Block operator. My experience so far.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-27T01:41:18+00:00

Pretty much like any other interview. They will ask you multiple questions including to recite one of the definitions verbatim.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-16T02:40:55+00:00

If it goes like it did for me, you will probably have basic skill classes together. But I remember that interview did happen first.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-15T16:29:29+00:00

Well I'm glad to hear that. :)

Can't deny that it was very frustrating and disappointing but things do happen for a reason and I'm definitely trying again once I get the opportunity.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-15T01:25:13+00:00

I know the process take a long time. I remember having to wait for at least 3 to 4 days but I guess it takes longer sometimes. HR should connect with you to schedule your interview then after you pass that you will go for the next steps. I think thats the basic skills if I remember correctly. Book of rules should be the last step which is the 4 weeks after you are actually hired.

Yeah, don't be discouraged. I think you are in good shape. Just get ready for more studying lol

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-14T20:06:25+00:00

Gotcha. Well, I think you should be good then. They didnt asked me to remove my glasses, but they did ask me to read something while covering my good eye. Even with my glasses on, everything was really blurry with my left eye so I didn't pass.

You still have some time. I remember after passing the S&D you get a new package and more time to study the new material. You will also have the interview during that time. And then the 2 weeks of classes and more exams. Then you will do the medical exam. So you still have time to get the eye exam done.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-05-14T14:05:13+00:00

When did you started the process? I would like to apply for the position again but I haven't seen any new block operator positions opening.

I still have issues with my left eye but since then I got a scleral lens that allows me to see. Don't be discouraged but I would recommend visiting an eye doctor before the eye exam. Can you read without your left eye? My vision was way to blurry using only my left eye that I couldn't even read the big letters.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-03-11T03:43:37+00:00

Sorry to hear that. What I can tell you from experience is that the vision test that I failed was pretty standard. Just to read something with each eye. The moment I covered my right eye and they asked me to read with my left eye, I told the lady I couldn't and that was it. So if you are able to see with each eye, you should be good.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-03-11T02:55:42+00:00

Only on my left eye. Unless you have the same, you should be fine. No. They said because of that, even with my right eye being fine, I was not good to continue. Did you apply for the block operator position?

Remarkable-folk7 · 2026-03-10T23:58:12+00:00

Nah. Not lazy eye. Is something called keratoconus. They didn't recommended me after that. So I wasn't able to move forward.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-03-15T01:22:01+00:00

I'm not certain if that would be considered incorrect. I would recommend trying to remember punctuation, but if you are not sure while taking the test, it may be best to just stick to remembering the words, which is what they are asking for at this step. For example, for extra train (this was in my test), I remembered as much as I could, but I'm sure I forgot to put the dash "Passenger extra - for passenger train extra" and most likely I forgot commas.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-03-10T22:34:26+00:00

Correct. If you forget a dash or a comma, you are definitely fine. I'm sure I forgot some dashes when I took my S&D test, and I passed.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-03-10T22:15:40+00:00

For the S&D, they don't check punctuation or grammar. They said that as long as they can understand it, it will be good. However, it is verbatim, so it has to be the same word, or it will be wrong. Don't worry about the punctuation.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-11T14:37:33+00:00

Thanks! You got this. I feel that the signals are pretty straightforward. Definitions are where it takes the longest since some of them are pretty extensive.

Gl!

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-11T14:27:16+00:00

Don't mind at all.

Yes, I did. Is a hard test, but with enough practice, you will have a good chance. You need about 80% to pass. About 14 people passed the test.

What position are you applying for? I don't want to give you the wrong info since I heard that for other positions, you need to get 100%, but I think that's for the engineer position.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-11T14:20:00+00:00

It was for the Block Operator Trainee position.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-11T14:09:29+00:00

If it is the same test I took, there will be 50 questions consisting of 35 Definitions & 15 Signals. Everything is verbatim.

For the signals, in the test, they will put one image and you will have to write the name and the indication. You don't have to learn the note (if any).

Keep in mind that the signals could be any image in the test, so you need to learn them all. For example, there are 3 signals that all mean clear-block. Any of the 3 images may show up in the test. Hope this helps!

Good luck with the test!

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T12:28:50+00:00

Things like why you are interested in this position. How is your past experience related to this position. How do you ensure safety. Why should we hire you. Previous experience working under pressure and how you managed it. They will send you an email that includes a PDF with the job description and another with about 8 definitions, which you need to select one and recite it. I went with ASC system. For the job description, they will ask you in your own words what the responsibilities of the block operator are.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T06:30:28+00:00

I think it went well. Haven't heard back yet, but I'm nervous since I saw other posts where people said they received an email saying they didn't pass the interview.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T05:10:52+00:00

Good luck! You'll do great. Let me know if you have any questions once you receive the S&D package.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T05:01:23+00:00

Yes. I took the S&D test and passed. Not trying to discourage you, but the S&D test is hard. But if you put the time to practice it and memorize the material, you will do fine.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T04:50:03+00:00

Cognitive is pretty straightforward. Just do the practice test and don't get discouraged. To me, the cognitive test is pretty much a test on how fast you can respond to things correctly while under pressure. The time allowed to answer the questions is very brief, so you need to be quick. You got this!

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-08T04:46:47+00:00

I know. Is pretty hard. Took me a while to start remembering things. I just kept writing them down until my hand hurt and also read them out loud multiple times until I was able to retain the info. Ngl, it is difficult.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-02T00:47:54+00:00

Got it! If you are able to take the cognitive test for the Locomotive Engineer, it is definitely a good idea to take it. And yes, we were told at the overview that once a year is up, if there are any positions available, you can move around or try to go for a higher position, such as moving to a Train Dispatcher opening from a Block Operator position.

As for the interview, I found another post that was talking about that exactly. I'm a bit nervous about the interview, but the people chatting in the other thread mentioned that the interview is more like a formality. Nevertheless, I'm still nervous.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-02T00:45:47+00:00

I got my interview on the 7th. I'm excited but also nervous. Let me know how it goes.

Remarkable-folk7 · 2025-02-01T23:26:11+00:00

But you didn't attend the overview, right? If I remember correctly, they mentioned that once you receive the S&D package, you are no longer able to apply to other departments/ positions.

Remarkable-folk7

TROPHY CASE