Flagger Certification

VDOT Flagger Safety Quick Links

Flagger Certification Program Summary

Information regarding Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) flagger certification program.

*NOTICE*

Requirements for providing this training for Virginia Tech personnel has changed.  Effective January 1, 2025, VDOT requires that all flaggers must be trained through the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). In accordance with VDOT's memorandum issued December 1, 2023, after this date, all flaggers must carry either ATSSA Flagger, VDOT Basic Work Zone, or VDOT Intermediate Work Zone cards. Any flagger certification cards that have been issued prior to this date will be valid until they expire (2 years from date of issuance). VDOT will allow flaggers who have either the ATSSA national or state-specific ATSSA flagger certifications (e.g. NC, MA, CA, and CO).

Applies To

All Virginia Tech employees who will be involved with temporary road/lane closures and flagging traffic must be trained/certified through a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) program. 

Requirements

VDOT now allows this training to be provided online through ATSSA's online flagger certification program at a cost per person. EHS is in the process of obtaining certification for designated personnel to continue providing this training directly to VT employees. We anticipate our ability to provide this training directly to VT personnel to resume around May 2025. Requirments include:

• Personnel performing flagging operations must be at least 18 years old.
• Cards must be on the person whenever flagging operations are being performed. 
• ATSSA's certification cards are only valid if the flagger is listed in ATSSA's online database.
• It is the responsibility of contractors involved in construction, maintenance, and land use permit activities to verify that all flaggers on the project site during work operations are currenlty certified in accordance with Section 105.14 of the Road and Bridge Specifications and Chapter 6E - Flagger Control in the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (VWAPM).

Flagger Certification Program

Flagging operations must be accordance with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (VWAPM), Chapter 6E - Flagger Control. This information is available in the manual and the pocket guide here.

Flagger Duties

Requirements for personnel performing flagging operations.

Approved Flagging Devices and Methods

Only approved flagging devices and methods may be used during flagging operations.