality assure the training and assessment. Additionally, we can contextualise materials to meet the specific needs of employers.
A nationally recognised qualification is awarded to all participants who successfully complete all components of TLI40921 Certificate IV in Rail Network Control.
Course brochure
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TLI42622 Certificate IV in Train Driving
Railtrain offer a fast-tracked program to upskill and certify competent experienced Train Drivers. This pathway includes a blend of recognising the informal skills and knowledge applicants have collected through work and life experiences, plus an abbreviated formal assessment process. Whilst this pathway condenses the traditional qualification duration, evidence submitted by applicants must still meet the Rules of Evidence as per the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.
In WA you may be eligible for a Traineeship which may attract financial incentives. Please contact us for further details.
TLI42622 Certificate IV in Train Driving can lead to future career options that can include freight train driver, network controllers, roles in rail operations management, or rail technical training positions.


Course Information
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Introduction to Rail | Virtual Course
Would you like to find a job in Australia’s booming rail industry?
Railtrain can help your resume get on track with our Introduction to Rail course.
Our Introduction to Rail course is developed by rail industry experts and can be completed through a combination of self-paced online learning, and one in-class real-time video conferencing session facilitated by our experienced trainer.
Enrol today or email training@railtrain.com.au or contact (08) 9470 4999 to find out more information.
Testimonials
Read what our learners are saying about our Introduction to Rail course:
COURSE INFORMATION
This course provides a flexible, online delivery pathway for Learners looking to develop entry level, regulatory knowledge & skills needed to work in the Rail Industry.
Learning Content includes:
The skill set covers vital competencies for the railway industry, including:
- Develop an awareness of railway fundamentals.
- Taking appropriate safety precautions to access the danger zone, access the rail corridor & respond appropriately in an emergency.
- Following workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control, contributing to WHS/OHS management arrangements and completing WHS/OHS records.
- Apply effective safety critical communications.
- Identifying legislation relating to hazardous substances and dangerous goods, segregating dangerous goods and hazardous substances, and dealing with incidents involving hazardous substances and dangerous goods; and
- Identifying and acting on signs of fatigue and implementing appropriate strategies to minimise fatigue during work activities.
Click here to enrol today
or contact us below to find out more information.
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Delivery Model & Certification Outcome
The course is completed online, through a blend of self-paced progression, and facilitation via Microsoft Teams by Railtrain’s trainers who are qualified rail operations training experts, with many years’ experience in different organisations and networks across the industry.
A total of seven units of competency offered as part of this skill set, broken into three stages:
Stage 1. Online training & assessment (self-paced)
- TLIF3091 Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements
- TLIF2010 Apply fatigue management strategies
Typical training and assessment duration for Stage 1 = 10-15 hours
Stage 2. Online training & theory assessment (self-paced)
- TLIF0020 Safely Access the Rail corridor
- TLIB3118 Apply awareness of railway fundamentals
- TLIF0025 Follow work health and safety procedures
- TLIF0008 Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment
- TLIF2006 Apply accident-emergency procedures
Typical training and assessment duration for Stage 2 = 10-15 hours
Stage 3. Online facilitated revision & practical assessment (one day, Microsoft Teams)
Typical training and assessment duration for Stage 3 = 8 hours
COST
The cost for the course is $990 (GST Free) per Learner, to be paid as part of enrolment.
ENROLMENT
Please email training@railtrain.com.au or contact us on (08) 9470 4999 to register your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What IT equipment do I need to complete this online course?
- Access to a Laptop / Desktop Computer with Microsoft Teams.
- Web Camera with Microphone, Headphones & Speakers.
- Sufficient data.
What is the typical time required to complete this online course?
Approximately 34 hours in total; 10-15 hours = Stage 1, 10-15 hours = Stage 2, & 8 hours = Stage 3.
When can I start my training?
Immediately after enrolment is confirmed. Our training team will be in touch to provide you with log in details to access the online course.
Do I need to complete a Language, Literacy & Numeracy Assessment?
