GENERAL
Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)®
Professional Transportation Planner (PTP)®
Road Safety Professional (RSP)®
Certification is a voluntary process through which individuals are recognized for specialized knowledge and skill in a specified field of endeavor. The purpose of voluntary certification is to enhance public safety and welfare by providing assurance that the certification holder possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities required to provide services to the public at a professional level with a competence which will safeguard life, health and property and protect the general public welfare.
Voluntary certification is firmly established in such professional areas as accounting, financial planning, association management and medical specialties. Increasingly it is being established in engineering specialties such as environmental, irrigation and corrosion engineering; and now, traffic operations engineering!
The process of licensing professional engineers, as is practiced in North America, provides the public with an important assurance that the holder of that registration has demonstrated acceptable knowledge and skill in basic engineering areas: civil, electrical, mechanical, etc. Comparable credentials exist in some other countries.
However, as engineering knowledge and practice have expanded, it has become more difficult for decision-makers to discern which practitioners hold skills appropriate for practice in the growing number of engineering specialties. State and provincial registration agencies have found it impractical to expand into these specialty areas.
Voluntary certification seeks to meet this need by providing an additional credential which the public, employers and clients can rely upon to assure that the required specialty skills and knowledge are held.
The certification process is designed to protect and promote the public safety and welfare. However, it must and does offer value to the certificate holder; it must, because obtaining certification takes time and hard work and out-of-pocket costs to travel to and sit for the examination. Keeping the certification valid requires the holder to pay attention to regularly upgrading knowledge and skills through continuing education.
In both public employment and private practice, public, regulatory bodies, clients, co-workers and employers will accept the professional competence of the certification holder. Certification as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® is a powerful demonstration of requisite knowledge, skill and ability in the specialized application of traffic operations engineering. It is a long-term investment in one's professional career, which can be presented with pride! Perhaps the greatest benefit of holding certification is self-satisfaction; the certification holder has been tested and demonstrated that his or her knowledge and skill meet exacting and objective criteria!
Hear from others about why you should be certified:
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ITE AND TPCB?
The Transportation Professional Certification Board Inc., is an autonomous non-profit organization incorporated and located in the District of Columbia. Eight elected or appointed Directors govern the Board.
ITE still provides significant support to the Board; however the Certification Board's policies for the award of certification status are entirely independent of ITE and its membership requirements and grades. Certification is open to any professional meeting the Certification Board's qualifications on a non-discriminatory and objective basis, and the Board actively seeks endorsement and cooperation from all professional societies with common goals.
The Certification Board was supported by start-up funds from ITE and now by its examination and certification fees. The Transportation Professional Certification Board Inc., Inc. is a member in good standing of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
DO YOU SIT FOR THE PTOE, PTP, AND RSP EXAMS IN-PERSON OR CAN ONE COMPLETE IT ONLINE?
Exams are available in-person only. (see next question regarding locations for testing)
HOW CAN IT FIND OUT WHERE THE PTOE, PTP, AND RSP EXAMS WILL BE HELD?
Meazure Learning has testing sites throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as around the world. Visit https://www.meazurelearning.com/candidate-services for a list of locations.
CAN I PREPARE ADEQUATELY FOR THE EXAM BY ONLY USING THE FREE REFERENCE RESOURCES?
The resource list was carefully constructed and if there is a resource (paid or free) on the list, it was used as a reference for one or more questions on the exam. It is up to each individual to determine how prepared he or she feels and the degree to which he or she needs to review the available resource materials to be prepared for the exam.
There are OPTIONAL Refresher Courses available for each certification program however there are fees associated. To learn more about the Refresher Courses, please visit: https://www.tpcb.org/exams/refresher-courses/
ARE THERE ADA ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE TESTING SITES?
For in-person testing, sites receive at least two weeks’ notice of any approved accommodations. If a site cannot accommodate a specific request, we work with the test-taker directly to coordinate an alternative delivery method. Proctor fees are adjusted accordingly for exams requiring additional time.
WHAT ARE THE EXAM DATES FOR THE PTOE, PTP, and RSP EXAMS?
Exams are held annually during the months of February, June, and October. For information, visit http://www.tpcb.org/examschedule.asp.
WHAT ARE THE RENEWAL FEES FOR EACH CERTIFICATION?
TPCB announced that, in honor of its 25th Anniversary in 2023, a reduction in the three-year renewal fees. For more information, visit the following links for each certification:
WHEN WILL RESULTS FROM THE EXAMS BE AVAILABLE? HOW WILL I HEAR IF I PASSED?
Exam results are emailed out within six to eight weeks following the end of the testing period.
Following your Pass/Fail notification, within 72 hours, all applicants will also receive an e-mail from Meazure Learning to access individual exam statistics.
WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE WHEN RENEWING MY CERTIFICATIONS?
Several weeks prior to the certification renewal being due, certificants will receive an email with instructions on how to renew online.
Reviewers of the renewal form will be looking for the following information which should be listed on each separate, specific line.
