Flagger Training and Certification Requirements
The table below provides information on flagger training and certification requirements by state. The information was collected through email surveys to the state work zone experts.
| State | Practice/Policy |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Flaggers must be certified by one of the following: - Flagging Level I Certification by IMSA, or - Flagger Certification by ATSSA. Flagger training and certification must be renewed at least every 4 years. Acceptable substitution for items the flagger certification programs listed above is certification as ATSSA Worksite Traffic Supervisor, IMSA Work Zone Traffic Safety Specialist, IMSA Signs and Markings Specialist and ATSSA Flagging Instructor. More... |
| Arizona | According to Arizona Revised Statute 28-653, "A. Any individual who is stationed in a state highway work zone to provide temporary traffic control shall have completed training and be certified by a program that meets the training and certification standards of the national safety council highway flagger training program, the American traffic safety services association flagger program or an equivalent program that meets the same objectives. An equivalent program must meet the United States department of transportation federal highway administration standards for the control of traffic through highway work zones as defined in the manual on uniform traffic control devices for streets and highways. B. Flaggers shall repeat training and certification requirements at least once every two years. C. This section does not apply to law enforcement personnel who are employed by governmental entities." For more information about flagger training and certification, visit the web site below. More... |
| Arkansas | Arkansas currently does not require flagger training or certification as a standard. However, they do offer flagger training in their Work Zone Safety seminars. More... |
| California | California requires flaggers to be trained, but they do not require them to be certified. Flaggers must be trained in the principles that are spelled out in the California Code of Regulations - Construction Safety Orders (see the web site below). More... |
| Colorado | From Colorado DOT (CDOT) Construction Manual: "630.2.6 Flagger Certification: All flaggers on CDOT projects must possess a Flagger’s Certification Card in accordance with subsection 630.13 of the Standard Specifications. Subsection 630.13 requires that all flaggers on CDOT projects be properly certified, having successfully passed the Department’s minimum training requirements within two years of starting work on the project. The Department’s minimum training requirements are defined in CDOT Procedural Directive 306.1 – Flagger Training and Certification Program. Note that CDOT does not certify non-CDOT employees for flagging duties. The certification requirements include reviewing the latest edition of the CDOT Flagger’s Training Manual, viewing a flagger training video, and obtaining a passing score of at least 80 percent on a Flagger Proficiency Test, which must be administered by a Registered Flagger Proctoring Agency. Contact the Project Development Branch for a list of Registered Flagger Proctoring Agencies." More... |
| Connecticut | Connecticut requires flagger training. Approved flagger training programs: There are two organizations that are recognized by ConnDOT and provide training and certification of traffic persons other than law enforcement. One is the American Traffic Safety Services Association. The second association ConnDOT has referred people to is the National Safety Council (NSC). Both of these organizations provide training that fulfills the requirements for Uniformed Flaggers as traffic persons in their contracts. Process for getting a flagger training program approved: If organizations choose to submit their own program, it must be submitted to the ConnDOT for review and comment. The current ATSSA and NSC programs along with the MUTCD would be used to guide reviewers on whether the program meets minimum standards and requirements for flagger certification. More... |
| Delaware | From Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for Streets and Highways, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control: "All flaggers, except for emergency personnel and law enforcement officers, shall be certified by a DelDOT-recognized flagger certification program. All flaggers, except for emergency personnel and law enforcement officers, shall be required to carry a flagger certification card and photo identification on their person at all times." From DelDOT Construction Manual, Part F - Special Construction Procedures: "All flaggers working along Delaware roadways, on Department construction projects with the updated flagger Special Provision, must be trained, tested and approved under a Department-approved flagger certification course. ... ... The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC) flagger certification training programs are the approved programs. The flagger certification trainers must be approved by the DelDOT Safety Section. All certified flaggers must appear in the ATSSA or NSC database for certified flaggers." More... |
