Becoming a certified flagger can be done in a day through a course and test, opening up job opportunities. Requirements vary by state and certification processes differ globally. After completing the course and passing the exam, a card is issued, which must be carried when working. A refresher course is required after several years to maintain certification.
Becoming a certified flagger can be accomplished in a single day and can open up many job opportunities. Certification usually only consists of a course and a test that must be passed above a certain percentage to qualify as a certified flagger. There are many places offering courses in most US states, many through community colleges, but it is often possible to take the course online.
Courses typically take around six hours to complete, but in some cases can take as little as four hours for a beginning flagger. Specific requirements vary by state in the United States, and certification processes can differ around the world. In other regions, signalmen may be called traffic wardens, traffic controllers, or signalmen.
The first step to becoming a certified flagger is researching what the requirements are for your intended job site. In the United States, the American Traffic Safety Services Administration (ATSSA) offers widely accepted programs, but not in all states. Several states offer separate qualification programs, some accepting both the ATSSA certification and the state-specific version, others accepting only the state qualification. Some states do not require certification of any kind, and in these places, ATSSA certification may be considered an advantage when looking for a job, but not a necessity.
Next, you need to enroll in a course that offers the appropriate certification. Sometimes companies provide this certification to their employees, and other times you have to earn the certification independently. Searching for courses online or researching local community college offerings often yields a variety of available courses. Instructors must be approved by the organization issuing the certification, and that organization usually has a specific curriculum that the instructor must follow. It is very important to register with an approved instructor to obtain a flag card, as unregistered instructors cannot issue certification.
Finally, one must complete the course and pass the flag test. The information needed to pass the test will be covered in the course, so it is important to pay attention during class hours. Generally, little outside knowledge is required to complete the course. Topics covered typically include safety regulations, use of signage and proper signage equipment and techniques. In addition to the written test, it may be necessary to demonstrate the appropriate hand signals.
After the course is completed and the exams are passed, the signaller is usually issued a card, which is ready to work. This card must always be carried when carrying out signage work in areas that require certification and cannot be duplicated or copied. Different organizations and areas may employ different cards or other forms of verification.
Once you become a certified flagger, it’s important to remember to maintain that certification. A refresher course is usually required after several years to keep flags up to date with changes in regulations since they were certified. Sometimes it may be necessary to retake the entire course if enough time has passed since the original certification.
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