Amtrak: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Amtrak: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Amtrak is the national passenger railroad of the United States, operating more than 300 trains per day across a network spanning roughly 21,400 route miles and serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces. As one of the country's largest transportation employers with a workforce of more than 20,000, Amtrak draws candidates across a wide range of fields, from train operations and engineering to customer service, law enforcement, and corporate functions. Understanding the Amtrak hiring process and what background and drug testing requirements apply to your role can help you prepare before you apply. Below, we cover Amtrak's history and operations, and straightforward answers to the most-searched questions about the Amtrak background check and drug testing process.

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Amtrak: Company overview

Amtrak was established by Congress and began operations on May 1, 1971, under the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970. Its legal name is the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. The federal government created the company to take over intercity passenger rail service from private railroads that were operating those routes at a loss. The U.S. government remains the majority shareholder, making Amtrak a federally chartered, government-owned corporation rather than a private company.

Amtrak is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operates both short-distance corridor routes and long-distance trains that cross multiple states. Its Northeast Corridor, running between Washington, D.C., and Boston via New York City, is one of the busiest rail corridors in the Western Hemisphere. The long-distance network includes routes such as the California Zephyr, the Southwest Chief, the Sunset Limited, and the Empire Builder, connecting major cities and rural communities across the country.

The company's workforce of more than 20,000 employees supports a broad range of operational functions. Roles include locomotive engineers, conductors, on-board service staff, mechanical and maintenance workers, station agents, police officers, IT professionals, finance and procurement specialists, and corporate staff. Because Amtrak operates under federal oversight and many of its positions are safety-sensitive under Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, the screening process is generally more rigorous than hiring at most private-sector employers.

Company culture and employee programs: Amtrak offers a benefits package for eligible employees that may include health, dental, and vision insurance options, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, defined benefit pension plan participation for eligible union employees, paid time off, rail travel privileges for employees and eligible family members, and tuition reimbursement or educational assistance programs. Many positions are covered by collective bargaining agreements negotiated between Amtrak and its labor unions.

Amtrak background check FAQs

Does Amtrak do background checks?

Yes. Amtrak conducts background checks on candidates for positions across its operations. As a federally regulated transportation employer, Amtrak's screening process is more rigorous than many private-sector employers. Depending on the role, background checks may include criminal history searches, employment and education verification, motor vehicle records, federal criminal searches, and additional federal screening components. Certain roles may also require a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment, particularly for positions that involve access to sensitive infrastructure or secure areas.

How long can an Amtrak background check take?

Background check timelines at Amtrak vary depending on the role and the types of searches required. For standard positions, most background checks complete within three to five business days once initiated. Federal and safety-sensitive roles governed by FRA regulations can take significantly longer due to the volume and complexity of required searches. Factors that can extend the timeline for any position include:

Court records requiring manual retrieval from county courthouses
Employment history verification involving multiple prior employers or international records
Drug testing result processing and Medical Review Officer (MRO) review
Federal criminal searches or agency-specific database checks
High application volume or seasonal hiring periods

For general information on background check timelines, see Checkr's guide on background check turnaround times.

What can be revealed in an Amtrak background check?

A background check for an Amtrak position may include searches across several record categories. Common components include:

Identity verification: An SSN trace confirms the applicant's identity and establishes the address history used to scope additional searches
Criminal history: County, state, and federal criminal records searches covering felony and misdemeanor convictions
Sex offender registry: A search of national and state sex-offender registry databases
Global watchlists: A search of global watchlists, including OFAC sanctions lists and other federal and international databases
Motor vehicle records (MVR): A critical component for many Amtrak roles, particularly locomotive engineers and other operating positions subject to FRA fitness requirements
Employment history verification: Confirmation of past employers, job titles, and dates of employment; for safety-sensitive roles, this may extend several years
Education and credential verification: Confirmation of degrees, certificates, or licenses claimed by the applicant
Federal criminal searches: Due to Amtrak's status as a federally chartered corporation, federal criminal records searches are commonly included
Drug and alcohol testing: Pre-employment drug screening is required for safety-sensitive positions under FRA regulations, and is also conducted for many non-safety-sensitive roles as part of Amtrak's own policy

The specific searches included in any individual background check depend on the position applied for, the hiring location, and applicable federal and state legal requirements.

How far back can Amtrak's background check go?

The look-back period depends on the role being applied for and the applicable legal framework.

