MTA Training Information
On this page, you will find answers to frequently asked questions relating to training and our courses. If the answer you’re looking for isn’t here, contact us.
2026 Psychosocial Webinar Series
A special psychosocial webinar series is running in 2026 to put the spotlight on creating healthy, safe and resilient workplaces. Through these sessions, learn the importance of creating psychosocially safe workplaces, and how to identify and manage the risks.
More webinars will be announced shortly. In the meantime, you can catch up on past webinars below.
Catch up on past webinars
Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Card
The RIW Program is a unified system of managing competencies, health, safety, and fitness for duty. In an industry where safety is paramount, the RIW Program serves as a single source of truth for workforce credentials, allowing businesses to track and manage their teams efficiently while ensuring compliance with the Rail Safety National Law.
If you want to work on the railway, you will need to obtain a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Card.
To find out more about the RIW program including information on how to get a card, visit the RIW website: https://www.riw.net.au/
Learner Support
MTA Training & Licensing provides learner support services to ensure all learners have equitable access to training, assessment, and the opportunity to achieve competency in the courses we deliver.
Learners undertaking online training are supported by qualified trainers and assessors who provide academic guidance, assessment support and timely feedback throughout the learning experience. Flexible delivery and assessment options may be implemented including access to learning materials in appropriate formats and support with the use of online learning platforms and digital technologies to support effective engagement.
Our in-person training includes pre-qualification review, to confirm course suitability and identify individual support needs.
At MTA Training & Licensing, we recognise that personal, health, work, or family circumstances may impact a learner’s ability to participate fully in training. Learners experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact their trainer or our team for confidential assistance. All learner support is provided in a respectful, confidential manner and at no additional cost for internal support services.
Free Support Services
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 |
Crisis Accommodation Information (Homelessness Help Services): | 1800 627 727 |
Drug And Alcohol Service | 1800 888 236 |
Domestic Violence 24X7 | 1800 811 |
Gamblers Anonymous | 1800 002 210 |
Lifeline 24 Hours | 131 114 |
Mensline Australia | 1300 78 99 78 |
Quit Line | 131 848 |
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis | 1800 015 188 or (03) 9322 3555 |
General Training FAQs
How are learners assessed?
All courses include assessment as part of the process of gaining an outcome. Depending on the course you are enrolled in, your assessment could include:
- Written (electronic or hard copy) theory assessment
- Practical performance assessment
- Completion of a work-based logbook signed off by a qualified person
- Project-based work completed beyond the physical or digital classroom
The information for each course provides detail on assessment practices and each assessment provides participants with the information and expectations relevant to achieving competency.
What outcomes can be achieved?
At the completion of a course an individual will be declared either ‘Competent’ or ‘Not Yet Competent’, meaning the individual either meets the criteria being assessed or they do not.
Where a participant is declared by the assessor as ‘Competent’ participants with be issued with a ‘Certificate of Achievement’.
Each course provides information on the outcomes of satisfactory completion
Where is information on course costs, prerequisites and course information?
Each course page includes information on what will be covered, duration, cost and prerequisites (if applicable). You will also find a course flyer available to download.
How can I enrol myself or my team for a course?
On each course page, you can click on the ‘New Student Bookings’ button to begin the enrolment process. If you have previously completed a course with us, you can click on the ‘Existing Student Bookings’ and proceed to enrol in a new course.
How is completed training uploaded to RIW profiles?
Upon successful completion of a course, certificates will automatically be uploaded my MTATL into RIW where the learner has a valid RIW card.
For learners who do not have an RIW card, certificates can be easily downloaded from your training portal after successful completion of a course or module.
Do you provide access to participant records if required for audit or compliance purposes?
Yes. All training is delivered via the MTA Training & Licensing Learning Management System (LMS), which:
- Tracks enrolment, participation, and completion
- Maintains accurate training records
- Enables reporting for audit and compliance purposes
Records can be made available to organisations upon request.
How are the courses delivered?
