The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail provides rail professionals with the crucial, cutting-edge industry knowledge and understanding required to excel in today’s dynamic rail environment.  The certificate is a 20-week online, industry-designed and recognised training course. 

Whether involved in design, construction, operations, or maintenance, the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail offers insights that align with industry best practices, helping to future-proof rail careers.  

This certificate provides the tools to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving rail environment and explores topics such as:  

• Rail freight & passenger operations
• Infrastructure & maintenance  
• Rail safety  
• Digitisation & automation  
• Sustainability & supply chain  
• Asset lifecycle management   

The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail combines the ARA’s five individual courses, with a live webinar and an optional site visit. Participants learn together in one of two cohorts each year. All learning is undertaken online through the ARA Learning platform and each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and a Credly Badge.

Enrol for the next ARA Professional Certificate in Rail – or if you’d like to discuss group bookings, please contact the ARA Workforce Development Team.

What you will learn 

The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail combines the ARA’s five industry-leading courses with a live webinar and an optional site-visit to create the first Australasian rail industry-designed and endorsed professional certificate.  

It is a comprehensive and interconnected learning experience covering the technical, operational and safety aspects of rail systems through in-depth courses on rail operations, signalling, rollingstock and infrastructure. It provides a thorough perspective on the rail industry, discussing industry challenges and highlighting issues such as automation, sustainability and innovation. 

Learning is delivered through the online ARA Learning platform. Each course is open for five weeks, with a total of 25 weeks needed to complete the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail.

ARA Understanding Rail Course 
This course provides a foundational understanding of the role of rail in communities, and the economic and social benefits it brings. Learners gain knowledge of various railway operations (eg passenger, freight, heavy haul) and the importance of safety and sustainability. The course also covers the types of services delivered by trains, the underlying business models and the critical role of the supply chain, as well as insights into the professionals who shape the industry. 

ARA Rollingstock Course
This course focuses on train design, procurement, and propulsion systems, covering traditional diesel, electric, battery/electric, and hydrogen options. Learners explore how train design interacts with terrain and the increasing integration of systems that manage train operations above and below the rail. The course provides a deep understanding of the technological considerations in rollingstock. 

ARA Rail Infrastructure Course
This course offers a comprehensive overview of rail infrastructure, focusing on the key components that ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of rail systems. Participants will explore the fundamentals of electrical, track and civil, and geotechnical considerations, which are integral to the design, construction, and maintenance of modern railways. 

ARA Rail Signalling Course 
The signalling course covers the core principles of rail signalling systems and their importance in ensuring safety. It covers the terminology, system integration, and evolution of signalling, including modern and future technologies like digital signalling and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS). Learners are introduced to signalling design, reading signalling plans, maintenance, and the complexities of both lineside and digital assets in the network.  

ARA Rail Operations Course
This course showcases the complexities of delivering safe and customer-focused services across passenger, freight and heavy haul sectors. The course covers key operational functions such as train timetabling, rollingstock maintenance, communications, and how digitisation and de-carbonisation impact these functions. It also addresses safety legislation, business models and the importance of customer-centricity in rail operations. 

The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail offers a well-rounded perspective on the rail industry, addressing its technical and operational challenges while highlighting safety, sustainability and innovation. 

Why choose the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail?

1. Comprehensive industry knowledge
   

   Learn how different parts of the rail industry interact and apply that knowledge to your role.

2. Real-world applications
   

   Through case studies, interactive quizzes and practical examples, this course enables participants to apply new knowledge from day one.

3. Industry recognition
   

   Earn a professional certificate that showcases your expertise and dedication to excellence in the rail industry.

4. Boost your confidence
   

   Acquire the terminology, concepts and insights needed to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.

5. Recommended for all levels
   

   The certificate suits professionals who are new to the rail industry and those seeking to enhance their knowledge.

6. Flexible format
   

   Modules are divided into lessons, and can be paused at any point, allowing for learners to participate according to their own schedule.

What past course participants are saying…

Essential knowledge for over 500 roles

The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail is recommended for: 

• New entrants to the rail industry: Offering a comprehensive introduction to rail operations and practices.  

• Managers & executives: Enhancing decision-making and strategic alignment with a deeper understanding of the industry.  

• Safety, compliance & risk professionals: Providing crucial insights on safety and regulatory practices.  

• Supply chain & logistics experts: Improving efficiency and collaboration within rail networks.  

• Engineers & technical teams: Gaining insights into new and emerging technical and operational assets and ways of working in rail.  

• HR & training leaders: Supporting workforce development with industry-aligned knowledge.  

• Policymakers & consultants: Providing a solid grounding in rail to inform policies, regulations and advisory services.  

• Graduates: Accelerating rail knowledge and experience.  

• Procurement and project specialists: Gaining an understanding and proficiency of the rail industry to support all aspects of their work. 

Learning with the Australasian Railway Association 

Since 1994, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has been a trusted leader in supporting the rail industry across Australia and New Zealand. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality training, the ARA now offers the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail, designed to equip learners with the skills needed for today’s rail projects.  

Designed in partnership with industry experts, the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail offers up to date industry knowledge that can be directly applied to real-world rail projects and operations. The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail is recognised by the industry as a demonstration of practical expertise and a valuable credential for career advancement.

Enrolment fees 

Members: $4,400 incl GST

Save $2,300 by enrolling in the ARA Professional Certificate in Rail compared to booking each ARA Learning course individually.

Non members: $6,600 incl GST

Past graduates of ARA courses may be eligible for reduced fees. Contact us to confirm your eligibility. 

Group bookings

Corporate groups of 10 or more participants are eligible for a discount on the relevant member or non-member fees. Contact us to confirm your eligibility.

Frequently asked questions