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Basic Track Awareness (BTA) Course

Basic Track Awareness Morson Nexus

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Why take this course?

The Basic Track Awareness (BTA) course is an entry-level requirement for anyone who needs to work in or around railway tracks on the London Underground. It ensures you understand how to stay safe in the track environment when trains or maintenance vehicles are moving and when electrical currents may still be active.

The course also acts as the mandatory first step before progressing to more advanced London Underground track safety training. On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a BTA certificate valid for two years.

This course can also be taken as a refresher for existing BTA competency holders to update and confirm their knowledge of working safely in the track environment.

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What does the training involve?

BTA training teaches you how to:

  • Recognise track components and features
  • Work safely under the supervision of a qualified safety professional
  • Follow current legislation and London Underground safety rules
  • Respond correctly in emergency situations
  • Apply safety knowledge during a supervised track walk
Requirements before attending:
  • A Sentinel card showing completion of the LU-WSSI induction
  • A valid London Underground medical assessment (valid for five years)
  • Manager’s Declaration TSW029 form (Refresher only)
  • In-date BTA or expired within the last 14 days (Refresher only)

PPE requirements (bring your own):

  • High-visibility clothing with your sponsor’s name printed on it
  • Sturdy safety footwear
    (PPE is not provided by the training centre.)
  • PPE is not required for the Refresher Course as it is theory only.

Course content

  • Track components and features
  • The roles of safety professionals
  • Emergency procedures and response actions
  • Legislation and LU safety rules (Refresher only)
  • Written theory assessment (80% pass mark)
  • Supervised track walk in a safe, controlled environment (not included in the Refresher Course)
Morson Nexus class-based training

How is this delivered?

The course is run as a one-day programme, always during daylight hours for the practical track element.

  • Start time: 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am for paperwork checks)
  • Format: Morning classroom session, followed by a written theory test and an afternoon practical track walk
  • Written test: 80% pass mark required
  • Outcome: Basic Track Awareness certificate, valid for two years
  • The BTA Refresher course is delivered as a one-day theory session, with both day and night options available.

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Next Available Course Dates - Basic Track Awareness (BTA) Course

Next Available Course Dates - Basic Track Awareness (BTA) Course

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the BTA course?
    What is the BTA course?

    An entry-level course that teaches individuals how to work safely in the London Underground track environment while trains or maintenance vehicles are moving.

  • Who needs to take this course?

    Anyone working on London Underground tracks or infrastructure where trains or electrical currents may still be active.

  • Is it required before other training?

    Yes, it is the mandatory first step before progressing to certain other London Underground track safety courses.

  • How long is the certificate valid?

    Two years from the date of training.

  • What do I need before attending?
    • Sentinel card showing completion of the LU-WSSI induction
    • A valid London Underground medical assessment (valid for five years)
    • Manager’s Declaration TSW029 form (Refresher only)
    • In-date BTA or expired within the last 14 days (Refresher only)
  • Why is the initial course only held during the daytime?

    Because the track walk must take place in daylight for safety reasons.

  • What PPE do I need to bring?
    • High-visibility clothing with your sponsor’s name
    • Sturdy safety footwear
      (PPE is not provided.)
    • PPE is not required for the Refresher Course as it is theory only.
  • What happens during the course?
    • Morning: Classroom session covering track safety and emergencies
    • Afternoon: Recap, written theory test (80% pass mark), and practical track walk

    (Practical track walk not included in the refresher course)

  • What if I fail the written test?

    You must retake the course on another day before being certified.

  • What happens after I pass?

    You’ll receive a Basic Track Awareness certificate, valid for two years, and can then progress to other track safety training.

  • What if my BTA has expired for more than 14 days?

    You will need to complete the full initial BTA course instead of the refresher.