Rail apprenticeships · Train driver psychometric testing
Setting the Standard for Railway Competence
An Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation supporting safe, competent railway professionals through apprenticeship assessment and Train Driver Psychometric Testing.
What we do
Specialist Assessment for the Railway Industry
Apprenticeship Assessments
End-point assessment services for rail apprenticeship standards, designed around the operational, technical and safety-critical demands of the railway.
Explore apprenticeship assessmentsTrain Driver Psychometric Testing
Specialist psychometric assessment for train driver recruitment and progression, delivered inhouse or at our testing centre.
View testing servicesApprenticeships
Apprenticeship Standards We Assess
Railway Competence Group is regulated by Ofqual (recognition number RN6118) to assess the apprenticeship standards listed below. These apprenticeship assessments are available to learners, employers and training providers across the UK rail industry.
Featured standard
Train driver
Train Drivers are responsible for driving trains in a safe, punctual, economic manner over various routes in accordance with rail rules, regulations and procedures. A Train Driver could work in a number of rail environments, such as high speed, passenger, freight, underground, metro, suburban, cross border, depots, sidings or maintenance sheds; moving passengers, goods, empty coaching stock or driving on-track machines to perform infrastructure maintenance work.
View standard →Rail engineering operative
This occupation is found across various parts of the railway infrastructure sector. This includes rail maintenance and construction companies, organisations responsible for the upkeep and development of tracks, signals, and stations, and companies that work on underground, overground, and high-speed rail networks.
View standard →Passenger transport operative
This occupation is found in the transport sector. Passenger transport operatives work in the wide variety of settings that enable customers to travel on the public transport network. They work at stations or on-board trains, trams, buses and coaches.
View standard →Clear and consistent
From Registration to Certification
- 01
Initial Enquiry
Confirm the apprenticeship standard, learner volumes and anticipated assessment dates.
- 02
Registration
Register apprentices and provide employers and training providers with guidance documentation.
- 03
Assessment Planning
Coordinate assessment activities, evidence requirements, locations and reasonable adjustments.
- 04
Independent Assessment
RCG assessors evaluate each apprentice consistently against the required standard.
- 05
Results and Certification
Issue clear outcomes, feedback and certification following successful completion.
Specialist testing services
Psychometric Testing for Train Driver Roles
Train driving requires sustained concentration, accurate information processing, sound judgement and the ability to perform consistently in safety-critical environments.
Railway Competence Group are a member of the RACF and, as such, provides structured Train Driver Psychometric Testing for employers, operators and candidates. Assessments are delivered in line with RIS-3751-TOM using standardised processes designed to support fair, defensible recruitment decisions.
- Standardised assessment process
- Standardised testing environment
- Private testing available
- Results stored on industry database
Why work with us
Independent, Consistent and Rail-Focused
Industry Experience
Assessment designed around the realities of operational and safety-critical railway work.
Qualified Assessors
Experienced professionals applying clear standards with consistency and impartiality.
Expedited Delivery
Assessment coordination for employers, training providers, apprentices and candidates.
Quality Assurance
Documented processes supporting reliable decisions and continual improvement.
For employers & providers
A Dependable Awarding Organisation
We work with employers and training providers to make assessment clear, manageable and professionally delivered.
From early planning and apprentice registration to assessment scheduling, results and certification, our team provides direct communication and practical support throughout the process.
As an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation (RN6118), our qualifications and assessments meet national standards for quality, reliability and recognition.
- Expedited Assessment
- Dedicated points of contact
- Flexible delivery options
- Quality-assured results
Testimonials
What Our Partners Say
“RCG have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and flexibility. They can adapt to our business needs at short notice and regularly provide a wide range of assessment dates, even when requests are made with limited lead time. Their ability to allocate assessors quickly and efficiently has been invaluable and ensures our learners experience minimal delays.”
“We have recently moved from a different EPAO provider, and the change couldn't be more marked. RCG are proactive, taking the lead on the process. They engage with both the relevant managers and learners but also directly with the rostering team to arrange suitable dates. This is done in a flexible way and appreciates the challenges of an operational railway.”
“Working with RCG has been an absolute pleasure. Their service is consistently impeccable, and they've gone above and beyond for us. Their professionalism, reliability and genuine commitment to great service make them a standout partner. Our employees prefer to go to RCG over their competitors. Highly recommended.”
“Feedback from learners on the EPA has been 100% positive, with comments including how approachable the Assessor was. We have also been impressed with the turnaround after the assessment with results coming through in a matter of days. Working with this EPAO has been like a breath of fresh air.”
Announcement
RCG achieves ISO 42001 certification for AI management
Railway Competence Group has been certified to ISO/IEC 42001:2023, the international standard for managing artificial intelligence responsibly.
02 October 2026
Insight
Level boarding to become standard on new Great British Railways trains
New trains bought for Great British Railways will be designed so passengers can step on and off without a gap or step, improving access for disabled people, parents and travellers with luggage.
29 September 2026
Quality Assurance
Ofqual launches its Teacher Hub for exams and assessments
Ofqual has brought its guidance for teachers, exams officers and school staff together in one place, covering what to expect before, during and after exams.
