Betriebsleiter/Betriebsleiterin für Eisenbahnen

Preparation courses for the examination take place in training rooms of educational providers in the transport sector. For in-person events, learning locations are training rooms. For combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), learning locations are training rooms for in-person events and home for online learning units.

The occupation type is a Studium (university degree) profession (plus Weiterbildung - further training). The type of further training is a further training examination according to a nationwide standardized regulation. Participation in preparatory courses is not mandatory. The duration of further training varies depending on the educational offer, class time (full-time/part-time), and learning format. Operations managers for railways monitor compliance with legal regulations for railway operations. They plan inspections and checks of railway facilities and vehicles, thereby ensuring operational safety. During inspections, they assess potential hazards and, if necessary, initiate measures to eliminate damage and weaknesses. For repairs on railway tracks, they carry out structural engineering calculations and supervise construction measures. Finally, they document the inspection results and the measures implemented. They investigate and evaluate industrial accidents to increase operational safety.

Typically, one works during the further training and receives a Vergütung (remuneration).

Varies depending on the educational offer, class time (full-time/part-time), and learning format.

Course fees are generally incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the further training institution, or for external accommodation.

Law and business administration, e.g., railway and administrative law, labor and occupational safety law, railway police and criminal law, economic principle, economic cycle, cost-conscious action. Technology of operating facilities, e.g., railway construction and operating regulations (EBO), principles of alignment, level crossings and intersections, maintenance of operating facilities, basic signal technology plans, energy supply. Vehicle technology, e.g., types of vehicles and operating modes, design of vehicle bodies, running gear and track guidance, drive and brakes, safety devices and facilities of vehicles subject to monitoring. Railway operations, e.g., determination of travel times and timetables, training, examination, and supervision of operating personnel, duty roster planning, accident prevention, fire protection, emergency management, signal technology.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing the advanced training examination: Technical knowledge, for example, to facilitate access to technical content from electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, civil or transport engineering, and to understand the technology of operational facilities and vehicles. Legal and business administration knowledge, for example, to understand administrative, railway, environmental protection, railway police law, as well as the economic cycle and cost-conscious action, and to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, service instructions, and requirements, and to ensure economic processes.

The advanced training consists of theoretical instruction and, if applicable, exercises. One should prepare for the following conditions: Teaching time for full-time instruction: full-day instruction on at least four weekdays. For part-time instruction: typically, career-accompanying advanced training on weekends or in the evenings. Learning format for in-person events: classroom instruction at the educational institution (possibly not at the place of residence). For combined learning formats (e.g., blended learning): training rooms for in-person events, at home for online learning units.

Even without proof of professional qualification through the examination for railway operations manager, one can be confirmed as an operations manager. This requires passing the state examination for higher technical administrative service in a subject area with content from planning, construction, and operation of railways. In addition, at least three years of professional experience as an engineer in specialist areas related to railway safety must be demonstrated. In individual cases, appointment as an operations manager is also possible for already appointed tram operations managers. This requires activity in a company with approval as a tram company and as a railway company.

Qualification title: Operations Manager for Railways / Operations Manager for Railways. According to the Tram Operations Manager Examination Ordinance, the following qualification can also be acquired: Operations Manager of Tram Companies / Operations Manager of Tram Companies.

Operations Manager for Railways is a professional advanced training whose examination is uniformly regulated nationwide. Participation in a course is not mandatory for admission to the examination. Furthermore, advanced training as an Operations Manager for Tram Companies is also possible. This is regulated by the Tram Operations Manager Examination Ordinance.

After their advanced training, Operations Managers for Railways work for railway transport and infrastructure companies. One can keep their specialist knowledge up-to-date, bring it to the latest standard, and expand it through adaptive advanced training. The range of topics extends from rail transport to plant safety. Further academic study (Studium) can help advance one's career, for example, in the field of transport engineering. The step into self-employment is also possible, for example, with a company for passenger or freight transport.

The legal regulation for this continuing education examination is the Ordinance on the Examination for Railway Operations Managers (Eisenbahnbetriebsleiter-Prüfungsverordnung - EBPV) from July 7, 2000 (BGBl. I S. 1023), last amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance from May 9, 2011 (BGBl. I S. 810).

The prerequisite for admission to this continuing education examination is generally a successfully completed Studium (university degree) in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or transport engineering, as well as at least three years of experience as an engineer in railway construction or operation. Furthermore, confirmed tram operations managers with at least three years of professional experience are also eligible for admission.