TCS Pre-Class Information

Follow the steps below to get ready for your class.

PLEASE NOTE: All required documents must be submitted and approved before your certification will be issued.

If your documents have not been received within 90 days following your class, you will have to start the process over, including retaking your course and paying the registration fee.

Step 1

Fill out the student information form and submit the required documents

Select from the buttons below to choose the right form to complete.

Find out what you need to have ready before filling out the form.

Learn about what format your verification letters must be in (for new TCS certifications).

If you have questions about any of the required documents, contact flagger@esc.org.

Step 2

Receive your student materials in the mail

If your class is taking place online, your materials will be shipped to the address provided on your registration. You will receive tracking information via email when your materials have shipped.

If you need to make corrections to your shipping address, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible at esc@esc.org or (425) 814-3868.

We not longer provide print copies of the MUTCD. You can access a digital copy on the FHWA website.

Step 3

Check your tech

If your class is online, make sure you have the right equipment and are comfortable using Zoom. Instructions are available on their website if you need help.

Your camera and microphone must remain on throughout the instructor-led session, including the exam.

Step 4

Arrive or log in 30 minutes prior to class

If your class is in-person

You’ll receive your materials when you arrive. Remember to bring a pen or pencil to take notes.

If your class is online

Log in to your Zoom class by clicking on the Course URL in your confirmation email. Bring the student materials that were mailed to you, and make sure to check your time zone to find the right start time for your class.

Step 5

Earn your certification

To earn your TCS or TCT certification, you must:

Turn in a copy of your valid Flagger card (unless you are taking the full Oregon 3-day course)
Have 2 people verify your 2000 hours of work experience (if seeking TCS certification)
Attend the full course
Score at least 80% on the open book exam.

All of your supporting documentation must be submitted within 6 months of the date of your class, or you will need to retake the course.

Digital certifications

Certifications are issued in a digital-only format. Your certification will be emailed to the address you used to register for the course.

Retests

If you do not pass the exam, you may contact our customer service team to schedule a one-time retest, free of charge. Retests must be completed within 30 days of your original class date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I renew my TCS or TCT certification?

If your certification is not expired, or is within the grace periods listed below, you may register for one of our 1-day recertification classes.

If your card is expired and you are past the grace period, you must register for a full 3-day course. You may still submit your TCS card in lieu of verification of 2000 hours of work experience.

Grace periods

Washington and Idaho: 6 months after expiration

Oregon: 60 days after expiration

Do Washington TCS students receive a Washington Flagger card as part of the class?

No, students in the WA TCS class will only receive a TCS or TCT certification. They must earn their Washington Flagger certification separately.

Can I work as a TCS in Washington without a Flagger card?

No, Washington TCSs must have an approved Flagger card in order to work in a Traffic Control Zone. This is an L&I requirement.

What documents must I submit in order to earn my TCS or TCT certification?

What certification are you seeking?	Submit letters verifying work zone experience	Submit a valid Flagger certification from WA, OR, ID, or MT	Submit a valid TCS or TCT certification from the same state
Oregon TCS certification	✔
Idaho or Washington TCS certification	✔	✔
Oregon or Washington TCT certification		✔
Idaho, Washington, or Oregon TCS or TCT recertification		✔	✔

Looking for the verification letter requirements? Find them here.

How do I verify my 2000 hours of work zone experience for my TCS certification?

TCS candidates must submit proof that they have at least 2000 hours of relevant work experience in order to be certified. Verification must be submitted in the form of two letters (or one letter with two signatures) from someone who can vouch for your experience.

Where do I submit the letters?

You can submit the letters with your online student information form. If you have questions about submission, contact flagger@esc.org.

Who should write the letters?

Letters may be submitted by anyone who can verify the knowledge and experience of the TCS candidate, including:

Employers (past and/or present)

Subcontractors

DOT Inspectors

Other Traffic Control Supervisors

What format must the letters be in?

The letters must be typed and on company letterhead.

If letterhead is not available, an attached company business card is acceptable.

The authors must provide their current contact information.

It is okay to submit one letter with two signatures.

What must the letters include?

The letters must include:

A brief history of the candidate’s work experience (see below for acceptable work zone experience)

Projects they have worked on

Approximate number of cumulative hours of work in each category

For Oregon and Idaho TCS candidates:

The work zone experience may include work in the following areas:

Experience as a construction inspector, including inspection of traffic control

Traffic control work on a survey crew

Designing or reviewing traffic control plans

Other specific traffic control experience (set-up and take-down)

Flagging experience

For Washington TCS candidates:

TCS candidates may no longer have just flagging hours. The letters must include a brief history and detailed description of at least TWO of the following:

Developing traffic control plans (TCPs) for roadway maintenance, construction, utility work, or special events

Reviewing TCPs for proper application and MUTCD compliance

Inspection of traffic control devices and TCP performance, and reporting or correcting deficiencies

Installing and removing traffic control devices in accordance with TCPs for lane closures on multi-lane roadways and other traffic control operations

Performing flagger duties

Flagger certification