MTA CERTIFICATION EVALUATION 2026
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ BLOCK
Answer: a length of track of defined limits, the use of which is
governed by block limit signals, cab signals, or Form M.
◉ CONTROLLED BLOCK
Answer: the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)
territory.
◉ MANUAL BLOCK
Answer: a length of main track between two successive block limit
signals.
◉ DEADHEAD TRAIN
Answer: a passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
◉ ENGINE
, Answer: a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of
energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single
control, used in train or yard service. Engines include diesel and
electric multiple unit cars.
◉ EQUIPMENT
Answer: railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
◉ EXTRA TRAIN
Answer: a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The
direction of travel must be included in the designation; for example:
"Extra 2024 East".
◉ FREIGHT TRAIN
Answer: any train that is not a passenger train.
◉ LIGHT ENGINE
Answer: an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
◉ M-SERIES EQUIPMENT
Answer: MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ BLOCK
Answer: a length of track of defined limits, the use of which is
governed by block limit signals, cab signals, or Form M.
◉ CONTROLLED BLOCK
Answer: the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)
territory.
◉ MANUAL BLOCK
Answer: a length of main track between two successive block limit
signals.
◉ DEADHEAD TRAIN
Answer: a passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
◉ ENGINE
, Answer: a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of
energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single
control, used in train or yard service. Engines include diesel and
electric multiple unit cars.
◉ EQUIPMENT
Answer: railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
◉ EXTRA TRAIN
Answer: a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The
direction of travel must be included in the designation; for example:
"Extra 2024 East".
◉ FREIGHT TRAIN
Answer: any train that is not a passenger train.
◉ LIGHT ENGINE
Answer: an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
◉ M-SERIES EQUIPMENT
Answer: MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series.
