Flagger Training and Certification Requirements
The table below includes links to 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 ATTSA. 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 41-853, "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." More... |
| Arkansas | Arkansas currently does not require flagger certification as a standard. However, they do offer flagger training in their Work Zone Safety seminars. They are working to develop a flagger certification course as of 2006. More... |
| California | California requires flaggers to be trained, but they do not require them to be certified. There are no approved programs. 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). The training programs do not need to be certified in California. 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." 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... |
| 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 using Department approved training materials." 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, after July 1, 1988, 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 | Illinois DOT requires that all construction projects use a certified flagger (Art 701.04 (c)(4) of the IL Standard Specifications for Road & Bridge Construction). 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 | Certification not required as of September 1996. Hardhat required only when overhead hazard present. Flags used for emergencies only. Paddles required for all Federal-aid projects. 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 HB 865: "AN ACT relating to highway safety. Amend KRS 189.337, relating to traffic control signs, to require the Transportation Cabinet to adopt a manual of standards for flaggers to follow in directing traffic in a highway work zone; require the Labor Cabinet to establish a flagger certification program and train persons working as flaggers in a highway work zone; require the Transportation Cabinet to develop a mandatory training program for engineers and contract compliance inspectors working on state highway construction projects...." 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 | Maryland requires flaggers who have been through an approved training program. Maryland has approved ATSSA as the sole provider of training in the state. Maryland looked at various options a few years ago and selected ATSSA. They have certain requirements which are in addition to what is taught by ATSSA and the instructors cover this material (also a part of the participants handbook). ATSSA maintains database of all approved instructors and approved flaggers which provides a great tool for quality control. 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. More... |
| Minnesota | Minnesota requires 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. The program was piloted several years ago and has grown in popularity with both Mn/DOT construction personnel and contractors. This year, after input from all local contractor associations, the Mn/DOT Construction Office made it part of the specifications. More... |
| Missouri | From MoDOT specs: "Each flagger and pilot vehicle operator shall maintain a valid flagger certification card that certifies the individual has been trained in the principles of flagging in accordance with the MUTCD. Certifications will not be required in emergency situations that arise due to actions beyond the contractor's control when flagging is necessary to maintain safe traffic control on a temporary basis. All flagging operations and pilot vehicles shall be in accordance with the MUTCD." 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 | Nebraska requires flagger training. Nebraska has its own training program. To get a flagger training program approved, the contractor would have to contact Nebraska DOT's construction office at 402-479-4532. 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, but that program is undergoing update. 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 specs: "All trained flaggers used as traffic directors shall be formally trained in flagging operations and proper use of the STOP/SLOW paddle. This training may consist of ATSSA, union, or trade association training, or training by an individual who has received formal training from a recognized program or agency in work zone traffic control." More... |
| New York | NYSDOT requires flaggers on night construction projects to be certified as having been trained. The training must be through a formal program such as ATSSA, Labor Unions, NSC, etc. They do not require a card but the contractor must certify that each individual flagger has been trained and identify the program. They do not approve training programs. Their intent is to place the burden of training and certification of training on the Contractor. They do not yet require flagger training for daytime work but they are considering it. Regardless of whether the flagger has been formally trained, if he/she is doing a poor job, the specs allow for the contractor to replace him/her. 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 2009.
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 | ND requires flagger training. The contractor is responsible for training flaggers. The Department furnishes copies of the Flagger Handbook.The flagger will view a vidio tape and pass a written examination and the contractor aknowledges in writting that this has been done before the flagger is 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... |
| 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. ... ... 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. They 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: "Flaggers must have a current flagging certificate and must present proof of certification upon request by the Department. 1. Acceptable certifications a. UDOT Contractor Certification (Utah Valley State College)" More... |
| Vermont | In Vermont, a full-day of training developed by AGC VT is required for each flagger. The AGC VT training is uniform for all entities throughout the state. 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 requirements. It is available through an intergovernmental agreement with local community colleges. WSDOT also has a reciprocity agreement with Idaho and Montana to accept each other's agreed-upon training programs. WSDOT HQ Safety Office oversees the safety program including flagger training in cooperation with the state office of Labor & Industries. The State Safety Manager chairs the Traffic Control Oversight Committee that reviews training programs. Below is a link to the state 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 | The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has certified the National Safety Council's (NSC) Flagger Training Course for use in the state of Wyoming on streets and highways under the jurisdiction of WYDOT. More... |
