(a) After FRA has approved a railroad's dispatcher certification program, the railroad, prior to initially certifying or recertifying any person as a dispatcher, shall, in accordance with its FRA-approved program, determine in writing that:
- (1) The individual meets the prior safety conduct eligibility requirements of §§ 245.111 and 245.113;
- (2) The individual meets the eligibility requirements of §§ 245.115 and 245.303;
- (3) The individual meets the visual and hearing acuity standards of §§ 245.117 and 245.118;
- (4) The individual has the necessary knowledge, as demonstrated by successfully completing a test that meets the requirements of § 245.121; and
- (5) If applicable, the individual has completed a training program that meets the requirements of § 245.119.