28 September 2026
Certifications
Standards We Maintain
Our management systems and cyber security credentials are independently certified, supporting the trust employers, providers and candidates place in our services.
ISO 9001
Quality Management Systems
A certified quality management system that supports consistent, reliable delivery of assessment and testing services.
Details
ISO 9001
Quality Management Systems
- Issuer
- IRQAO - International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations
- Scheme
- ISO 9001:2015
- Scope
- Provision of Apprenticeship Assessments for Train Drivers, Train Driver psychometric testing for Train Operating Companies (TOC) and Freight Operating Companies (FOC), private psychometric assessment services, and incident-prevention support for the railway sector.
ISO 14001
Environmental Management
Environmental management certification demonstrating responsible control of our operational impact.
Details
ISO 14001
Environmental Management
- Issuer
- IRQAO - International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations
- Scheme
- ISO 14001:2015
- Scope
- Provision of Apprenticeship Assessments for Train Drivers, Train Driver psychometric testing for Train Operating Companies (TOC) and Freight Operating Companies (FOC), private psychometric assessment services, and incident-prevention support for the railway sector.
ISO 45001
Occupational Health and Safety
Health and safety management certification aligned to the wellbeing of employees, candidates and visitors.
Details
ISO 45001
Occupational Health and Safety
- Issuer
- IRQAO - International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations
- Scheme
- ISO 45001:2018
- Scope
- Provision of Apprenticeship Assessments for Train Drivers, Train Driver psychometric testing for Train Operating Companies (TOC) and Freight Operating Companies (FOC), private psychometric assessment services, and incident-prevention support for the railway sector.
ISO 27001
Information Security Management
Information security management certification protecting candidate, client and business data.
Details
ISO 27001
Information Security Management
- Issuer
- IRQAO - International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations
- Scheme
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- Scope
- Provision of Apprenticeship Assessments for Train Drivers, Train Driver psychometric testing for Train Operating Companies (TOC) and Freight Operating Companies (FOC), private psychometric assessment services, and incident-prevention support for the railway sector.
ISO 42001
Artificial Intelligence Management
AI management system certification supporting the responsible, transparent and secure use of artificial intelligence.
Details
ISO 42001
Artificial Intelligence Management
- Issuer
- IRQAO - International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations
- Scheme
- ISO/IEC 42001:2023
- Scope
- The provision of apprenticeship assessment, train driver psychometric testing, private psychometric assessment, training, software, applications and AI-supported software development for the railway sector within the UK.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Security Baseline
Government-backed certification confirming baseline protection against common online threats.
Details
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Security Baseline
- Issuer
- IASME Consortium (NCSC-appointed)
- Scheme
- Cyber Essentials
- Scope
- Whole-organisation baseline technical controls against common internet-borne threats.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Advanced Cyber Security Assurance
A higher tier of cyber security assurance with independent technical verification of our controls.
Details
Cyber Essentials Plus
Advanced Cyber Security Assurance
- Issuer
- IASME Consortium (NCSC-appointed), via Blockmark registry
- Scheme
- Cyber Essentials Plus
- Scope
- Hands-on technical audit of endpoints, servers and cloud services across the organisation.
Accreditations
Recognised by the Industry
Our accreditations and approvals show employers, providers and candidates that our assessments are delivered to recognised national and sector standards.
Listed on the Apprenticeship Training Provider and Assessment Register as an approved organisation to deliver apprenticeship assessments.
Details
- Issuer
- Skills England
- Scheme
- Apprenticeship Training Provider and Assessment Register
- Scope
- Independent end-point assessment for rail apprenticeship standards.
Advocating professional standards since 1995. The Rail Assessment Centre Forum brings together assessment centre representatives committed to the railway group standard RIS-3751-TOM, promoting best practice and consistency in the psychometric assessment of prospective train drivers to help ensure the safety of rail operations across the UK.
Details
- Issuer
- Rail Assessment Centre Forum
- Scheme
- Industry Forum Membership
- Scope
- Train driver psychometric testing and assessment centre practices for UK rail employers, including shared information through the RACF Database.
Verified supplier under the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme, confirming we meet the rail sector's supplier safety and quality requirements.
Details
- Issuer
- RSSB - Rail Safety and Standards Board
- Scheme
- RISQS Verification
- Scope
- Supplier qualification for assessment and testing services to the UK railway industry.
Approved training and examinations centre under the Office of Rail and Road, supporting competence and assessment activities for the rail industry.
Details
- Issuer
- Office of Rail and Road
- Scheme
- ORR Training and Examinations Centre
- Scope
- Training and examination services for rail industry competence and assessment.
Member of RSSB, the independent body supporting the GB rail industry on health, safety and standards.
Details
- Issuer
- Rail Safety and Standards Board
- Scheme
- RSSB Membership
- Scope
- Rail industry safety, standards and competence.
Community
Proud Sponsors of Manchester Storm Academy
We are proud to support Manchester Storm Academy, helping young athletes develop discipline, teamwork and resilience both on and off the ice.
Our partnership reflects the same values we bring to rail assessment: commitment, consistency and investing in the next generation.
