Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 243, Training, Qualifications, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees requires each railroad or contractor that employs one or more safety-related railroad employees to develop and submit certain training programs to FRA for approval, and to designate the minimum training qualifications for each occupational category of employee. The regulation also requires most employers to conduct periodic oversight of their employees. Large employers (400,000 or more total employee work hours annually) must develop annual written reviews to determine the effectiveness of their training relating to employee performance gaps. Based on the results of the annual review, the employers’ designated person(s) coordinates any necessary adjustments to the initial and refresher training programs. 
FRA is responsible for overall management and oversight of the Minimum Training Standards Regulation for safety-related railroad employees. Management of voluntary programs as well as regulatory programs impact all railroads (freight and passenger/commuter) nationwide. Minimum Training Program oversight responsibilities entail legislatively mandated review and approval of submitted training programs developed by railroads, railroad contractors, training organizations, learning institutions, and associations used to qualify and train safety-related railroad employees on Federal laws, regulations, and orders.

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