Job-title training: Flagger

National Flagger and Traffic Control for Construction Sites Certification Training

4 hours · English and Spanish · $89.99 per learner

Course at a glance

National Flagger and Traffic Control for Construction Sites Certification Training is the 4-hour online training for the flagger job, covering Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Standards under 23 CFR Part 655 Subpart F, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and Federal OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G. It is available in English and Spanish and costs $89.99 per learner.

Price$89.99 per learner
Length4 hours
Format100% online, available 24/7
LanguageEnglish and Spanish
Course access3-month completion timeline, 1-year access to training materials.
You receiveCertificate of Completion
Certificate validity36 months, before a refresher is required.
Continuing education units (CEU)0.4
RegulationFederal Highway Administration (FHWA) Standards under 23 CFR Part 655 Subpart F, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and Federal OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G

Overview

Road construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work in the country. With all the machinery running alongside active traffic, one mistake can lead to a disaster. It is only through proper training that one becomes a skilled flagger who can keep operations running smoothly and keep accidents at bay.

To be a certified traffic flagger, one needs training and a lot of know-how. This includes familiarity with federal laws, knowledge of traffic control techniques, situational awareness, and decisiveness when things don’t go as planned. This may sound like common sense, but the fact is that no worksite operates without a flagger at the heart of it. Construction sites rely on them, crews trust them, and people count on them without even knowing it.

This certification training is based on key regulations, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Standards 23 CFR Part 655 Subpart F, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Chapter 6E Section 6D.05/6E. and OSHA Construction Industry Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G, and ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 High-visibility Apparel Standards.

Who should take this course

  • Construction and roadwork crew members
  • Flaggers and traffic control personnel
  • Utility service workers
  • Surveying crews
  • Emergency response teams
  • Event staff and volunteers (concerts, parades, festivals)
  • Tree-trimming operations near roadways
  • Anyone working near or exposed to moving traffic in work zones

Course syllabus

This National Flagger and Traffic Control for Construction Sites Certification Training Course consist of 9 lessons divided into 3 modules. Students are required to take each lesson in sequential order as listed below.

Module 1: Foundations of Traffic Control and Flagger Responsibilities

Provides the necessary regulation and professional background every flagger needs before setting foot on any job site. Students are made familiar with the MUTCD guidelines, OSHA regulations, and legal responsibilities involved in traffic control operations. Further into the module, the role and authority of the flagger are discussed, along with the qualifications needed to become one. Then, students are provided with information about Temporary Traffic Control Zones, including their elements, tapering types, and proper placement of flagger stations.

  • Lesson 1: Regulatory Overview for Traffic Control and the MUTCD
  • Lesson 2: Roles, Responsibilities and Qualifications of a Flagger
  • Lesson 3: Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Zones
Module 2: Traffic Control Devices and Work Zone Implementation

This topic will cover the equipment used to create a work zone that is both physically and legally safe for employees and drivers. It teaches students how to install all Temporary Traffic Control equipment, from warning and channelizing signs to flagger signs and rumble strips, while providing guidelines on where each should be placed. It also discusses how to establish a comprehensive facility safety sign system that adheres to OSHA and ANSI regulations, including color codes, hazardous material identification, and pipe markings.

  • Lesson 4: Traffic Control Devices and Work Zone Setup
  • Lesson 5: Accident Prevention Signs, Tags, Labels, and Signals
Module 3: Flagger Operations, Safety, and Compliance

These lessons cover practical application. Students will learn about signaling techniques, the equipment used, the protective gear needed, and one-lane, and two-way traffic control. Lighting requirements, especially at night or in poor visibility, how to handle uncooperative drivers and hostile persons, and defensive flagging techniques are also included in the last module. This module concludes with emergency procedures for handling traffic accidents and for directing emergency traffic through the project.