Our VIDA Signalling Courses are delivered in-person at the Rail Academy Newport training facility.
Online courses are delivered in flexible, self-paced learning through the MTA Training & Licensing Learning Management System (LMS).
Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing Training FAQs
What is the difference between the Microlearning: Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing At Work course and the Microcredential: Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management course?
The Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing at Work course is a microlearning program for all workers and focuses on building individual awareness and practical risk assessment skills to identify psychosocial risks in the workplace. Participants will learn how to:
- Understand psychosocial hazards and their impact on safety and wellbeing
- Recognise early warning signs and changes in behvaiour
- Build confidence to check in, speak up, and support others
- Apply practical strategies to reduce risk and prevent harm
- Understand their role in contributing to psychosocially safe workplace
The Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management microcredential course is designed to accredit supervisors, managers, and leaders. It focuses on building consistent capability to lead and manage psychosocial risks at a team and organisational level in accordance with the Safe Work Australia guideline. Participants will learn how to:
- Identify and assess psychosocial hazards within their teams
- Recognise signs of work related stress and behavioural change
- Apply practical strategies to support effective communication and team engagement
- Promote a proactive approach to psychosocial risk management
- Build team and organisational resilience
- Respond appropriately and effectively to psychosocial risks and incidents
What evidence-base are the courses developed with?
Both courses are aligned to the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work.
This model code underpins the psychosocial health and safety regulations adopted across Australian states and territories and aligns with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, Acts and regulatory guidance.
It also integrates State and Territory Codes of Practice recommendations for building leader capability and worker capacity, through the code and best practice guidelines.
Leadership in Psychosocial Management has been rigorously developed in alignment with Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) requirements, undergone comprehensive faculty review, and received formal approval as a Microcredential by Professor Alan Patching at a leading Australian university.
What level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills are required?
The courses are designed to be accessible and inclusive. They:
- Use plain English and clear, practical language
- Include interactive and scenario-based learning
- Support learners with lower levels of literacy through guided content and examples
No advanced LLND skills are required to successfully complete the trianing.
Who should attend these courses?
- The Microlearning: Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing at Work is suitable for all workers across the rail industry as well as braoder industries such as construction, that are affiliated with the rail industry.
- The Microlearning: Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management is designed for supervisors, managers, Executives and leaders responsible for teams or workplace safety. It aligns the capability to the accountability that is defined by the WHS Act as well as reinforcing the individual fines and penalties associated with not managing psychosocial hazards in the context of work.
How long do the courses take to complete?
- Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing at Work typically takes 60 minutes to complete (self-paced)
- Leadership in Psychosocial Rick Management takes approximately 10 hours of self-paced online learning, delivered across three modules, with up to 12 months provided for completion.
Are the courses nationally recognised?
Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing at Work:
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Achievement. This course has been tailored for the rail industry through extensive industry consultation and Training & Assessment (T&A) input. It is designed to meet current WHS and psychosocial risk management standards.
Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management:
Upon successful completion, participants will qualify with a formally recognised Microcredential in Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management from Bond University.
Can the training be customised for our organisation?
Yes. MTA Training & Licensing can tailor the Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing at Work course to reflect:
- Your organisational policies and procedures
- Industry-specific risks and scenarios
- Branding and internal messaging
This ensures the training is relevant, practical, and directly applicable to your workforce.
What outcomes can organisations expect from this training?
Organisations can expect:
- Increased awareness of psychosocial risks across the workforce
- Improved early identification and reporting of hazards to reduce the risk of a compensable injury
- Stronger leadership capability in managing psychosocial risks, with ownership and accountability for the employees wellbeing
- Enhanced workplace culture and psychological safety to be able to cope with organisational change
- Better alignment with WHS compliance obligations and an increased ability to deal with and manage critical incidents
Signalling Designer & Testing Courseware – FAQs
Why have the courses been introduced?
