NOC 73311Railway conductors and brakemen/women

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

NOC 73311 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Railway conductors and brakemen/women. It is classified TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 73 › 733 › 7331

Definition

Railway conductors coordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run, and assist railway conductors in activities en route. They are employed by railway transport companies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Railway conductors
Supervise and coordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members (except locomotive engineers) to ensure train operations are in accordance with schedule, train orders and code of operating rules
Receive train orders and explain orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members
Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information
Collect fares on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger enquiries
Prepare train run reports.
Brakemen/women
Check train systems and equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run
Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to aid in the movement and operation of train
Receive orders from traffic controllers, observe signals and track conditions and open and close track switches
Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as required
Assist in collecting fares and helping passengers on and off train.

Example job titles

•brakeman/woman
•conductor - switching yard
•freight train conductor
•front-end brakeman/woman
•passenger train conductor
•railway conductor
•road freight brakeman/woman
•tail-end brakeman/woman

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, railway conductors and brakemen/women are classified under NOC code 73311. This occupation falls under TEER Category 3, making it eligible for key Canadian immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Professionals in this unit group coordinate the activities of train crews, manage freight or passenger operations, and ensure compliance with strict railway safety regulations. Employment requirements typically include the completion of secondary school, relevant experience as a yard worker or brakeman, and successful completion of a railway company's training program. Additionally, candidates must obtain certification in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Check program eligibility →

Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 73311 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Railway conductors and brakemen/women is TEER 3, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 73311 usually require?

Railway conductors and brakemen/women is classified as TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.