Certified Railcar Technician (CRT) Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a railcar’s draft gear?
A. To provide braking
B. To connect the railcar to the locomotive
C. To absorb impact forces during coupling
D. To support the railcar body
Rationale: Draft gear absorbs the shock of coupling and movement between
railcars, protecting the car structure.
2. Which type of railcar is designed to carry bulk liquids?
A. Boxcar
B. Hopper car
C. Flatcar
D. Tank car
,Rationale: Tank cars are specifically designed for transporting liquids safely.
3. What does the acronym AAR stand for in railcar standards?
A. American Association of Railroads
B. Association of American Railroads
C. Automatic Automated Rail
D. Association for Automated Railcar Safety
Rationale: The Association of American Railroads sets design and safety
standards for railcars in North America.
4. Which component prevents a railcar from rolling when parked on a
grade?
A. Draft gear
B. Brake wheel
C. Hand brake
D. Coupler
Rationale: Hand brakes are applied manually to secure a stationary railcar.
5. What is the standard gauge of most North American railways?
A. 4 ft 6 in
B. 4 ft 8.5 in
C. 5 ft
D. 3 ft 6 in
Rationale: Standard gauge is 4 feet 8.5 inches, widely used in North America
and much of the world.
, 6. What inspection is required after a railcar has been idle for an
extended period?
A. Brake test
B. General mechanical inspection
C. Coupler replacement
D. Draft gear lubrication
Rationale: Railcars must undergo general mechanical inspections to ensure
safety after periods of inactivity.
7. Which type of brake system is most common on freight railcars?
A. Hydraulic
B. Pneumatic (air brakes)
C. Magnetic
D. Mechanical cable
Rationale: Air brakes are standard on freight railcars, allowing controlled
braking across a train.
8. What is the function of a railcar’s coupler?
A. To provide air braking
B. To connect cars together
C. To support cargo
D. To absorb vibrations
Rationale: Couplers physically link railcars so they can move together as a
train.
, 9. Which railcar type is used to transport automobiles?
A. Boxcar
B. Hopper car
C. Auto carrier
D. Gondola
Rationale: Auto carriers are designed specifically to transport vehicles safely.
10. Which railcar component is lubricated to reduce friction and
wear on the wheelset?
A. Brake shoes
B. Draft gear
C. Bearing
D. Coupler
Rationale: Bearings allow wheels to rotate smoothly and require lubrication
to prevent overheating and wear.
11. What is the purpose of a railcar’s side sill?
A. To attach the brake system
B. To provide structural support along the sides
C. To mount couplers
D. To support the roof
Rationale: Side sills are structural beams running along the car’s side,
supporting loads and the car body.
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a railcar’s draft gear?
A. To provide braking
B. To connect the railcar to the locomotive
C. To absorb impact forces during coupling
D. To support the railcar body
Rationale: Draft gear absorbs the shock of coupling and movement between
railcars, protecting the car structure.
2. Which type of railcar is designed to carry bulk liquids?
A. Boxcar
B. Hopper car
C. Flatcar
D. Tank car
,Rationale: Tank cars are specifically designed for transporting liquids safely.
3. What does the acronym AAR stand for in railcar standards?
A. American Association of Railroads
B. Association of American Railroads
C. Automatic Automated Rail
D. Association for Automated Railcar Safety
Rationale: The Association of American Railroads sets design and safety
standards for railcars in North America.
4. Which component prevents a railcar from rolling when parked on a
grade?
A. Draft gear
B. Brake wheel
C. Hand brake
D. Coupler
Rationale: Hand brakes are applied manually to secure a stationary railcar.
5. What is the standard gauge of most North American railways?
A. 4 ft 6 in
B. 4 ft 8.5 in
C. 5 ft
D. 3 ft 6 in
Rationale: Standard gauge is 4 feet 8.5 inches, widely used in North America
and much of the world.
, 6. What inspection is required after a railcar has been idle for an
extended period?
A. Brake test
B. General mechanical inspection
C. Coupler replacement
D. Draft gear lubrication
Rationale: Railcars must undergo general mechanical inspections to ensure
safety after periods of inactivity.
7. Which type of brake system is most common on freight railcars?
A. Hydraulic
B. Pneumatic (air brakes)
C. Magnetic
D. Mechanical cable
Rationale: Air brakes are standard on freight railcars, allowing controlled
braking across a train.
8. What is the function of a railcar’s coupler?
A. To provide air braking
B. To connect cars together
C. To support cargo
D. To absorb vibrations
Rationale: Couplers physically link railcars so they can move together as a
train.
, 9. Which railcar type is used to transport automobiles?
A. Boxcar
B. Hopper car
C. Auto carrier
D. Gondola
Rationale: Auto carriers are designed specifically to transport vehicles safely.
10. Which railcar component is lubricated to reduce friction and
wear on the wheelset?
A. Brake shoes
B. Draft gear
C. Bearing
D. Coupler
Rationale: Bearings allow wheels to rotate smoothly and require lubrication
to prevent overheating and wear.
11. What is the purpose of a railcar’s side sill?
A. To attach the brake system
B. To provide structural support along the sides
C. To mount couplers
D. To support the roof
Rationale: Side sills are structural beams running along the car’s side,
supporting loads and the car body.
