How to become a professionally recognised railway operator

“To champion the professional development of those working in railway organisations enabling the whole railway system to succeed.”

How to become a professionally recognised railway operator

With CIRO’s recognised skills pathway for railway operators, known as POD (Professional Operators Development), it is even easier for rail professionals to improve their knowledge and competencies within the industry. The POD framework helps illustrate what successful and effective operators should know across every aspect and specialism of the profession. Becoming more familiar with the POD framework is the first step towards becoming professionally recognised by CIRO.

What is professional recognition?

Professional recognition marks key career milestones, acknowledged by peers as standards of competence and professionalism. CIRO’s accreditations for rail operatives are respected both locally and internationally and reflect your dedication to upholding industry standards as technology and infrastructure evolve over time.

How to become professionally recognised

There are two ways in which to enhance your professional recognition through CIRO membership upgrades. You can do this by:

  1. Study – Certain qualifications and apprenticeships lead directly into membership levels.
  2. Experience assessment – Knowledge and experience gained on the job can be used meet the requirements to gain certain membership levels.

There are several resources available to you once you become an Affiliate of CIRO. You will be able to make use of the mentor programme, learning resources, courses, and events to help you enhance your membership level and become professionally recognised.

How to apply for a membership upgrade

You can request to enhance your membership at any time when you are a member of CIRO. Simply:

  1. Log in to the member portal and click ‘Membership Applications’
  2. Follow the instructions in the ‘Upgrade’ section
  3. Review and submit your application
  4. Applications are reviewed five times a year, the membership team will be in touch once your application is reviewed

 

Make sure you understand the membership level requirements before you apply to enhance your membership. You may have to improve your competencies or fill knowledge gaps before you submit your application.

Why you should become professionally recognised by CIRO

As a member of CIRO, you will be part of an institution dedicated to the improvement of rail on a global scale. As part of your membership, you will be helping to improve the standards of the rail industry both nationally and internationally by becoming more competent in all areas of rail.

Advantages of becoming professionally recognised

When you become professionally recognised by CIRO, there are several advantages for you and your rail career. You will benefit from:

  1. Internationally recognised post-nominals such as ACIRO, MCIRO or FCIRO.
  2. Continued recognition as a professional in your industry.
  3. Improved career opportunities and better salary prospects.
  4. Greater influence within your organisation.
  5. Opportunities to connect with peers within the rail industry.
  6. Global recognition of your professional expertise and commitment to continuous improvement.

 

CIRO Membership levels

There are four different membership levels, with each serving as a key milestone in your rail career. To achieve the various levels, you must satisfy certain criteria.

Affiliate

This is the entry level membership and is perfect if you are beginning your career in rail. There are no requirements for any level of knowledge about railway operations and you have access to standard membership benefits.

Associate (ACIRO)

You should have at least two years’ experience of working in railway operations and have knowledge of your local region and organisation. You must also demonstrate experience in one quarter of the POD framework. As well as standard membership benefits, Associates can vote in annual general meetings.

Member (MCIRO)

Members should have at least five years’ experience working in railway operations and have knowledge at a local, regional, and national level. At Member level, you should be able to demonstrate competent knowledge of two thirds of the POD framework. As well as Associate benefits, Members can also become a mentor, receive a complimentary Rail News subscription, and have input on key issues CIRO collaborate on.

You can also contribute to our library and become involved in the running of the Institution by joining a panel.

Fellow (FCIRO)

Fellows must have at least seven years’ experience in rail operations in a role that has complexity and involves strategic thinking. You must have an understanding of local, regional, national and international levels of rail. Your international perspective must be demonstrable in at least three of the POD framework sections. You should also have in-depth knowledge of all 12 POD sections.

As well as the same benefits as Members, Fellows can invite guest members to collaborate and contribute when involved in the running of an Institution panel.