  • Lesson 6: Flagger Equipment, Procedures and PPE
  • Lesson 7: Standards for Lighting and Visibility Requirements
  • Lesson 8: Managing Public, Pedestrian, and Traffic Interactions
  • Lesson 9: Hazard Recognition, Access Haul Roads, and Emergency Response
Final Examination

What you will be able to do

  • Apply federal and state regulatory requirements, including MUTCD and OSHA standards, to traffic control operations.
  • Demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and professional conduct required of a certified flagger.
  • Interpret and implement Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) zone layouts and components.
  • Select, inspect, and properly use traffic control devices, signs, and channelizing equipment.
  • Apply proper work zone setup techniques, including tapering, spacing, and device placement.
  • Demonstrate correct use of flagging equipment, signals, and communication methods.
  • Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain visibility standards.
  • Apply lighting and visibility requirements for daytime and nighttime operations.
  • Manage interactions with drivers, pedestrians, and workers using defensive flagging techniques.
  • Identify, assess, and respond to hazards in dynamic work zone environments.
  • Implement safe traffic control practices on access and haul roads.
  • Respond appropriately to traffic violations, incidents, and emergency situations.
  • Coordinate effectively with coworkers, equipment operators, and emergency responders.
  • Document and report incidents, hazards, and non-compliance in accordance with procedures.

About the course provider

Provided by HAZWOPER-OSHA.com (Industrial Certified Training, LLC), our affiliated training provider. When you buy this course here, you are enrolled directly in the provider’s online learning platform and your login details are emailed to you.

Enroll

Buy online with a credit or debit card. Buying for a team? Enter the number of learners at checkout and volume pricing is applied automatically.

Volume pricing
SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Frequently asked questions

Which federal standards are covered by the National Flagger Certification Training Course?

This course meets and exceeds the compliance requirements outlined in:

  • The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - Chapter 6E Section 6D.05/6E, Flagger Operations.
  • FHWA 23 CFR Part 655 Subpart F - Traffic Control Devices.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G - Signs, Signals, and Barricades. 1926.200 - Accident prevention signs and tags.
  • 1926.201 - Signaling.
  • ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, High Visibility Safety Apparel.

Why is the Flagger Certification for Construction Work Zone Certification important?

Each time a motorist proceeds through a construction area with safety precautions in place, a certified flagger is always overseeing it.

The flagger is a primary defense against vehicles entering areas where workers are performing their duties in the construction, repair, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. They do more than signal traffic; they manage risks, establish order amid chaos, and make life-saving decisions that affect the lives of workers behind the barrier and motorists ahead of it.

Due to the job's importance, the flagger's role is not fully appreciated. In fact, no traffic control plan is considered safe without an efficient flagger at its center. That is why this certified flagger certification is important.

Who would benefit from enrolling in the OSHA Traffic Flagger for Construction Work Zone Online Training?

This National Flagger and Traffic Control for Construction Sites Certification Training is ideal for:

  • Construction and roadwork crew members
  • Flaggers and traffic control personnel
  • Utility service workers
  • Surveying crews
  • Emergency response teams
  • Event staff and volunteers (concerts, parades, festivals)
  • Tree-trimming operations near roadways
  • Anyone working near or exposed to moving traffic in work zones

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in Flagger Certification Training course?

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Is a refresher training required for Certified Flagger Certification?

Your certificate is valid for three years.

After three years, you must repeat this course to renew your certification. Your state may have additional training or certification requirements. Check with your employer or local government for more information.

Is this National Flagger for Construction Work Zone training course accepted in my state?

Under 23 CFR 655.603(b), states must:

  • Accept the standards of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways
  • Use MUTCD as a basis for certification with additional state-specific training
  • Or develop a unique curriculum in substantial conformance with the MUTCD.

Compliance with MUTCD standards is monitored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This is a national course designed for flaggers in most states.

This certified traffic flagging course fully satisfies current OSHA and MUTCD training requirements in the following states:

  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont

States not listed above may require supplemental state-specific training in addition to the National Flagger Certification Training course or a state-specific certification program.

Which states require state-specific training in addition to National Flagger Certification Training?

Some states publish supplements to the national MUTCD. In these states, flaggers must complete additional certification training aligned with state-specific content. The following states require supplemental flagger training:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Massachusetts
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Which states require alternative training for Certified Flagger Training?

Some states choose to create a separate legal standard for traffic control devices. States are permitted to adopt a State MUTCD as long as the FHWA determines that the alternative laws are in substantial conformance with federal codes.

  • California
  • Delaware
  • Indiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Ohio
  • Texas
  • Utah

This course does not apply to workers in these jurisdictions. Instead of purchasing this national standards training, flaggers in these states should contact the appropriate government agency for more information about state-specific flagger certification standards.

The flagger career

Direct traffic safely through road work zones to protect crews and drivers. Read the flagger career profile, including pay and a day in the life.

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