Flagger Program

About the Flagger Program

CDOT is always striving to improve work zone safety. The safe and effective use of flaggers plays a vital role in protecting the traveling public and workers from the dangers and hazards that are present on roadway construction and maintenance projects. The purpose of the Flagger Program, in accordance with C.R.S. 43-5-308(2)(b), is to provide standardized training and certification to all persons flagging in State of Colorado.

See CDOT's Flagger Program and Flagger Instructor Training Information sheet for more information.

CDOT Flagger Materials

How do I become a certified Flagger?

In order to obtain or renew your Colorado Flagger certification, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. In accordance with C.R.S. 43-5-308(3)(a), a Flagger must be eighteen (18) years of age or older;
2. In accordance with C.R.S. 43-5-308(2)(a) and 43-5-308(3)(b), a Flagger must be trained by an entity authorized by CDOT prior to providing temporary traffic control or direction within any highway, road, or street maintenance or construction work area; and
   Flagger Certification training near me!
3. Must pass a practical and written examination with a score of 80% or better (90% or better for Flagger Instructors). The written exam can be open-book and open-notes.

Flagger certifications in and for Colorado are valid for two years. Flagger certifications from ATSSA and NSC are valid in Colorado but are only valid for two years from date of issuance.

As of September 20, 2018, flagger instructors cannot be trained or certified by their own entity.

Guidelines for Entities

In accordance with C.R.S. 43-5-308(2)(b), the Colorado Department of Transportation shall authorize public and private entities to conduct Flagger certification training and shall develop and provide, at cost, examination and training materials that authorized entities must use in conducting Flagger certification.

All CDOT Flagger certification training courses shall use the CDOT Flagger Class Agenda and Syllabus.

All authorized entities, unless exempted by CDOT, shall issue Flagger certification cards within 48 hours to all individuals who have passed the written and demonstration examinations.

Please contact us for current Flagger examinations and certification cards:

• Current Flagger examination version - January 2023
• Current Flagger certification cards versions - February 2020 and September 2023

Disclaimer:
Certification cards are the sole property of CDOT and shall not be duplicated or used as a template. Violation is grounds for revocation. 

How do I become a certified Flagger Training Entity?

In order to become a certified Flagger Training Entity or renew an authorization, a government agency, person, or company shall:

• Have at least one CDOT, ATSSA, or NSC certified Flagger Instructor employed. All Flagger Instructors must also have a valid Flagger certification.
• Possess a valid Secretary of State ID and/or EIN/FEIN.
• Submit the Application Request to Become an Authorized Flagger Certification Training Entity (and required supplemental documents) and Terms and Conditions forms to CDOT for entity certifications and re-certifications.
• Submit all required forms and documents prior to the Entity Expiration date for annual re-certifications.
• All submitted documentation must be in PDF format.

Guidelines for Flagger Instructors

What are the requirements to become a CDOT approved Flagger Instructor?

In order to become a CDOT approved Flagger Instructor, you must obtain a Flagger Instructor Certification through one of the following CDOT-approved Flagger Instructor Training (FIT) courses:

• American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) FIT course
• CDOT FIT course
• National Safety Council (NSC) Work Zone Safety Instructor course

See the 1-3-2023 Industry Memo above for additional information regarding flagger instructor requirements.