Traffic Signal
IMSA offers several Traffic Signal certifications covering a range of applications from maintenance to design and inspection.
Traffic signal Certifications
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IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I
The IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I Exam certifies the holder as being knowledgeable in the basic terminology and operation of signalized traffic control devices and systems.
The exam tests the student’s knowledge of:
- standards and specifications of basic cabinet wiring and components
- operating principles
- vehicle detection
- communications systems
- the tools, processes and materials used to build signal systems
- the fundamentals of traffic signal installation and maintenance
- legal concerns
With the right supervision and direction, the bearer of this certification is ready to contribute to any traffic signal crew that isworking on construction, maintenance, or design.
Target Audience:
Entry-level technicians who have some basic knowledge of electrical, computers and construction techniques.
Prerequisites:
- 1 year of traffic signal related experience
- IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician or IMSA approved Work Zone equivalent
IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II
The IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II Exam certifies the holder possesses formal training and hands-on experience that provide a solid foundation in traffic signal technology. The exam demonstrates the technician’s extensive training in evaluating traffic signal control systems, troubleshooting and performing on-site repairs, preventive maintenance techniques and testing equipment.
The following topics are covered in the exam:
- programming and replacement of signal equipment
- traffic signal troubleshooting
- traffic signal standards
- signal operation phasing, timing and detection
- installation and testing
- documentation and asset management practices
Regardless of whether they work for a private company or a government organization, those who hold this certification are ready to contribute significantly to the upkeep and repair of signalized intersections.
Target Audience:
Individuals who participate in all aspects of Traffic Signal specialties.
Prerequisites:
- IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I
- IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician or IMSA approved Work Zone equivalent
- 2 years of traffic operations experience
IMSA Traffic Signal Construction Technician II
The IMSA Traffic Signal Construction II Exam certifies the holder’s thorough knowledge of traffic signal installation techniques and standards. A technician who earns this certification has substantial training in traffic signal construction, material management, and overall construction safety.
Tasks covered include:
- various signal structures and signal heads
- vehicle detection
- cabinet and electrical supply
- conduit and wiring installation
- project management
- paperwork
- safe operation of construction equipment (from concrete saws to cranes)
- setup and testing of new signal installation
Target Audience:
Individuals who are ready to contribute significantly to the traffic signal construction team where the focus is on new or replacement traffic signals.
Prerequisites:
- IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician or IMSA approved Work Zone equivalent
- IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I
- 2 years of traffic signal field experience
IMSA Traffic Signal Sr. Field Technician III
The IMSA Traffic Signal Sr. Field Technician III Certification is designed to test an individual’s knowledge and skills of traffic signal technologies used in the industry.
It is recommended that anyone taking this exam is knowledgeable of the following resources:
- signal head types (incandescent, L.E.D., programmable, etc.) specifications and installation methods
- IMSA Wire and Cable Specifications
- ITE – Traffic Engineering Manual current edition
- ITE – Traffic Control Devices Handbook current edition
- traffic signal preemption devices
- understanding of basic electronics and electrical and the National Electrical Code and/or Canadian Electrical Code, M.U.T.C.D. (current standard), NEMA Standards (TS1 and TS2), 170/2070 Standards
- various manufacturers operation and setup manuals, including various traffic detection methods (acoustic, microwave, radar, loops, etc.) setup and configuration manuals, video detection manufacturers setup manuals, lightening protection devices, FHWA, and ITE vehicle detection manuals, data communications methods (copper, fiberoptic, wireless, etc.)
Target Audience:
Those who are knowledgeable of traffic signal technologies and operations.
Prerequisite:
- IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician or IMSA approved Work Zone equivalent
- IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I
- IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II
- 5 years of traffic signal operations experience
IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector
The IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector Certification is intended to improve public safety by demonstrating that the holder comprehends the basic ideas related to traffic signal installation inspections. Our transportation system relies heavily on traffic signals, and the smooth operation of these signals is crucial to preserving safe mobility. Knowledgeable traffic signal inspectors are required to make sure that proper/specified construction techniques and standards are followed for signal installation, resulting in signals that perform properly. Proper project management and communication is imperative to a safe and efficient traffic signal installation. An important component of lowering the liability exposure of governmental organizations due to broken traffic lights is knowledgeable inspection.
Target Audience:
Individuals who are liable for inspecting traffic signal construction. It is also beneficial for contractors as it shows an inspector’s point of view for
traffic signal construction.
Prerequisite:
- IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control
Technician or IMSA approved Work Zone equivalent - IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I