As part of the enrolment process, you will be assessed to confirm you have the LLN skills required to complete this course
When are the trainer facilitated Stage 3 dates scheduled?
Stage 3 assessment dates will be scheduled as soon as possible once Stage 1 & 2 have been completed at a time mutually suitable for all stakeholders.
What are the course minimum and maximum Learner numbers during Stage 3 (facilitated revision & assessment)?
Min (1) & max numbers (4).
Does Railtrain conduct assurance audits on the completed self-paced training?
Yes. The beginning of the facilitated Stage 3 will include revision of the earlier Stages.
Do I receive any price discount if I meet eligibility requirements regarding Credit Transfer?
Learners who can provide a current Statement of Attainment or USI transcript will receive a discount of $25 per unit of competency.
How long do I have to complete this course once I have enrolled?
All active enrolments will be open for 3 months from time of enrolment.
Does completion of this course guarantee employment in the Rail Industry?
Different job roles within the Rail Industry require different pre-requisites, which may include however not limited to:
- Safety psychometric assessment,
- LLN assessment,
- Fitness to work,
- Medical assessment,
- Drug & alcohol screening,
- Police checks, and
- Personal reference checks.

TLIF0045 Investigate rail safety incidents
What your organisation gets from this course
- Employees skilled in rail safety investigations
- Less reliance on outside expertise
- An organisation better prepared to meet compliance requirements
- Important professional development for existing and new staff
Course information
This 4-day program will cover the skills and knowledge required to investigate an incident associated with railway operations in accordance with rail safety regulatory and workplace requirements.
The sessions will comprehensively cover the following topics:
Determining a Terms of Reference
- Receiving or developing a TOR to guide the investigation
- Determining the investigation scope
Factual details and sequence of events
- Incident timelines
- Determining facts
Investigating methodology / Evidence gathering
- Recognising different types of rail specific evidence
- Gathering evidence in order of priority
Interview techniques
- Planning the interviews
- Developing questions
- Practical interviews as part of the simulated investigation
Analysis of evidence guided by a variety of rail specific tools
- PEEPO
- ORLIO
- Five Why’s
- Fault tree analysis
- Factor mapping
Findings / conclusions
- Identifying root cause
- Contributory factors
- Human factors and behaviours
- Recommendations and safety actions to prevent recurrence
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment in the unit TLIF0045 Investigate rail safety incidents is given to all participants who successfully complete the theory and practical assessments.
Testimonials
Read what our learners are saying about this course:
Course brochure
Course suitability
This program is intended for:
- Operational employees who may be involved in rail safety investigations
- Operations and rail infrastructure Supervisors and Managers
- Rail safety professionals
- Other corporate staff who may be involved in rail safety investigations
Delivery
Course delivery is over 4 consecutive days of face-to-face classroom contact and site-based investigations of a simulated incident, either on client company premises or Railtrain’s training facilities. The course can be delivered in-house where a client company has:
- 3 or more participants and no more than 9 participants
- Suitable training venue, infrastructure, and equipment including:
- A short section of track
- 1 piece of rolling stock: a wagon, locomotive, or track trolley. (The rolling stock only needs to be stationary.)
Alternatively, delivery can be at our training facilities. Workshops will be scheduled to meet participant demand. Course may be deferred if minimum numbers are not met.
Cost
The cost for this course is $2,800 per person (GST Free). An amount of $1,500 is to be paid at enrolment. The balance is due once attendance is confirmed, to be paid on Day 1 of the course.
Want more information?
Contact us on (08) 9470 4999 or training@railtrain.com.au to discuss your needs, potential delivery options. Railtrain is a national Registered Training Organisation that delivers training services exclusively for the rail industry.
Our services include:
- Training programs in rail operations, rail infrastructure and rail safety investigations
- Traineeship delivery and advice on possible funding opportunities to offset training costs
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) services for those with relevant knowledge and skills
- Verification of Competence (VOC) assessments, Safeworking and other enterprise training
- Development of training and assessment materials customised to client requirements and mapped to national qualifications
No upcoming dates, or the current ones don’t suit your schedule?
