The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) offers two options for individuals seeking initial or renewal certification as a Qualified Work Zone Installer or a Qualified Work Zone Supervisor.
Work Zone Certification
Option 1: Formal Training with Exam
Enroll in a NCDOT-approved public training program and pass an associated exam. Learn more about and register for an ITRE-NCLTAP Work Zone Installer or Supervisor Training.
Here is a list of all of the NCDOT’s list of Approved Supervisor and Installer Training Providers.
Option 2: Exam-Only
The exam-only option is for individuals who:
• Have many years prior experience in other states
• Are seeking certification renewals
• Have completed a training course provided by an employer
Anyone without these qualifications is unlikely to pass the exam and should instead enroll in a formal training session.
Requirements for Work Zone Supervisor Certification
To register and sit for the Qualified Work Zone Supervisor Certification Exam the participant must have two (2) or more years of traffic control experience in flagging and lane closure installation. This can be demonstrated by:
- The participant having held a NCDOT Work Zone Installer or Supervisor Certification Card for more than two (2) years.
- A resume with proof of two (2) or more years traffic control experience in flagging and lane closure installation.
About the ITRE Work Zone Certification Exam Program
- Certification Exams for Qualified Work Zone Installer and Qualified Work Zone Supervisor developed by NCDOT/ITRE and administered and proctored by ITRE
- $50 per attempt
- Open book exam
- Allotted time to complete exam is 1.5 hours
- Individual may bring printed reference materials only
- Digital reference materials and devices are not allowed. (No cell phones, tablets, computers, smart watches, cameras, etc.)
- Certification Card will be issued at the time of successful exam completion
- Certification remains valid for four (4) years, after which recertification is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with updated standards and practices
- 30-day waiting period between attempts
- After two (2) unsuccessful attempts, individuals must enroll in a formal classroom training through a NCDOT-approved provider to complete certification
Exam Pass/Fail Criteria
Qualified Installer Certification Exam consists of 10 categories and to successfully pass this exam, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Minimum Category Performance: Installers must achieve a score of at least 80% in at least 8 out of the first 10 categories.
- Single Category Failure: Failure to get 2 questions correct in any single category will cause the candidate to fail the entire exam, regardless of performance in the other categories or overall score.
- Total test score must be 80% or above.
Qualified Supervisor Certification Exam consists of 13 categories and to successfully pass this exam, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Minimum Category Performance: Supervisors must get 80% of questions correct in at least 10 of the 13 categories to pass the exam.
- Single Category Failure: Failure to get 2 questions correct in any single category will cause the candidate to fail the entire exam, regardless of performance in the other categories or overall score.
- Total test score must be 80% or above.
Exam Schedule
| Exam Date | Exam Location | Registration |
| June 18, 2025 | Raleigh, NC | Register for Exam in Raleigh |
| July 9, 2025 | Raleigh, NC | Register for Exam in Raleigh |
| July 30, 2025 | Statesville, NC | Register for Exam in Statesville |
| August 21, 2025 | Kinston, NC | Register for Exam in Kinston |
Contact
Please contact the ITRE Work Zone Certification Exam Program at itre-testing@ncsu.edu if you have any questions or would like to be notified when registrations are open.