In remembrance of James Zebrowski 1946-2008

Traffic Signal Certification

Traffic Signals Level I

This course is recommended as a minimum qualification for all individuals involved in traffic signal construction, maintenance or repair.  It is also a helpful course for signal designers and traffic engineers since it provides a practical understanding of real-world traffic signal issues.  The practical knowledge gained through this course is an excellent supplement to more formal, and more theoretical, academic training.  Topics covered include:

1. Introduction to Traffic Signals – Provides a general introduction to intersection control, with an emphasis on the use of traffic signals.

2. Signal Indications and Signal-Related Signing – Provides a description of the meaning and use of vehicular and pedestrian signal indications as well as a discussion of basic signal operations.

3. Planning for Traffic Signals – Describes basic procedures used in planning traffic signal installations.

4. Designs for Traffic Signals – Describes principals used in the design of traffic signals.

5. Plans Preparation and Bidding – Describes the preparation of engineering plans and specifications.

6. Installing Traffic Signals: Administrative Issues – Describes administrative issues.

7. Installing Traffic Signals: Construction Procedures Part I – Describes typical procedures used in installing traffic signals.

8. Installing Traffic Signals: Construction Procedures Part II – Continues the discussion of installation procedures.

9. Installing Traffic Signals: Construction Equipment – Describes specialized vehicles and equipment used in installing traffic signals.

10. Preventive Maintenance – Describes preventive maintenance procedures.

11. Legal Liability Issues – Describes the legal liability issues associated with the maintenance, repair and signal timings.

12. Dealing with the Public – Describes techniques for maintaining a good rapport with citizens, local officials, and the media.

The student must pass a comprehensive 100-question written exam to obtain Level I Certification.  As a prerequisite, the student must also successfully complete IMSA’s Work Zone Traffic Control Safety Course (or an IMSA-approved equal).  Level I is the entry level program and there are no experience requirements.  After fulfilling all requirements for certification, the student will receive a wallet card and a certificate suitable for framing which pronounces the student an IMSA “Traffic Signal Technician, Level I”.  Typically this is a two day course.

Prerequisites: IMSA Work Zone Traffic Control Safety Course (or an IMSA approved equal).

Traffic Signals Level II

The Level II certification provides a deeper understanding of traffic signal operation and is recommended for technicians involved in traffic signal troubleshooting and for construction supervisory personnel.  Topics covered in the Level II certification include:

1. Traffic Signal Supports – Describes the design and installation of overhead supports for traffic signal equipment.
2. Inside the Controller Cabinet – Presents information regarding the contents, arrangement, and basic function of items found inside a typical traffic signal controller cabinet.
3. Traffic Signal Phasing – Describes the phasing sequences used for traffic signal control.
4. Vehicle Detection – Presents information regarding vehicle detection systems.
5. Basic Signal Timing Concepts – Presents information regarding the timing of traffic signals.
6. Coordinated Signal Timing Concepts – Presents information regarding the timing of traffic signals in a coordinated system.
7. Traffic Signal Preemption – Presents information regarding the preemption of normal traffic signal operation to accommodate events that require special treatment.
8. Closed Loop Systems – Provides information regarding closed loop systems.
9. Traffic Signal Inspection – Provides information regarding the field inspection of traffic signal installations.
10. The National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code – Summarizes information in the 1993 Electrical Code and 1993 National Electrical Safety Code.
11. Electronics – Presents information regarding basic electronics.
12. Troubleshooting – Presents information regarding trouble shooting signal equipment problems, including practical guidelines for identifying and correcting these problems.
13. Electro-Mechanical Controllers – Presents information regarding the operation and repair of electro-mechanical controllers.

The student must pass a comprehensive 100-question written exam and one of two 50-question specialty exams to obtain Level II Certification.  Depending on which of the two specialty exams is taken and passed, the student will be certified as either a “Traffic Signal Technician, Level II” or a “Traffic Signal Electrician, Level II”.  The student will receive a wallet sized card and a certificate suitable for framing.  Typically this is a two day course.

Prerequisites: IMSA Work Zone Traffic Control Safety Course (or an IMSA approved equal), Traffic Signals Level I and at least two years of experience in the traffic signal field.

