A traffic signal operations specialist (TSOS) is a certification sponsored by the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers

Institute of Transportation Engineers

The Institute of Transportation Engineers or ITE is an international educational and scientific association of transportation professionals who are responsible for meeting mobility and safety needs. ITE was founded in 1930 as the Institute of Traffic Engineers and its first president was Ernest P...

. Before taking the prerequisite examination, an individual must have at least five years of related working experience

Traffic engineering (transportation)

For the engineering of communications and computer networks, see Teletraffic engineering.Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that uses engineering techniques to achieve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on roadways...

, though relevant education or training may be applied toward this requirement. TSOS certification does not substitute for appropriate professional licenses when required for specific responsibilities or jurisdictions.

The 100-question certification examination currently includes the following topics:

• Principles of signals and signal systems
  • Signal control and functionality
  • Types of signals
  • Supporting hardware devices and subsystems
  • Signal coordination and progression
  • System types
  • Special user needs
  • Design standards
  • Traffic flow theory

• Elements of signal design and implementation
  • Signal phasing and geometrics
  • Preemption and priority
  • Pavement markings and signing
  • Detectors
  • Signal head, cabinet and pole placement
  • Temporary traffic control and equipment switch-over
  • Initial turn-on and timing adjustments

• Signal Timing
  • Clearance intervals
  • Isolated signal timing
  • Coordinated signal timing
  • Data collection procedures
  • Performance measures
  • Software and analysis
  • Field implementation
  • Systems control
  • Documentation

• Signal operations and safety reviews
  • Safety audit
  • Scheduled field reviews
  • Receipt of and response to public inquiries
  • Responsive field Reviews
  • Reevaluation of phasing and timing
  • Signal removal or modification
  • Asset management and documentation

See also

• Traffic engineering
  Traffic engineering (transportation)
  For the engineering of communications and computer networks, see Teletraffic engineering.Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that uses engineering techniques to achieve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on roadways...
  
  
• Traffic signal
  Traffic light
  Traffic lights, which may also be known as stoplights, traffic lamps, traffic signals, signal lights, robots or semaphore, are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control competing flows of traffic...
  
  
• Professional traffic operations engineer
  Professional Traffic Operations Engineer
  A traffic operations practitioner specialist is a certification sponsored by the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Prior to taking the required exam, an individual must have at least five years of related working...
  
  
• Traffic operations practitioner specialist
  Traffic Operations Practitioner Specialist
  A Traffic Operations Practitioner Specialist is a certification sponsored by the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Prior to taking the required exam, an individual must have at least five years of related working...
  
  
• Professional transportation planner
  Professional Transportation Planner
  A professional transportation planner is a personal certification recognized within the USA, sponsored by the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. and promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers...