Exam prep · UK
PTS Your Sentinel card practice questions
Sponsors, card validity, symbols on the card, and when it can be withdrawn.
Updated 8 November 2026 for the latest Rule Book
Key rules
See all 17 key rulesEvery card holder always has one Primary Sponsor, with whom they hold a Contract of Sponsorship.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
In addition to the Primary Sponsor, a card holder may have up to two secondary sponsors (called Sub-Sponsors in the Sentinel Scheme Rules).
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
Without a valid Primary Sponsor (including after being de-sponsored) your Sentinel card is invalid: you may not work on or near the line (Managed Infrastructure) or attend Sentinel recorded training courses.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
With each new sponsor you must pass an alcohol or drugs test or prove you passed one in the previous 12 months.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
When on or near the line you must carry a valid certificate of competence in personal track safety (your physical or virtual Sentinel card); you may only go on or near the line if you have it with you and it is valid.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §4.1
You must present your Sentinel card for checking when asked: no card, no work.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
For your card to be valid you must have an in-date PTS, a valid medical and a valid drugs and alcohol screening.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
A green square symbol means you are newly qualified in PTS and will receive learning support from your line manager or sponsor.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
A red triangle symbol means you must be accompanied when on the infrastructure.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
A blue circle symbol means you have a colour vision defect, which prevents you holding some competencies.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
Your card photo must show how you look; provide a new photo if your appearance changes, and it must be updated after ten years in any case.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
If your Sentinel card is lost or stolen, tell your Primary Sponsor immediately so it can be cancelled and replaced.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
Sample questions
1. As well as your Primary Sponsor, what is the most secondary sponsors (Sub-Sponsors) you may have?
- One
- Two
- Three
- As many as you need
Answer: B. Two
Every card holder always has one Primary Sponsor and may also have up to two secondary sponsors, called Sub-Sponsors. This keeps it clear who is responsible for you.
- One: Too low: you may have up to two secondary sponsors.
- Three: Too high: the limit is two secondary sponsors.
- As many as you need: There is a fixed limit of two secondary sponsors.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
2. Your Primary Sponsor de-sponsors you on Friday. On Monday you have a job with one of your Sub-Sponsors, and your PTS is in date. What is the position?
- Your card is invalid, so you cannot work on or near the line until you have a valid Primary Sponsor
- You can work for the Sub-Sponsor because your PTS is in date
- You can work, but only if you are accompanied at all times
- You can work on or near the line but cannot attend training courses
Answer: A. Your card is invalid, so you cannot work on or near the line until you have a valid Primary Sponsor
Without a valid Primary Sponsor your Sentinel card is invalid, so you cannot work on or near the line or attend Sentinel recorded training. One of your Sub-Sponsors may become your Primary Sponsor, but until then you are not available for work.
- You can work for the Sub-Sponsor because your PTS is in date: An in-date PTS does not make the card valid without a Primary Sponsor.
- You can work, but only if you are accompanied at all times: Being accompanied does not make an invalid card valid.
- You can work on or near the line but cannot attend training courses: Without a Primary Sponsor you cannot do either: no work on or near the line and no Sentinel training.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3; Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.2.9
3. You are taken on by a new sponsor. What must you do about drugs and alcohol testing?
- Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 12 months
- Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 6 months
- Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 24 months
- Nothing, as long as your Sentinel card is valid
Answer: A. Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 12 months
With each new sponsor you must pass an alcohol or drugs test, or prove you passed one in the previous 12 months. This makes sure every sponsor knows you have been recently screened.
- Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 6 months: Near miss: the window is 12 months, not 6.
- Pass a test, or prove you passed one in the previous 24 months: Too long: the window is 12 months.
- Nothing, as long as your Sentinel card is valid: A test or proof of a recent pass is needed with every new sponsor.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
4. At the access point you realise you have neither your physical nor virtual Sentinel card with you. The COSS asks to check it. What happens?
- You can work if your name is on the briefing sheet
- You can work if a colleague confirms who you are
- You cannot go on or near the line: no card, no work
- You can work and show your card at the next shift
Answer: C. You cannot go on or near the line: no card, no work
You may only go on or near the line if you have a valid Sentinel card with you, and you must show it when asked. No card means no work.
- You can work if your name is on the briefing sheet: Being on a list does not replace carrying a valid card.
- You can work if a colleague confirms who you are: A colleague's word does not replace your card.
- You can work and show your card at the next shift: You must have the card with you before going on or near the line.
Source: GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §4.1; RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
5. A new colleague's Sentinel record shows a green square. What does this mean?
- They must be accompanied on the infrastructure
- They have a colour vision defect
- Their medical is due for renewal
- They are newly qualified in PTS and will get learning support
Answer: D. They are newly qualified in PTS and will get learning support
A green square shows the holder is newly qualified in PTS and will receive learning support from their line manager or sponsor. It helps others know they are new to the railway.
- They must be accompanied on the infrastructure: That is the red triangle.
- They have a colour vision defect: That is the blue circle.
- Their medical is due for renewal: The green square is not about medical renewal.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3