Click here register your interest in future Railtrain courses.
Register your interest in Railtrain courses
If you would like information on upcoming courses, please complete the form below.
Roll-by Essentials
This course offers a skill set for learners seeking to develop entry-level regulatory knowledge and skills required to work in the rail industry as a Roll By Observer.
Course Information
The role of a Roll By Observer involves preparing for and conducting a visual roll-by inspection of crossing or passing trains, either from the ground or on-train, to identify equipment issues, load security concerns, or other defects or failures, and reporting or addressing the inspection results.
LEARNING CONTENT
The skill set covers essential railway industry competencies, including:
- Developing an awareness of railway fundamentals.
- Taking appropriate safety precautions to access the danger zone, enter the rail corridor, and respond correctly in an emergency.
- Applying effective safety-critical communications.
- Preparing for and conducting a visual roll-by inspection of crossing or passing trains, either from the ground or on-train, to identify equipment issues, load security concerns, or other defects or failures, and reporting or addressing the inspection results.
Course DELIVERY
- The skill set includes a total of seven nationally recognised units of competency.
- The course is completed over one week, from Monday to Friday, combining classroom-based learning of underpinning knowledge with practical training and assessment.
- The training is delivered by Railtrain’s qualified trainers, who are rail operations experts with extensive experience across various organisations and networks in the industry.
- TLIF0025 Follow work health and safety procedures
- TLIF2010 Apply fatigue management strategies
- TLIB3118 Apply awareness of railway fundamentals
- TLIF0008 Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment
- TLIF0020 Safely access the rail corridor
- TLIB0014 Carry out train roll-by inspection
- TLID0020 Shift materials safely using manual handling methods
Cost
The course fee is $2,500 (GST free) per learner. Please contact us for information about payment plans or credit transfers.
Locations & Training Dates
This course is offered Brisbane (Qld), Newcastle (NSW), Moss Vale (NSW) and Perth (WA). This course is scheduled approximately every 3 months.
For more information, please contact us.
Course brochure
Frequently Asked Questions

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Shunting Essentials
This course offers a skill set for learners seeking to develop the essential regulatory knowledge and entry-level skills needed to work as a Shunter in the rail industry.
Course Information
The role of a Shunter is crucial for ensuring efficient rail operations. Shunters manage and control the movement of wagons, direct freight trains, and conduct essential safety checks within a yard environment, ensuring smooth and safe operations.
LEARNING CONTENT
The skill set covers essential railway industry competencies, including:
- Understanding railway fundamentals.
- Applying safety measures to access the danger zone and rail corridor, and responding to emergencies.
- Using effective safety-critical communication.
- Conducting and reporting visual roll-by inspections of trains to identify defects or issues.
- Assessing risks and planning load relocation.
- Shunting rail vehicles for loading, unloading, train assembly, or maintenance, including coupling and securing.
Course DELIVERY
- Eight nationally recognised units of competency are included in this skill set.
- The two-week course (Monday to Friday) combines classroom learning with practical training and assessment.
- Delivered by Railtrain’s experienced trainers, who are experts in rail operations.
Upon successful completion, learners will be issued a Statement of Attainment with the following units of competency:
- TLIF0025 Follow work health and safety procedures
- TLIF2010 Apply fatigue management strategies
- TLIB3118 Apply awareness of railway fundamentals
- TLIF0008 Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment
- TLIF0020 Safely access the rail corridor
- TLIB0014 Carry out train roll-by inspection
- TLID0020 Shift materials safely using manual handling methods
- TLIC4074 Shunt, couple and uncouple rail vehicles
Cost
The course fee is $4,000 (GST free) per learner. Please contact us for information about payment plans or credit transfers.
Locations & Training Dates
This course is offered Brisbane (Qld), Newcastle (NSW) and Moss Vale (NSW). This course is scheduled approximately every 3 months.
For specific dates and more information, please contact us.
Course brochure
Frequently Asked Questions

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