For standard non-regulated positions, background checks at Amtrak typically cover seven years of criminal history, consistent with the standard look-back period under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for most consumer reports. State law may impose shorter limits in certain hiring locations.

For safety-sensitive and federally regulated roles, FRA regulations and Amtrak's own screening policies may require a longer review. Federal transportation employment typically involves a more thorough review of work history, and certain disqualifying offenses in rail operations have no fixed look-back limit.

Many jurisdictions also have "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. Candidates should review the laws applicable in their state or city.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and report background check information, and how employers may use that information in hiring decisions. Key FCRA protections for candidates include:

Written disclosure: The employer must provide a clear, standalone written disclosure that a background check will be conducted
Written authorization: The candidate must provide written consent before the background check is initiated
Pre-adverse action notice: If the employer intends to take an adverse action based on the report, the candidate must receive a copy of the report and a summary of their rights before the decision is finalized
Opportunity to dispute: Candidates have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information in their background report with the CRA
Adverse action notice: If a final adverse action is taken, the employer must notify the candidate and provide information about the CRA that supplied the report

These protections apply regardless of the employer or the position being applied for.

Does Amtrak drug test?

Yes. Amtrak conducts pre-employment drug testing for positions across its operations, and many roles are subject to ongoing drug and alcohol testing requirements under Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations codified at 49 CFR Part 219.

For safety-sensitive positions as defined by the FRA, which include locomotive engineers, conductors, trainmen, and other operating crew members, drug and alcohol testing is federally mandated and includes:

Pre-employment: Required before an employee begins performing safety-sensitive functions
Random: Unannounced random testing throughout the course of employment
Post-accident: Required following certain railroad accidents or incidents meeting FRA thresholds
Reasonable suspicion: When a supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe an employee is under the influence
Return-to-duty and follow-up: For employees returning to safety-sensitive roles after a drug or alcohol violation

For safety-sensitive roles, the FRA mandates urine-based drug testing in accordance with DOT testing protocols administered through certified laboratories. The standard DOT panel tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Regarding hair drug testing: Amtrak's standard pre-employment and FRA-mandated testing uses urine specimens as required by DOT regulations. Hair follicle drug testing is not part of the standard DOT-mandated program. Some employers use hair testing in addition to or instead of urine testing for non-DOT positions, but DOT-regulated safety-sensitive roles at Amtrak follow the urine-based protocol. Candidates should verify the specific testing method applicable to their position during the hiring process.

What is the Amtrak drug test policy?

Amtrak's drug test policy for safety-sensitive positions is governed by FRA regulations under 49 CFR Part 219, which implements the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Key elements of the policy include:

Regulated substances: The DOT panel tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin), amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), and phencyclidine (PCP)
Testing occasions: Pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing
Testing method: Urine specimen collection at a certified collection site, tested by a DOT-certified laboratory, with results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO)
Consequences: A confirmed positive test result for a safety-sensitive position can result in removal from safety-sensitive duties, referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and potential termination depending on the circumstances and collective bargaining agreements
Alcohol: FRA regulations also prohibit on-duty alcohol use and set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% for safety-sensitive employees on duty, with a limit of 0.02% triggering removal from duty pending evaluation
Non-safety-sensitive roles: Amtrak may conduct pre-employment drug testing for positions outside the FRA's safety-sensitive definition as part of its own company policy

Note that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Even in states where recreational or medical marijuana use is legal, a positive marijuana test result for a safety-sensitive FRA-regulated position is treated as a violation under federal DOT regulations.

What is the Amtrak hiring process?

The Amtrak hiring process generally follows these stages, though specifics vary by role, department, and location. Federal oversight and safety-sensitive requirements typically make the timeline longer than at many private-sector employers.

