Health & Safety
General Construction
National Flagger Certification Training
4 hours to complete
SCORM
Last updated 04/2025
About this course
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.
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Work-Zone Traffic Control
Module 2: Certified Flagger Qualifications and Skills
Module 3: Essentials of Flagging Safety
Module 4: Temporary Traffic-Control Planning
Module 5: Flagging During Emergencies
Learning Objectives
- 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
- 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
Course outline
2 modules
4 hours to complete
1 minutes
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
National Flagger Certification Training
Module 1 • 2 assignments
National Flagger Certification Training
- How this course works (it's a little different from other HeatSpring courses) (01:31 minutes)
- National Flagger Certification Course
Author
OSHA Education Center is HeatSpring's official provider for OSHA training. Since 2012, OSHA Education Center has been delivering the training and regulatory expertise that professionals and employers need to stay up to date with industry training requirements. HeatSpring partners with OSHA Education Center to deliver 10- and 30-hour OSHA Outreach training, including...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.
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.
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.
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?
- 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.