The courses support V/Line & MTM adopting the Australasian Railway Association National Signalling Assessment Framework. Along with the framework, comes new National – Signalling Design & Tester roles where generic and portable knowledge and competence is assessed. The courses being introduced will cover V/Line & MTM signalling requirements and therefore support local, interstate and international resources gaining local knowledge to work for either network.
What Signalling Design courses are available?
- Basic Signalling Technology Course
- Intermediate Signalling Technology Course
- Advanced Signalling Technology Course
What Signalling Tester courses are available?
- Signalling Assistant Tester Course
- Signalling Verification Tester Course
- Signalling Function Tester Course
- Signalling Control Table Tester Course
- Signalling Tester in Charge Course
Who are these courses for?
- New Signalling Designers and/or Testers,
- Existing Signalling Designers and/or Testers from another jurisdiction who wish to work for MTM and/or V/Line,
- Existing Signalling Designers and/or Testers who want a competency upgrade on their current MTM and/or V/Line SoC, and
- Signalling Designers and/or Testers who want to professionally develop.
What course pathways are available to you?
- Initial course pathways are for new or upskilling Signalling Designers and/or Testers, and
- Assessment only pathways are for existing RIW Cardholders with a valid V/Line and/or MTM Signal Design and/or Tester role who now hold a new National role.
What if I hold either an MTM and/or V/Line Senior Signal Design Engineer or Signal Design Engineer role, but have Signalling Principles on my current Statement of Competence?
RIW Cardholders who believe they have sufficient Signalling Principles evidence for a National Signalling Principles Designer assessment to be completed, can do so under the National Signalling Assessment Framework. However, in order for them to attend Intermediate Signalling Technology – Assessment Only pathway, the RIW Cardholder must hold a current IRSE Signal Principles Designer Licence in their National role. This will be confirmed during the mandatory course prerequisite checks.
If Assessment only pathway is available to you, do you have to attend this option?
You can complete the Initial course if you wish.
What if my current MTM and/or V/Line Signal Designer and/or Tester job role is about to expire?
As per Network Operator updates, RIW Cardholders should transition across to a new National Signalling job role and seek an extension to the new MTM and/or V/Line Signalling job role to the next available course. RIW Cardholders should refer to the respective Network Operator updates published on the RIW website for further information.
What if my current MTM and/or V/Line Signal Designer and/or Tester job role has expired?
RIW Cardholders with and old MTM or V/Line job role that has expired, will be given 6-months to transition across to a new National role and be permitted to enrol in the Assessment Only pathway. However, RIW Cardholders wishing to work under their old role must seek an extension from the respective Network to keep their old role valid. A reminder, that transition means the National job role has been added to their RIW profile, formal training evidence uploaded, logbook updated and uploaded and a National Assessment completed to validate the job role.
RIW Cardholders with and old MTM or V/Line job role that has expired more than 6-months ago, must obtain an IRSE Licence aligned to their expired job role, before they will be permitted to attend the Assessment Only pathway, otherwise they will be required to enrol in the Initial Course pathway. A reminder, that transition means the National job role has been added to their RIW profile, formal training evidence uploaded, logbook updated and uploaded and a National Assessment completed to validate the job role.
Where can I obtain my IRSE licence?
You can obtain an IRSE licence by completing an assessment through an approved assessing agency.
MTA now offers IRSE licensing assessments. Find out more here: IRSE – Metro Trains Australia (MTA)
For more information on IRSE licensing in general, including al ist of other IRSE Assessing Agencies worldwide, visit the IRSE website.
My MTM and/or V/Line Signal Designer and/or Tester job role has expired, and I do not meet the prerequisite job role requirements to enrol in the Initial course, do I need to start at the bottom?
No, you do not need to start at the bottom. Transitioning across to a National Signalling Design and/or Tester job role means you’ve had your evidence assessed for that job role. Therefore, providing your National job role is valid, you will be permitted to enrol in the corresponding Initial course.