| Florida | The State of Florida requires trained flaggers in its specifications: "105-5.4 Flagger: Provide trained flaggers to direct traffic where one-way operation in a single lane is in effect and in other situations as required. The Worksite Traffic Supervisor or others as approved by the Department will provide training for flaggers." Training must be in accordance with the Florida Maintenance of Traffic Training Procedure which can be found on the web site below. From the procedure: "6.7.1 Basic Training - The minimum basic training areas to be covered shall be Part 6 of the MUTCD Section 6E (Flagger Control), and Design Standards Index 600 (Flagging Operations and Night Time Flagging) and (General Information for Traffic Control through Work Zones). The field demonstration shall be a dexterity test using hand-signaling devices (STOP/SLOW paddle and flag) during flagging type operations and placement of traffic control devices. In order to successfully complete Basic Training, the instructor shall determine that the flagger has demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in flagging operations. A person who has successfully completed the Restricted Activities, Restricted Activities Refresher, Intermediate, Intermediate Refresher, Advanced, or Advanced Refresher Course and holds a current valid and verifiable, wallet card may provide training for flaggers." The instructor may use training videos, handouts, or other methods to ensure that the flagger has demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in flagging operations. No formal submittal of this course to the MOTC for review is required. No time requirement is set for the training, but the instructors will be required to keep a record of persons they have successfully trained and the date they were trained. No formal review of course material is required for the flagger basic training program, only that the instructor has been trained and has kept certification current. Florida does require a formal review for all other MOT courses listed above. More... |
| Georgia | According to Georgia Department of Transportation policy, all flaggers on the State Highway System must have received training and a certificate from a department-approved training program. This includes all utility and permit location operations. All costs for providing certified flaggers will be borne by the contractor and/or utility companies. Failure to provide certified flaggers as required above shall be reason for suspending work regarding the flagger(s) until a certified flagger can be provided. Recognized National Flagger Certification Programs: - ATSSA - National Safety Council Recognized Local Flagger Certification Programs: - Construction Safety Consultant (CSC) - Ivey Consultants - Southern Safety Services More... |
| Idaho | Flagger training and certification/re-certification is required for any individual performing the duties of a flagger on any highway of Idaho. Idaho's Traffic Control Oversight Committee (TCOC) has approved the use of the ATSSA and Evergreen Safety Council flagger courses. They have also agreed to accept courses approved by the following Departments of Transportation through a formal, signed, reciprocal agreement. As long as the requirements of the agreement are met, the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho will allow a flagger certified in those states to flag on their highways. For a course to be approved for use in Idaho, the TCOC must evaluate and approve the materials submitted by the course author. It must meet the requirements set forth in the MUTCD, the signed reciprocal agreement, the Idaho Transportation Department Traffic Manual, and Chapter 13 of the Idaho Transportation Department Employee Safety and Risk Management manual. Instructors are required to be trained and certified by an organization recognized and approved by ITD or one of the reciprocal states. More... |
| Illinois |
From Illinois Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction: "701.13 Flaggers. All flaggers shall be certified by an agency approved by the Department. While on the job site, each flagger shall have in his/her possession a current driver’s license and a current flagger certification I.D. meeting Department requirements. For non-drivers, the Illinois Identification Card issued by the Secretary of State will meet the requirement for a current driver’s license. This flagger certification requirement may be waived by the Engineer for emergency situations that arise due to actions beyond the Contractor's control where flagging is needed to maintain safe traffic control on a temporary basis." Currently, the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the National Safety Council (NSC), and the Illinois Laborers' & Contractors' Joint Apprenticeship Program provide this certification for contractors and private organizations. Illinois DOT employees receive training from IDOT's Division of Highways - Bureau of Operations. This training is geared to meet the minimum training requirements in the MUTCD. Illinois Local Agency employees receive training from IDOT's Division of Highways - Bureau of Local Roads T2 Center. This training is geared to meet the minimum training requirements in the MUTCD. The instructors have all attended NSC's Flagger Train-the-trainer. Process for getting a flagger training program approved: Approval of a Flagger Training Certification program for contractors is the responsibility of the Bureau of Operations. IDOT and local agency employees are not required to be certified; therefore, the department will not approve outside training programs. More... |
