Certification program required.

(a) Each railroad subject to this part shall have a written signal employee certification program. (b) Each certification program shall include all of the following: (1) If applicable, an explanation and discussion of the occupational categories and subcategories of certified signal service that comply with the requirements in § 246.107; (2) A procedure for evaluating prior safety conduct as a motor vehicle operator that complies with the criteria established in § 246.111; (3) A procedure for evaluating prior safety conduct as an employee or certified signal employee with other railroads that complies with the criteria established in § 246.113; (4) A procedure for evaluating potential substance abuse disorders and compliance with railroad alcohol and drug rules that complies with the criteria established in § 246.115; (5) A procedure for evaluating visual and hearing acuity that complies with the criteria established in §§ 246.117 and 246.118; (6) A procedure for training that complies with the criteria established in § 246.119; (7) A procedure for qualifying persons on its signal system and signal-related technology that complies with the criteria established in § 246.120; (8) A procedure for knowledge testing that complies with the criteria established in § 246.121; (9) A procedure for monitoring operational performance that complies with the criteria established in § 246.123; and (10) A procedure for mentoring uncertified signal employees that complies with the criteria established in § 246.124. (c) Each certification program shall be version controlled. Any change from the previous FRA-approved version of the certification program must be tracked.