How the NMRA Achievment Progam Works

The NMRA's Achievement Program contains a system of requirements for demonstrating superior skill levels in various aspects of our hobby. It covers building various types of models, scenery, structures, track work, and wiring as well as recognizing service to the hobby and the NMRA, which are important as well. The requirements serve as a set of guideposts for those who are new, and not-so-new to the hobby. They can also be a source of ideas for projects that can help us learn to become better modelers. The NMRA web page provides all the details for certificate requirements and forms.

(Click on the links below to jump to the applicable pages.) The various certificates include:


gs The Golden Spike Award* civap Model Railroad Engineer - Civil.
engap Master Builder - Motive Power eelogo Model Railroad Engineer - Electrical.
carlogo Master Builder - Cars displogo Chief Dispatcher
structlogo Master Builder - Structures offlogo Association Official
scenelogo Master Builder - Scenery vollogo Association Volunteer
protologo Master Builder - Prototype Models authlogo Model Railroad Author


NOTE: The certificate titles above are color coded to indicate the four categories in the program. Of the seven certificates required to achieve Master Model Railroader, there must be at least one from each of the categories. The color codes are:


  • Railroad Equipment
  • Railroad Setting
  • Railroad Construction and Operation
  • Service to the Hobby/NMRA

* The Golden Spike Award is an excellent way start in the AP program. It's requirements deal in the basic model railroading skills, in moderate doses. Your layout may already qualify. However, the award does not credit toward achieving the MMR designation.



All available online Achievement Program forms (as well as Contest Entry/Judging forms) are linked into an online forms page at this link.  NOTE: Make sure you download the newest forms from the website before filling them out and submitting them to our Achievement Program Chairman. Older versions may not be accepted at National and you will have to resubmit if you aren't using the newest versions.  For those categories that require that work be judged, some definitions concerning judging terms and requirements are located at this link on the NMRA AP website.
If you have a question concerning the Achievement Program, check out the AP FAQ Page or contact our Achievement Program Chairman.