| Indiana | From INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION POLICIES, PROCESSES & PROCEDURES ON WORK ZONE SAFETY & MOBILITY: "INDOT’s plan to expand our work zone training requirements will include design, traffic and traffic operations, as well as construction staff since all of these offices contribute to the effort towards improved work zone safety and mobility. To this end the following training is required: ... ... Flagger Inspection Training (ATSSA course) This training will assist those who oversee or evaluate flagging operations and will be required for district construction (project engineers and supervisors) as well as the work zone safety section." More... |
| Iowa | Requires flagger training. Recognizes only the Iowa flagging training requirements in their specifications, but allows other states' flaggers as long as they also have had training that meets Iowa's requirements. Requires the prime contractor to perform the training, but they do not have a requirement to "approve" the flagger training program. A copy of Iowa specifications is at the web site below. More... |
| Kentucky | From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Policy and Procedures for the Safety and Mobility of Traffic Through Work Zones: "The Cabinet will require certification for certain personnel, such as flaggers and traffic control supervisors." "Work Zone Supervisor Certification and Flagger Certification programs will be made a part of the standard specifications." "The Work Zone Traffic Control Supervisors Certification and Flagger Certification requirements shall be incorporated into the specifications for projects let after Oct. 1, 2007." For information about the flagger certification program, check out Work Zone Traffic Control Employee Qualification Program or visit the web site below. More... |
| Maine | State law requires flagger training for all privately employed flaggers and "encourages" the same for municipal flaggers. MaineDOT has raised the standard for all its employees and contracted employees and requires any flagger to be trained and certified by a DOT-approved "flagger certifier." The law is rather "loose" as it says that "training may consist of video, instruction in a classroom, distribution of informational booklets, etc. ...." Therefore, anything on the market that involves flagger training is allowed. If the issue involves the creation of a "flagger certifier," MaineDOT is very specific and requires testing by DOT staff. More... |
| Maryland | In Maryland, all flaggers are required to be certified through either the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) or by a designated State Highway Administration (SHA) instructor (for SHA, state agency, or local government employees only). In order to be considered an "approved flagger", an individual must have successfully completed the designated course and completed the Maryland-specific exam with a 70% (correctly answered questions) or greater. Additionally, the candidate flagger must demonstrate proper flagging techniques to the instructor administering the exam (in a controlled environment). Flagger candidates who are unable to meet course/testing requirements may retake the exam, but must complete new registration for the course. More... |
| Massachusetts | In accordance with 701 CMR § 7.07(2), the Massachusetts Highway Department has the authority to approve Certification Programs to allow outside entities to Certify Flaggers for work on Commonwealth roadways. The MassHighway Certification Program shall include the following components: - First Aid (or CPR) Training meeting the standards of the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Lung Association or an equivalent organization that meets the same Health Industry acknowledged objectives - Work Zone Safety Training (training to comply with safe traffic set-ups in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - Flagger Training meeting the standards of the National Safety Council Highway Flagger Training Program, the American Traffic Safety Services Association Flagger Program, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Training Institute Program or an equivalent Program that meets the same objectives - Exercise in performing actual set-ups and mock flagging operation as a component of the training - Passing a written examination of 50 questions in the above the areas of expertise with a score of 80% or better - Adoption of a set of Guidelines for Flaggers and Details All Flaggers performing work on public roadways in the Commonwealth must be at least 18 years of age and must carry a valid Certification Card at all times when performing Roadway Flagger duties. Massachusetts Flagger Certifications are valid for a period of two years, and will require a current First Aid Certification at the time of the initial Flagger Certification. A refresher course covering the principles of Work Zone Safety and Flagging Operations must be taken, and passed, within one month prior to the expiration of the certification in order to be recertified for a subsequent two years. For more details, Check out the web site below. More... |
| Michigan | Michigan has produced a handbook titled "Traffic Regulators Instruction Manual" and a videotape titled "Safely Regulating Traffic In Michigan." On all MDOT projects all persons are required to read this handbook and view the videotape before regulating traffic on any of their projects. The contractors are required to maintain documentation of this training and present it to the project engineer upon his request. By October 1, 2009, a revised traffic regulator training program will be required. More... |