**The subject matter required should follow the subject domain of the respective exam.
For PTOE: exam format and content
For PTP: exam format and content
For RSP1: exam format and content
For RSP 2:
This information can also be submitted as an attachment to the original form.
IS THERE A SYSTEM AVAILABLE TO TRACK EDUCATION CREDITS I RECEIVE?
ITE has set up the Professional Development Record-Keeping System as a tool for transportation professionals to keep track of credits earned. Units of activities entered in a log will be converted into Professional Development Hours (PDH). The log created by the ITE Professional Development Record-Keeping System conforms to the guidelines set forth by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Learn more: https://www.ite.org/professional-and-career-development/professional-development-record-keeping-system/.
IS THERE A COST TO USING THE ITE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEM?
There is no cost to ITE members.
Non-members can purchase a 3 year subscription to the Professional Record-Keeping System for $75 To purchase access, go here: RecordKeepingSub - RecordKeepingE (ite.org).
For non-members of ITE who have TPCB certifications, use the username and password you use to process your TPCB certification renewals when you purchase the subscription. DO NOT CREATE A NEW RECORD.
IS THERE A PROPER WAY TO LIST MY CERTIFICATIONS?
There is a preferred, but not mandated, order for listing the certifications you have achieved. Here is an example, Janice Smith, P.E., PTOE, PTP, RSP1. If Janice achieved the RSP2 certification then the listing would be Janice Smith, P.E., PTOE, PTP, RSP2. There is no need to include the RSP1 as the RSP1 certification is implied. Furthermore, writing the RSP2 is clarified by RSP2B, RSP2I, or RSP2IB, depending on the specialty of the exam passed.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION AS A PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC OPERATIONS ENGINEER®?
DEFINITION OF A PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC OPERATIONS ENGINEER®
A Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® is a person who applies a comprehensive knowledge of technology and scientific principles acquired through study and experience to the supervision of day-to-day operation of traffic systems. Responsibilities often include the analysis of those operations, detection of problems and deficiencies, setting of priorities, assignment of resources and development of improvements in operations through geometric design, traffic control or other means. The Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® may carry out some but not all of the above duties or serve as a consultant to individuals with the above responsibilities.
Traffic Operations Engineering generally includes:
IS THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR THE PTOE?
The certification process which has been adopted for Professional Traffic Operations Engineers® requires that the holder be a licensed professional engineer if he or she practices in the United States, Canada or any other country that provides governmental licensing of engineers. Thus this certification process builds on and supports the practice of professional engineering registration!
HOW WERE THESE COMPONENTS OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SELECTED?
Determining the components of traffic operations engineering started with an extensive review of frequently used textbooks, recognized traffic operations references, professional society programs, periodicals and publications. The initial listing was culled and perfected by two carefully selected study groups of practitioners, employers and academicians. This work was carried out in an independent study sponsored by the National Highway Institute.
A panel appointed by the Institute of Transportation Engineers refined and consolidated this listing and, in 1997, the panel's categories were verified by a professionally conducted validation study involving more than 300 traffic operations practitioners. This final study both confirmed the components of the practice of traffic operations engineering and assigned weights to each element and sub-element based on the perceived importance and criticality of each skill or knowledge area.
This carefully controlled evolution has paid off in the considerable confidence that can be placed in the components and scope of practice which will be certified and in the balance of the certification examination.
The examination for Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® consist of 150 multiple-choice problems and questions created by subject matter experts and verified as objective, relevant and reliable by professional psychometricians following established procedures. The examination are scheduled for six hours. It will be closed book and will require some mathematic applications. However, the examination will not cover knowledge and skill areas which are testified to by professional engineering registration.
The examination is designed to assure that the successful applicant possesses the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities which are required to practice traffic operations engineering at a professional level with a competence which will safeguard life, health and property and promote and protect the general public welfare.
See website for the current fee schedule.
http://www.tpcb.org/certification/ptoe/fee-schedule/
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A LIMITED LICENSE AS NOTED IN THE PTOE REQUIREMENTS?
A limited license, is one issued by a state, province, or other governmental body to engage in the practice of civil, transportation, traffic, mechanical, electrical, or general engineering.
DOES TPCB AUDIT RENEWALS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION?
In the certification and licensure industry, it has become common for a certain percentage of recertification applicants’ attestation materials to be audited and verified. TPCB has been working with its psychometrician at Meazure Learning (TPCB’s certification and licensure testing company) to determine that percentage as well as the process that must be implemented to reapply for its accreditation. TPCB has implemented a policy in which 20% of application materials will be audited which means that the certificant will be required to provide documentation as backup to support the application. Additionally, TPCB must reserve the right to selectively audit individuals in certain circumstances such as:
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION AS A PROFESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER?
For the Professional Transportation Planner® you must meet all of the following requirements:
DEFINITION OF A PROFESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER®
The Professional Transportation Planner® (PTP®) certification program is designed for candidates who have a wide-range of education and experience in transportation planning. Currently, no other certification program is offered that specifically addresses the work performed by transportation planners. Transportation planning is the discipline that examines and evaluates the potential of future actions to improve movement of people and goods by various modes of transportation in accordance with a set of objectives.