Traffic Signals Level III

Level III is the highest level of certification for traffic signal personnel and is recommended for senior traffic technicians and those involved in the bench testing of traffic signal control equipment.  Topics covered in the Level III certification course include:

1. Logic Gates
2. Digital Electronics
3. Coordinated Signal Timings
4. Communicates
5. Advanced Troubleshooting

The student must pass a comprehensive 100-questions written exam, a 50-question Electronics Supplement exam, and a 75-question microprocessor exam to obtain Level III Certification.  After fulfilling all requirements for certification, the student will receive a wallet card and a certificate suitable for framing which pronounces the student an IMSA “Traffic Signal Technician, Level III”.  This is a challenge course so there is no manual or study class.

Prerequisites: At least 5 years of experience in the traffic signal field, IMSA Work Zone Traffic Control Safety Course (or an IMSA approved equal), Traffic Signals Level I & Traffic Signals Level II Technician/Electrician.

Traffic Signals Level III Field

The 100 question exam associated with this one-day certification course has been prepared to test the candidate on a wide range of topics relating to field expertise and general knowledge of the applied traffic signal technologies in the field.

The following lists some of the reference materials that the potential IMSA Traffic Signal Level 3 – Field Technician must be familiar with:

1. NEMA Standards (TS1 and TS2)
2. 170/2070 Standards
3. Various Traffic Detection Methods (Acoustic, Microwave, Radar, Loops, etc.) Setup and Configuration Manuals
4. Video Detection Manufacturers Setup Manuals
5. Lightening Protection Devices
6. FHWA and ITE Vehicle Detection Manuals
7. Data Communications Methods (Copper, Fiber Optic, Wireless, etc.)
8. U.S. M.U.T.C.D. – Millennium Edition
9. Signal Head Types (Incandescent, L.E.D., Programmable, etc.) specifications and installation methods
10. IMSA Wire and Cable Specifications
11. ITE – Traffic Engineering Manual
12. ITE – Traffic Control Devices Handbook
13. Traffic Signal Preemption Devices – Various Manufacturers Operation and Setup Manuals
14. Understanding of Basic Electronics and Electrical
15. U.S. – National Electrical Code and/or Canadian Electrical Code

The student must pass a comprehensive 100-questions written exam to obtain Level III Field Certification.  After fulfilling all requirements for certification, the student will receive a wallet card and a certificate suitable for framing which pronounces the student an IMSA “Traffic Signal Field Technician, Level III”.

Prerequisites: Must have Traffic Signals Level I & Traffic Signals Level II Technician (Field) certification.

Traffic Signal Inspector

The Traffic Signal Inspector Certification program is designed to ensure public safety by helping individuals to understand fundamental concepts associated with the inspection for construction of traffic signal installations.  Traffic signals are a key element in our transportation system and the proper operation of these signals is of paramount importance in maintaining reasonable levels of mobility.  Knowledgeable traffic signal inspection is required to ensure that proper and specified construction practices are followed during signal installation, resulting in signals that operate as intended.  Knowledgeable inspection is also a key element in limiting the liability exposure of governmental agencies associated with malfunctioning traffic signals.

Traffic Signal Inspection Certification is recommended for all individuals involved in the inspection of traffic signal construction.  It is also a valuable course for contractor personnel, since it provides an inspector’s viewpoint of traffic signal construction.

Topics covered in the Traffic Signal Inspection Certification Course include:

1. Introduction – Provides a general introduction to traffic signal inspection issues, including a discussion of important reference documents and technical certifications for traffic signal inspectors.

2. Inspection of Underground Utilities – Provides a discussion of inspection requirements for underground facilities such as pull boxes, conduit and grounding systems.

3. Inspection of Signal Supports – Provides a discussion of inspection requirements for traffic signal supports.

4. Inspection of Overhead Equipment – Provides a discussion of inspection requirements for overhead traffic signal components such as span wire, signal heads and mounting brackets.

5. Inspection of Detection Systems – Provides a discussion of inspection requirements for both the vehicular and pedestrian detection systems.

6. Controller Assembly Inspection – Provides a discussion of inspection requirements for the traffic signal controller assembly including the controller, conflict monitor and related cabinet items.

7. Safety Requirements – Examines issues related to worksite safety.

8. Final Acceptance and Turn-On – Examines issues related to the final acceptance of the traffic signal installation.

The student must pass a comprehensive 100-question written exam to obtain Traffic Signal Inspector Certification.  The student will receive a wallet sized card and a certificate suitable for framing which pronounces the student an IMSA “Traffic Signal Inspector”.  Typically this course will last for two days.

Prerequisites: None

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Copyright © 2008
Last modified: 09/14/08