Certification as a flagger can be completed in a single day and can lead to a variety of job opportunities. To become a certified flagger, you usually only need to complete a course and pass a test with a certain percentage of the questions correct. In most U.S. states, there are numerous locations that offer courses, many of which are through community colleges, but it is frequently possible to take the course online.
Courses typically take six hours to complete, but a beginning flagger may be able to finish in as little as four hours. In the United States, specific requirements differ state, and certification processes vary around the world. Flaggers are also known as traffic guards, traffic controllers, or flagmen in other areas.
The first step in becoming a certified flagger is to research the requirements for the specific job site. The American Traffic Safety Services Administration (ATSSA) in the United States offers widely accepted programs, but not in every state. Several states have their own certification programs, with some accepting both ATSSA certification and the state-specific version, while others only accept the state-specific version. Some states do not require any kind of certification, so having ATSSA certification may be an advantage when looking for work, but it is not a requirement.
The next step is to enroll in a course that will provide the necessary certification. Sometimes companies will provide this certification to their employees, and other times it is necessary to obtain the certification on one’s own. When searching for courses online or at a local community college, you’ll usually find a wide range of options. The organization that issues certification must approve instructors, and this organization usually has a specific curriculum that the instructor must follow. To obtain a flagger card, you must first register with an approved instructor, as unregistered instructors cannot issue certification.
Finally, the course must be completed and the flagger test passed. Because the information needed to pass the test will be covered in the course, it is critical to pay attention in class. In most cases, little prior knowledge is required to complete the course. Safety regulations, the use of road signs and equipment, and proper flagging techniques are typically covered. Demonstrating the appropriate hand signals may be required in addition to the written test.
After the course is completed and the exams are passed, the flagger will usually be given a card and will be ready to work. When performing flagging work in areas that require certification, this card must be carried at all times, and it cannot be duplicated or copied. Different cards or other forms of verification may be used different organizations and areas.
It’s critical to remember to keep your certification after becoming a certified flagger. After a few years, a refresher course is usually required to keep flaggers up to date with changes in regulations since they were certified. If a sufficient amount of time has passed since the original certification, it may be necessary to retake the entire course.