| Minnesota | Minnesota requires by specification flagger trainer qualification. All flaggers must be trained by a Mn/DOT Qualified Flagger Trainer. The program keeps a database of trainers only. The course is offered each winter by Mn/DOT and the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association. All flaggers on Mn/DOT projects must have a checklist signed by a Qualified Flagger Trainer. Most of the trainers are contractor's employees. Mn/DOT inspectors can easily check the Flagger Trainer's Qualification Number. More... |
| Mississippi | The MDOT has the following flagger training requirements: "1. Each District will have a minimum of two National Safety Council certified flagger instructors who will be responsible for teaching and coordinating the class and scheduling the training sessions. 2. The District will be required to schedule as many training sessions as necessary to complete the flagging training on an annual basis. Training to be in accordance with National Highway Safety Council’s Flagging Course and MDOT’s procedures using the current MUTCD and S.O.P. for required flagging equipment. 3. The District will make arrangements for the training sessions to be provided to new employees at least once per month and then on an annual basis thereafter. 4. To assure that all employees receive the Flagger Training on an annual basis, records will be maintained by the District Office. 5. Only personnel with a current and valid flagging certificate may perform flagging duties for MDOT. (i.e. no prisoners, contractors, etc.)" See a copy of the flagging certificate used in MDOT District 2. For more information about flagger training and certification, visit the web site below. More... |
| Missouri | From MoDOT specs: More... |
| Montana | Montana requires flagger training and accepts the following flagger training programs: Montana's training program, ATSSA, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state flagger programs. Requests and submits the flagger training program to MDT's Work Zone Safety Group. More... |
| Nebraska | From NDOR Standard Specifications for Highway Construction (Article 422.03): "3. Flagging: a. (1) It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to furnish flagger(s) to direct traffic when construction activity occurs on or adjacent to a surface being used by the traveling public. (2) Except when necessitated by an emergency situation or for situations not reasonably expected to last for more than 15 minutes, flagging shall not be performed by other than certified flaggers. Flaggers must always carry a valid Flagger Certification Card. Flagger Certification Cards shall be valid for a period of 2 years from date of issue. b. (1) The flagger(s) shall be properly attired with vest and head gear. They shall be provided properly installed advance warning signs, and they shall be otherwise equipped in accordance with the requirements of the plans and specifications. (2) Flaggers shall position themselves appropriately and according to accepted flagging procedures. c. (1) The Contractor shall be responsible for the training and certification of the flaggers employed on the project. Certification shall be according to the standards established herein and the 'Guidelines for Flagger Training and Certification of Flaggers' available from the Department. Certification cards issued according to these rules by other Contractors, provided they have not expired, shall be considered valid. (2) Flaggers shall be familiar with the contents of the Department's 'Flagger's Handbook' and shall carry a copy of such publication on their person while performing the flagger duties. This publication is available from the Engineer. d. In order to be certified, the prospective flagger must: (1) Be in good health with normal abilities of hearing and sight. (2) Be able to read and speak English. (3) View the 45-minute video 'The Flagger.' (4) Correctly answer 80 percent of the questions on an examination that accompanies the video. e. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and examination procedure, the prospective flagger shall be issued a Flagger Certification Card by the examining Contractor. The flagger's name, social security number, and test score shall be reported to the Construction Engineer on DR Form 90, 'Flagger Certification Report'. f. The video, examination forms, Flagger Certification Cards, Flagger Certification Reports, and "Guidelines for Flagger Training and Certification of Flaggers" shall be furnished by the Department." More... |
| Nevada | Nevada requires flagger training. State of Nevada flagging program and the information from ITRE North Carolina are approved. The Nevada LTAP program is approved for flagger training in Nevada. More... |
| New Hampshire | NH requires flagger training. Contractors or subcontractors supplying flaggers shall have an employee or employees designated to train flag personnel. Designated trainers shall have taken a flagging course at least every 3 years. Flagging course taken by employees designated to train shall be a minimum of 3 hours of training. Standard specifications list the areas of training. Trainers need to pass a written examination. Completion certificate required needs to indicate name of course provider, date of course, and name of trainer who completed the course. In NH, the NHAGC runs a course, however some contractors and subcontractors have obtained ATSSA course training. There is no formal process for getting a flagger training program approved. More... |