For example, your old MTM and/or V/Line Signal Tester or Signal Test Engineer or Senior Signal Test Engineer role has expired, but you’ve transitioned and now hold a valid National Signalling Function Tester job role. You will now be permitted to enrol in Signalling Function Tester Initial course.
What can you find course costs, prerequisites and other information about the courses?
Find the course you want to undertake, click on the course and then click on the course flyer button to download a pdf of the course flyer.
What if the question I have is not answered on the course flyer?
Click on the Contact Us tab and submit the enquiry form.
What if you cannot attend a given day of the course?
- All courses require 100% mandatory attendance.
- If for whatever reason a RIW Cardholder cannot attend a given day of the course, the RIW Cardholder will be removed from the course, and re-enrolled on the next available course at no additional cost to continue from where they left off.
Can I get a refund for a course?
RIW Cardholders should refer to the Fees, Charges and Refunds Procedure under the MTA Training Information tab.
What is the pass mark for these courses?
Safety Critical Assessment, you must achieve 100% passmark with one attempt at each question.
For Knowledge Assessment and Practical Assessment you must achieve a ‘Satisfactory’ outcome from the course, the passmark is 90%, with two attempts permitted at each question.
What if I fail to achieve the Satisfactory outcome on the Assessment Only pathway for all courses?
Both MTM & V/Line will be notified of your unsatisfactory outcome.
RIW Cardholders must then enrol and complete the next available initial course.
Note: RIW Cardholders must hold a valid National and Network role to work for either Network in that capacity.
What if I fail to achieve the Satisfactory outcome on the Initial course pathway for Signalling Design Courses?
RIW Cardholders must then enrol and complete the next available initial course.
Note: RIW Cardholders must hold a valid National and Network role to work for either Network in that capacity.
What if I fail to achieve the Satisfactory outcome on the Initial course pathway for Signalling Testing Courses?
RIW Cardholders who achieve an unsatisfactory outcome for the Knowledge Assessment must then enrol and complete the next available initial course.
RIW Cardholders who achieve an unsatisfactory outcome for the Practical Assessment must then liaise with MTA to arrange a separate Practical Assessment. This may be on the next available initial course or on a separate day as advised by MTA. MTA will then advise RIW Cardholders of any pro rata costs associated with this reassessment.
Note: RIW Cardholders must hold a valid National and Network role to work for either Network in that capacity
What if you dispute the course assessment outcome?
If the RIW Cardholder is not satisfied that the assessment was fair or conducted appropriately, they have the right to appeal the result. Formal complaints and appeals must be lodged within ten (10) business days of assessment completion or an incident occurring. All formal complaints and appeals should be addressed to the Training and Compliance Manager and submitted to training@metrotrainsau.com.
The appeal will be managed in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals procedure (available at the top of this page).
You’ve completed similar courses in the UK and are IRSE licensed, do you have to do the Initial course to work for V/Line and/or MTM?
As with all course prerequisites, validate your National role and select the course pathway appropriate for your circumstances. If you are unsure, click on the Contact Us tab and submit an enquiry form.
Will organisations have to wait for competency certificates to be sent out and uploaded by your RIW administrator?
No. Course certificates will be uploaded by MTA within 48 hours of all assessment activities being verified.
Where can I find further MTM and/or V/Line specific Frequently asked questions?
How do I register for a course?
To register yourself in a course, you will first need to register with the MTA Training Hub.
Follow the comprehensive MTA Training Hub Registration Guide.
Can Initial and Assessment Only courses be delivered remotely, i.e., Not delivered at the Rail Academy Newport?
All courses scheduled on the MTA Training Calendar will be delivered at the Rail Academy Newport. However, whilst some courses have zero flexibility in delivery location, others do. Therefore, participants wishing to explore alternative delivery options should submit a request via the ‘Contact Us’ tab on this website.
In the request include course name, numbers and location. For example, I have 7 RIW Cardholders who require Assessment Only pathway for the following courses – Two require Signalling Assistant Tester, three require Signalling Verification Tester and two require Signalling Function Tester. All require the assessments by July 2026.