2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES6 min read

How to Pass the Network Rail Recruitment Process 2026

Are you applying to Network Rail graduate schemes in 2026? Are you exploring a professional job opportunity at Network Rail in the UK? This comprehensive guide is for you.

Here are six key things we will be covering for you in this guide:

Prepare for the stages of the Network Rail recruitment process with us by practising the suitable assessments to expect at each stage!

In this guide, you will learn:

  1. About who Network Rail is and their core values.
  2. How to complete the Network Rail online application.
  3. How to pass the Network Rail assessment tests.
  4. About the Network Rail video interview, and learn the best tips on how to pass it.
  5. How to pass the Network Rail assessment centre exercises.
  6. Everything about the Network Rail early careers, what they each involve, and other important details you should know.

Want to pass each stage of the Network application process?

Prepare for the Network Rail recruitment process with us. Practice the suitable assessments for each stage today!

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Logical Reasoning Tests

Practice Logical Reasoning Tests

Practice Video Interviews

Practice Video Interviews

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Go Premium with GF and get the relevant Network Rail practice assessments in the table above to pass them in a go!

Let’s go ahead and learn more about Network Rail.

1. Who is Network Rail?

Network Rail is a British government-owned company responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing most of the railway infrastructure in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Network Rail is one of Britain’s largest employers. With over 40,000+ staff, Network Rail screens hundreds of applications from graduates and professionals to select the best for its open positions. Discover the range of roles available in Network Rail below.

Where can I apply to Network Rail?

Network Rail operates in several key business areas, each offering various roles and functions. Some of these business areas are;

OperationsMaintenanceEngineering
Human ResourcesITLogistics
Project ManagementFinanceLegal

These are a few of the business areas of opportunity within Network Rail.

Network Rail Application Tip: Familiarise yourself with Network Rail’s business ethics, as you will need to demonstrate how you align with them throughout the Network Rail hiring process.

What are Network Rail’s Business Ethics?

Network Rail’s business ethics are values that set the standard of behaviour that is expected of all its employees. These business ethics are structured by Network Rail’s core values, which include the following;

  • Empowered to ACT
  • Always be safe
  • Teamwork is key
  • Care about people

Network Rail also expects these codes to help its employees work openly and honestly in line with the Nolan Principles, also known as the Seven Principles of Public Life. The Nolan Principles are:

Selflessness:

Acting solely in terms of public interest.

Integrity:

Avoid being under any obligations that might try to influence your work or compromise your uprightness inappropriately.

Objectivity:

Act and make decisions impartially.

Accountability:

Must be accountable to the public and submit to scrutiny when necessary.

Openness:

Act and take decisions openly and transparently.

Honesty:

Uphold truthfulness at all times.

Leadership:

Exhibit these principles in your behaviour, actively promote and support the principles, treat others with respect, and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Now that you know more about Network Rail, let’s dive into the recruitment process at Network Rail.

2. Network Rail Recruitment Process

What is the Network Rail application process?

Research shows that the Network Rail recruitment process has four main stages, and they are:

  1. Online Application
  2. Assessment Tests
  3. Video Interview
  4. Assessment Centre

Prepare for the Network Rail assessment tests by practising with our expertly designed practice tests.

Network Rail online tests practice

The Network Rail assessment process has different stages, which we cover in the following sections below, starting with the Network Rail online application

3. Network Rail Online Application

How do I apply to Network Rail?

The Network Rail online application is the first step in securing your dream job with the company. Visit the official Network Rail careers website to browse through their current open roles and apply for a position of your choice.

While filling out the online application, you will be required to provide information that covers the following areas:

  • Personal information 
  • CV upload 
  • Resume upload/Experience
  • Additional information, e.g. disability information, right to work, etc.

Good to Know: Network Rail has a match-me tool that can give you indications as to what roles in the company you would be a good fit for based on your answers.

Network Rail online application

Network Rail Online Application

Source: Network Rail Careers

Network Rail uses data from the application form to check if you meet entry requirements. If you do, you may be required to complete one or two Network Rail assessments.

4. Network Rail Online Assessments

What are Network Rail online assessments?

The Network Rail online assessments are psychometric tests designed and administered to applicants to assess the behaviours and skills you will need to succeed in a role or program. These tests help reveal more of your capabilities and potential.

What to expect in the Network Rail online assessment stage?

The Network Rail online tests are provided by well-known test publishers, AON and SHL, and you may be required to complete some of the following assessments:

  1. Situational Judgement Test
  2. Numerical Reasoning Test
  3. Verbal Reasoning Test
  4. Logical Reasoning Test

Good to Know: AON is well-known for developing game-based assessments and may be used to provide some interactive assessments for Network Rail. The interactive assessments are simply aptitude tests with gamified characteristics.

Find out what these Network Rail aptitude tests are, what they entail and what they assess. Start with the Network Rail Situational Judgement Test here!

Before the Network Rail hiring process, explore our FAQs section below for more answers about Network Rail’s applications.

5. Network Rail Recruitment Process FAQs

1 How long does it take to hear back from Network Rail?

It could take as early as two weeks to hear back from Network Rail after completing the assessments. Sometimes, it takes longer, between 4 and 6 weeks. The Network Rail application process could last for two months.

2 Where is the Network Rail assessment centre?

Network Rail’s assessment centre could either be virtual or physical. If your assessment centre is held in person, you will receive an invitation to one of Network Rail’s offices.

3 What to expect in a Network Rail interview?

You can expect a structured and comprehensive interview. The specific format and questions may vary depending on the position you’re applying for, but the interview will mostly probe for competencies and behaviours in a work environment.

4 How difficult are the Network Rail assessments and interviews?

The Network Rail online assessment tests and interviews can be challenging, depending on the role. To prepare effectively, you should practice psychometric tests and interviews, and research Network Rail’s values and approach to work.

5 What is the salary for graduates at Network Rail?

The Network Rail graduate scheme offers varying salaries depending on the program. Network Rail graduates earn around £29,000–£34,000.

Prepare for the Network Rail hiring process with our expert-made aptitude tests used by over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

Practice with peace of mind with commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.

This article was last updated on 28 April 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.

Start preparing for Network Rail assessments

and other leading companies