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Become a certified flagger with the OSHA-compliant National Flagger Certification Training course. Learn how to safely and effectively direct traffic, use hand signals and flagging devices, identify hazards and respond during emergencies.

Flagger certification is required for any worker who directs or controls traffic on construction sites, road maintenance projects and other workplace traffic areas. This 100% online course is fully compliant with OSHA standard 1926.201(a) and conforms to Part 6 of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Download your course certificate as soon as you finish.

This is a national training course that teaches flagger safety guidelines from OSHA and the MUTCD. These standards apply to all jobsites nationwide. Some states require additional flagger training based on state-specific supplements to the MUTCD.

National Flagger Certification Training Course Details

Training Standards

Satisfies Training Standards for:

OSHA Standard 1926.201(a)

Industry Workers

Designed for:

Workers Who Direct Traffic on Construction Sites, Road Maintenance Projects and Similar Applications

100% Online

Format:

100% Online Course

Certification Icon

Provides:

Digital Certificate of Completion

Flagger Certification Training Benefits

Benefits of our training course include:

  • 100% Online
  • Compliant with OSHA Standard 1926.201(a)
  • Covers National Standards for Traffic Control Devices
  • Instant Course Certificate Download
  • Bulk Discounts Available

Who Needs National Flagger Certification Training?

Workers who direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any worksite must be trained and certified as flaggers. Flaggers use hand signals, signaling devices and other equipment during temporary traffic control (TTC) operations. OSHA-compliant flagger certification protects workers and drivers from traffic accidents on the jobsite.

A TTC zone is required any time the normal flow of traffic on a publicly accessible road is suspended. Certified flaggers may be required during:

  • Construction
  • Utility installation
  • Road maintenance
  • Tree trimming
  • Surveying
  • Emergency response
  • Highway construction
  • Traffic incidents
  • Events (concerts, parades, festivals)
  • And more

This course meets OSHA flagger training standards required for all workers at worksites nationwide. Some locations require additional state-level training. At the end of this training, you will be qualified to act as an OSHA-compliant flagger during temporary traffic control operations.

Testing Requirements

To complete the National Flagger Certification Training course, you must pass all knowledge checks, end-of-module quizzes, interactive activities and a final exam.

Each lesson ends with a quiz. Quizzes include five multiple-choice questions. The final exam is a comprehensive multiple-choice test that contains 10 questions.

During Modules 3 and 4, you will complete 10 illustrated, interactive exercises. In Module 3, you will identify hazards to workers and public safety. You must identify appropriate corrective measures for the same scenarios during Module 4.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of the National Flagger Certification Training course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of flaggers in maintaining safe and healthy roadwork zones
  • Summarize the typical requirements for flagger certification and industry best practices for recertification
  • Demonstrate the proper use of a stop/slow paddle for communicating effectively with motorists
  • List the components of a temporary traffic control (TTC) zone
  • Recognize the essential tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) for flagging operations, including how and when to use them
  • Evaluate a hazardous traffic-control scenario and apply your training to recommend the appropriate corrective action

Course Outline

The National Flagger Certification Training Course provides 3.5 hours of crucial safety instruction. This program teaches the principles and techniques of flagging, including safely and effectively directing traffic, using hand signals and flagging devices, and identifying and responding to potential hazards.

During your training, you will also learn about relevant flagging regulations and guidelines, including content from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Module 1: Introduction to Work-Zone Traffic Control

Topics covered in Module 1 include:

  • The importance of flagging for work-zone traffic safety
  • Key terms and definitions: OSHA and MUTCD
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Real-world scenario: inexperienced flagger
  • Real-world scenario: inattentive flagger
  • Common flagging hazards

Module 2: Certified Flagger Qualifications and Skills

Topics covered in Module 2 include:

  • Training and certification requirements
  • Flagger abilities and skills
  • The roll of a skilled flagger for jobsite traffic safety

Module 3: Essentials of Flagging Safety

Topics covered in Module 3 include:

  • The importance of good communication
  • Flagging communication protocols
  • Temporary traffic-control zones
  • Flagging hazard ID activities: What’s wrong with this picture?

Module 4: Temporary Traffic-Control Planning

Topics covered in Module 4 include:

  • TTC planning and risk assessment
  • Flagging hazard ID activities: identifying corrective actions
  • Work-zone design and traffic-control devices
  • Implementing traffic-control plans and ensuring the use of PPE

Module 5: Flagging During Emergencies

Topics covered in Module 5 include:

  • Emergency conditions in work-zone traffic control
  • Safety protocols for flagging during emergencies
  • Emergency management and response

National Flagger Certification Training FAQs

What is a flagger?

Flaggers control traffic on worksites. They are often seen near the roadway, directing vehicles with a slow/stop sign paddle. Flagging is a crucial part of work zone safety, especially during construction or road work.

Flaggers use a variety of simple tools, including handheld flags, sign paddles and other hand-signaling devices to communicate with motorists and pedestrians. High-visibility vests, hard hats and other articles of PPE keep flaggers safe on the job.

Flaggers must meet the training, certification and safety requirements found in OSHA standard 1926.201(a) and Part 6 of the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This course conforms with those regulations and will prepare you to serve as a certified flagger. Certification must be renewed every three years.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course takes at least 3.5 hours to complete. Along with five lesson modules, the course includes interactive activities, module-end quizzes, periodic knowledge checks, real-world case studies and a comprehensive final exam.

Does National Flagger Certification Training provide an OSHA certificate?

This training fully complies with OSHA standard 1926.201(a). While OSHA requires flaggers on all worksites across the United States to be certified in accordance with the standard of Part 6 of the MUTCD, OSHA does not provide official certification for work zone flaggers.

At the end of this course, you will earn a certificate demonstrating that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as a certified flagger in a TTC zone. You can download and print the certificate of completion as soon as you pass the final exam.

Your state may require supplemental training or extra application steps. Contact your employer or state department of transportation for additional information about state-specific flagger certification requirements.

Can I complete my flagger certification online?

Yes. You can complete the flagger course online from any internet-connected device. We make it simple to start and finish your flagger training online. All lessons, quizzes, activities and knowledge checks are available 24/7 on your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

You can take the final exam online, too. As soon as you pass the test, you can immediately download your digital course certificate.

Does certified flagger training expire?

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 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.

State compliance with MUTCD standards is monitored by the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

This is a national course designed for flaggers in most states. This flagging course fully satisfies current OSHA and MUTCD training requirements in the following states:

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

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 based on the state-specific content. The following states require supplemental flagger training:

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

What is the MUTCD?

MUTCD is short for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The Federal Highway Administration is required to publish the MUTCD and make it available to the public.

This national handbook sets the standards used across the country to construct and maintain traffic control devices on any publicly accessible roadway. MUTCD includes standards for everything from lane markings and stoplights to highway signs and traffic signals. The 11th edition was published on December 19, 2023.

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