| New Jersey | From NJDOT standard specifications: "159.03.08 Traffic Direction Flagger. Provide a flagger that has received formal training in flagging operations and the proper use of the STOP/SLOW paddle. The flagger must meet MUTCD qualifications and, when requested, demonstrate competency to the RE. Immediately replace flaggers who fail to demonstrate competency with a competent flagger. Ensure that flaggers wear a 360° high-visibility retroreflective orange safety garment meeting ANSI/ISEA Class 3, Level 2 standards. Ensure that the flagger is equipped with a STOP/SLOW paddle meeting MUTCD requirements and follows MUTCD flagging procedures." More... |
| New York | From New York Standard Specifications (§619): "Flagger Training. All flaggers shall be adequately trained in flagging operations by recognized training programs, including the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the National Safety Council, unions, or construction industry associations, or by an individual who holds a current certification as a flagger training instructor from such a program. Prior to the start of flagging operations, the Contractor shall provide to the Engineer a list of certified flaggers to be used in the operation, identifying the source of flagger training for each individual. When requested by the Engineer, flaggers shall demonstrate their competency in flagging procedures. Flaggers not competent in flagging procedures to the satisfaction of the Engineer shall be retrained or replaced at once." More... |
| North Carolina | Currently North Carolina does not require flagger training or certification. They hope to have a certification program for flaggers in place July 2010. The proposed program will involve North Carolina specific external training from approved sources. The development process has included close communication with the local AGC, Department of Corrections, Utility Contractors Association, NCDOT Maintenance and Construction, and other private industry partners. They are developing a program that will be realistic for their current circumstances and may be embellished over time. Once their program is agreed to by all parties, they will make flagger certification a requirement through their contracts and encroachment agreements. They will also include it in their internal safe operation procedures for flagging. More... |
| North Dakota | From Section 704.03 of North Dakota Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction: "Flagging. Flaggers shall be clean, neat, and fully dressed at all times while on duty either day or night. For daytime work, the flagger’s vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green, or fluorescent versions of these colors. For nighttime work, similar outside garments shall be retroreflective. All flagger’s vests shall meet ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 or Class 3 risk exposure requirements, when applicable. The retroreflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. The retroreflective clothing shall be designed to identify clearly the wearer as a person and be visible through the full range of body motions. Each flagger shall be furnished with the booklet, Flagging Handbook, and shall observe the rules and regulations contained therein. The Contractor shall obtain copies of the Flagging Handbook from the Department. Flaggers shall not be assigned other dutieswhile working as authorized flaggers. The Contractor is responsible for providing trained flaggers. All flaggers must view a flagging video training tape and pass a flagging written examination before performing flagging on the project. The Contractor will acknowledge in writing, before any flaggingwork begins on the project, that all flaggers will have viewed a flagging video tape and passed a written examination before performing flagging on the project." More... |
| Ohio | Ohio DOT does not requires flagger training but does provide flagger training to their people. ODOT has developed its own flagger training class. More... |
| Oregon | Oregon DOT requires flagger training for all flaggers on public roads. The department's T2 Center provides flagger training to local governments. In addition, the ODOT Construction Specifications require flagger certification and a card. ODOT does not provide this training. It is available through an Intergovernmental Agreement with a local community college. They also have a reciprocity agreement with Washington, Idaho, and Montana to accept each other's agreed-upon training programs. More... |
| Pennsylvania | Currently Pennsylvania does not require flagger training or certification. Any recognized organization can provide training and/or certification for flaggers. More... |
| South Dakota | From SDDOT specs: "Standards for flaggers and flagging practices shall conform to Part VI of the MUTCD. The Contractor shall provide each flagger with a copy of the "Traffic Flagging Handbook" booklet. These booklets are available from the Department. The Contractor shall furnish certified flaggers to perform project traffic control. The minimum age for flaggers shall be 18 years old. Flagger training and certification is available at some Department Area offices and from the Associated General Contractors (AGC). All flaggers shall complete a flagger training course and pass a written test to become certified. Flagger certification is valid for a period of two years. All flaggers shall be certified in South Dakota prior to flagging on the project. Flaggers shall carry proof of certification while flagging on Department projects." More... |
