(a) After FRA has approved a railroad's signal employee certification program, the railroad, prior to initially certifying or recertifying any person as a signal employee, shall, in accordance with its FRA-approved program, determine in writing that:
- (1) The individual meets the prior safety conduct eligibility requirements of §§ 246.111 and 246.113;
- (2) The individual meets the eligibility requirements of §§ 246.115 and 246.303;
- (3) The individual meets the visual and hearing acuity standards of §§ 246.117 and 246.118;
- (4) If applicable, the individual has completed a training program that meets the requirements of § 246.119;
- (5) The individual meets the qualification requirements of § 246.120; and
- (6) The individual has the necessary knowledge, as demonstrated by successfully completing testing and practical demonstration that meet the requirements of § 246.121.