Online application: Candidates apply through Amtrak's careers portal at amtrak.com/careers. Certain union-covered positions may have specific application requirements or bidding processes
Application review: Amtrak's recruiting team reviews applications against minimum qualifications, which vary by role and may include required certifications, licenses, or physical fitness standards
Recruiter screen or assessment: Qualified candidates may be contacted for a phone screen or asked to complete an online assessment or skills test relevant to the position
Interview: Candidates may participate in one or more interviews, which can include phone, video, or in-person formats. Some positions involve panel interviews or structured behavioral interview formats
Conditional job offer: Candidates selected for a position receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent on completing pre-employment requirements
Pre-employment screening: This stage includes providing consent for a background check through a third-party CRA, completing a pre-employment drug test, and for safety-sensitive roles, any additional federally required steps
Medical evaluation: Certain positions, particularly those subject to FRA fitness-for-duty requirements, require a medical examination before the candidate can begin work
Training and onboarding: Candidates who clear all pre-employment requirements proceed to training and onboarding. Safety-sensitive operating roles require completion of FRA-compliant training before employees are authorized to perform regulated functions

Amtrak hiring process timeline: End-to-end timelines vary widely. Non-regulated positions may move from offer to start date in two to four weeks. Safety-sensitive and federally regulated roles routinely take longer, sometimes six weeks or more, due to the volume of required verifications, drug testing processing, medical evaluations, and training scheduling.

What is the Amtrak Police hiring process?

The Amtrak Police Department (APD) is a distinct federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction on Amtrak property and trains nationwide. APD officers are sworn federal law enforcement officers, and the hiring process for APD positions is separate from and more extensive than Amtrak's standard employment process.

The Amtrak Police hiring process typically includes the following stages:

Application and initial screening: Candidates submit an application meeting APD's minimum qualifications, which generally include age requirements, education (high school diploma or equivalent minimum, with preference for college coursework), valid driver's license, and no disqualifying criminal history
Written examination: A written test assessing cognitive ability, reading comprehension, or law enforcement aptitude may be required
Physical fitness test: Candidates must demonstrate physical fitness standards consistent with the demands of law enforcement duties
Background investigation: A thorough background investigation is conducted, covering criminal history, employment history, financial history, driving record, and personal references. The scope is broader and more detailed than a standard pre-employment background check
Polygraph examination: A polygraph examination is a standard component of APD's background investigation process
Psychological evaluation: Candidates undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional to assess fitness for law enforcement duties
Medical examination and drug test: A medical examination and pre-employment drug test are required
Oral interview or board: Candidates may appear before a hiring board or oral interview panel
Conditional offer and final background review: A conditional offer is extended after interviews, with the final background investigation review completing before a start date is set
Academy and field training: Newly hired APD officers complete law enforcement training and field training programs before working independently

Due to the federal jurisdiction and law enforcement nature of APD positions, this process is considerably more thorough and time-consuming than Amtrak's standard hiring process. Candidates should expect the full process to take several months.

What are Amtrak background check requirements?

Amtrak's background check requirements vary by position, but common baseline requirements apply across most roles. Factors that can affect eligibility include:

Criminal history: Certain criminal convictions may be disqualifying, particularly for safety-sensitive roles governed by FRA regulations or positions involving access to secure areas subject to TSA requirements. Amtrak generally evaluates criminal history in the context of the specific role, the nature of the offense, and the time elapsed since the offense
Employment history: Candidates are expected to accurately disclose prior employment. Discrepancies between a candidate's stated employment history and what is verified during the background check can affect eligibility
Drug and alcohol history: A positive pre-employment drug test result, or a prior drug or alcohol violation in a DOT-regulated role that has not been fully resolved through the SAP program, can be disqualifying for safety-sensitive positions
Motor vehicle record: For positions involving operation of trains, vehicles, or equipment, an MVR with serious violations or a suspended license can affect eligibility
Federal disqualifiers: Some positions at Amtrak carry federally mandated disqualifying criteria tied to FRA, TSA, or other regulatory frameworks, independent of Amtrak's own policies
Accuracy of application information: Providing false or misleading information on an application is independently disqualifying, regardless of the underlying facts

Candidates are encouraged to review the specific requirements for the role they are applying for. For roles subject to federal regulations, consulting the applicable FRA or TSA regulatory guidance can provide additional clarity on mandatory disqualifying criteria.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Amtrak may see before you apply. Reviewing your own report gives you the opportunity to identify and dispute any inaccurate or outdated information before it appears in an employer's search.

A personal background check through Checkr can include:

Criminal history searches across county, state, and federal databases
Sex offender registry searches
Global watchlist searches
SSN trace and identity verification
Motor vehicle records

To get started, visit Checkr Personal Background Checks or create a portable Checkr Profile that you can share with prospective employers directly.

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If Amtrak initiated your background check through Checkr and you have questions about your report status, you can log in to the Candidate Portal or find answers and support through the Checkr Help Center.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.