| Texas | The Texas MUTCD recommends rather than requires flagger training. TxDOT requires its employees who flag to be certified, and TxDOT specification Item 502 requires contractors working on TxDOT contracts to use certified or qualified flaggers. TxDOT considers flaggers to be certified once they have completed flagger training provided by the National Safety Council (NSC), American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), Texas Engineering Extension (TEEX), University of Texas at Arlington Division of Continuing Education, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or LDI Safety Training. Not all of the entities listed have approved courses for Flagger Instructor Training. Tipton Compliance and Safety has been added as an approved Flagger Training Provider. Flaggers are not required to carry cards but must be listed as certified or qualified in writing by the contractor. To be qualified rather than certified, a flagger may be trained by an employee of his company who has been certified as a flagging instructor by one of the above entities. To be approved to provide training for flagger certification for TxDOT contract work the entity must work through the Traffic Operations Division to provide any information on course content, materials, etc... and if necessary to have the course audited by a TxDOT representative or representatives before approval is given. More... |
| Utah | From UDOT specs: "3.2 FLAGGING A. Flaggers must have a current Utah flagging certificate and must present proof of certification upon request by the Department. 1. Acceptable certifications. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences for a list of certified instructors." More... |
| Vermont | The following is excerpted from Vermont Agency of Transportation’s construction specifications:
"Uniformed traffic officers and flaggers shall be trained in traffic control by their employer. All Contractors and subcontractors providing traffic control personnel to a project shall have an employee certified to train traffic control personnel. All traffic control personnel on a project shall have satisfactorily completed the course in traffic control given by the certified employee representing the specific Contractor or subcontractor providing traffic control personnel for that project. Certification to train traffic control personnel may be obtained by completing one of the following courses: (a) Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Work Zone Traffic Control Course; or (b) Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, Flagger Certification Course; or (c) American Traffic Safety Services Association, Worksite Traffic Supervisor Certification Course." More... |
| Virginia | VDOT requires flagger training. VDOT has its required flagger certification program, but since they assisted ATSSA in the development of that flagger certification program, they accept ATSSA certification in lieu of VDOT certification. To get a flagger training program approved, it should be submitted to David B. Rush. More... |
| Washington | Washington State requires flaggers to be trained and certified and carry a flagging card. The curriculum is based on the MUTCD but has been developed to be specific to Washington State requirements. It is available through an intergovernmental agreement with local community colleges. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also has a reciprocity agreement with Oregon, Idaho and Montana to accept each other's agreed-upon training programs. WSDOT HQ and Health Services Office oversees the safety program including flagger training in cooperation with the state's Department of Labor & Industries. The WSDOT Safety and Health Administrator chairs the Traffic Control Oversight Committee that reviews and appoves training programs within the state of Washington. Below is a link to the state's Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules for flagging. More... |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin does not require flagger certification. The Wisconsin Transportation Information Center teaches both flagger and work zone courses in a number of locations around the state. They also have a flagger train-the-trainer course that they have offered numerous times during the past 7 or 8 years. More... |
| Wyoming | From Wyoming Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction: "703.4.6 Flagging Use flaggers that have completed and passed a flagger training program approved by the State Construction Office before flagging. A three-day grace period will be allowed to meet this requirement in an unplanned emergency situation. Ensure that flaggers are tested every three years and that they have a current certification card in their possession when they are on the project." American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and Wyoming Contractor's Association (WCA)'s Traffic Control Flagger Certification Programs are aooroved for use on Wyoming Department of Transportation projects. More... |
