> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/certification-programs-railcert/creating-a-program.md).

# Creating a Certification Program

Before you can enroll crew members or track certifications, you must create at least one certification program for your railroad.

### To Create a New Program

1. Navigate to RegIntel and click the **Certification Programs** tab
2. Click the orange **+ New Program** button in the left panel
3. Enter a Program Name — for example: `Blue Ridge Railway — Locomotive Engineer Certification`
4. Select a Program Type:
   * **Part 240 — Locomotive Engineers**
   * **Part 242 — Conductors**
   * **Part 243 — All Safety-Related Employees**
5. Click Confirm to create the program

The program is created in **Draft** status. The program builder opens automatically with all required sections pre-loaded. Each program type loads 10 required sections automatically, each mapped to a specific FRA regulation reference: Part 240 loads locomotive engineer sections (§240.101–§240.125(c)), Part 242 loads conductor sections (§242.101–§242.123(c)), Part 243 loads safety-related employee sections (coming in Sprint 37).

### Program Administrator

Before you can submit your program to the FRA, you must fill in the **Program Administrator** card at the top of the program builder. This card requires:

* Name
* Title
* Email
* Phone

Fields marked with a red asterisk (\*) are required for FRA submission. The Program Administrator is the designated individual at your railroad responsible for administering the certification program under FRA regulations.

> **Important:** Each railroad should have one program per certification type. If your railroad certifies both engineers and conductors, create one Part 240 program and one Part 242 program.