Providing cooperative interaction between the public, transportation professionals and decision makers—transportation planning balances the needs of access mobility and safety with environmental economic and social equity concerns.
Planning generally includes:
HOW WERE THESE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING COMPONENTS SELECTED?
Determining the components of transportation planner started with an extensive review of frequently used textbooks, recognized traffic operations references, professional society programs, periodicals and publications. The initial listing was culled and perfected by two carefully selected study groups of practitioners, employers and academicians.
A panel appointed by the Institute of Transportation Engineers refined and consolidated this listing and, in 2006, the panel's categories were verified by a professionally conducted validation study involving over 300 planners. This final study both confirmed the components of the practice of planners and assigned weights to each element and sub-element based on the perceived importance and criticality of each skill or knowledge area.
This carefully controlled evolution has paid off in the considerable confidence that can be placed in the components and scope of practice which will be certified and in the balance of the certification examination.
The examination for Professional Transportation Planner® consists of 150 multiple-choice problems and questions created by subject matter experts and verified as objective, relevant and reliable by professional psychometricians following established procedures. The examinations are scheduled for six hours. It will be closed book and will require some mathematic applications. However, the examination will not cover knowledge and skill areas which are testified to by professional engineering registration.
The examination is designed to assure that the successful applicant possesses the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities which are required to practice traffic operations engineering at a professional level with a competence which will safeguard life, health and property and promote and protect the general public welfare.
See website for the current fee schedule.
http://www.tpcb.org/certification/ptp/fee-schedule/
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN AICP AND PTP CERTIFICATIONS?
The AICP certification is geared to the general planning profession - similar to how a P.E. is to engineering. Within the planning profession, a focus on transportation is a niche discipline (possibly more so than within civil engineering). A professional having an AICP exhibits a knowledge of general planning, but not a focus on transportation. The PTP Certification would be the way to identify that expertise - for both planners and engineers. By obtaining the PTP, the area of planning that is most applicable to the transportation profession is recognized.
WHY WAS THE RSP CERTIFICATION DEVELOPED
With more than 40,000 lives lost annually on highways in the United States and Canada and the growing attention on improving public safety through initiatives such as Toward Zero Deaths, Vision Zero, and the Road to Zero, the RSP represents an important step forward for the safety profession. The RSP certification provides for professionals involved in a wide array of safety-related disciplines to establish their competency in providing for the safety of the traveling public.
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ROAD SAFETY PROFESSIONAL® CERTIFICATION
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LEVEL 1 EXAM?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LEVEL 2 EXAM?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO LEVELS OF THE EXAMS?
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Level 1 |
Level 2 |
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Description |
Demonstrates expertise in road safety’s multidisciplinary dimensions |
Higher level certification that demonstrates deeper level of understanding and proficiency in road safety science |
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Audience |
For any professional who in the performance of their work makes decisions or takes actions that potentially impact the safety of the traveling public |
Any professional whose primary job functions are directed at improving the safety performance of the surface transportation system |
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Exam Options |
One option |
Two options:
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Qualifications |
Combination bachelor’s degree plus 2 years’ experience OR 4 years without a degree in transportation, highway safety or public health |
Successful completion of Level 1 exam Combination bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years’ experience transportation, highway safety or public health |
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Exam Content |
3 hours 75 questions Qualitative Multiple Choice |
3 hours 75 questions Qualitative and quantitative Multiple Choice |
WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP INDIVIDUALS PREPARE?
Level 1: https://www.tpcb.org/certification/rsp1/reference-material/
Level 2: https://www.tpcb.org/certification/road-safety-professional-2/reference-material/
ARE THE EXAMS AVAILABLE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?
Each of the exams is a 75 multiple-choice question, three (3) hour exam. The Level 1 exam is qualitative in nature. While knowledge of quantitative methods may be examined, no computations will be required to complete the exam. The Level 2 exam includes questions that are both qualitative and quantitative in nature.
The exam is in-person at one of the Meazure Learning testing sites. The test is completed electronically. For a list of testing sites, visit https://www.meazurelearning.com/candidate-services.
Following is the content outline for the RSP Level 1 exam https://www.tpcb.org/certification/rsp1/exam-format-and-content/
For the RSP Level 2 exam, click on the appropriate content outline below:
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT QUALIFIES FOR PDH CREDITS TOWARD MY RENEWAL OF MY RSP CERTIFICATION?
TPCB accepts coursework or other professional development that align with the exams subject matter:
RSP Level 1
RSP Level 2
Behavioral Specialty
Level 2
Infrastructure Specialty
HOW MANY PDHs ARE REQUIRED TO RENEW RSP?
IF I PASSED RSP1 AND RSP2 EXAMS, HOW DO I LIST MY DESIGNATION?
RSP2 is the advanced level certification. Individuals who have passed RSP2 will be designated as RSP2. For those who passed the RSP Behavioral Exam, the designation is RSP2B. For those who have passed the RSP Infrastructure Exam, the designation is RSP2I. For individuals who have passed both specialties, the designation is RSP2IB.
IF I AM RSP2 CERTIFIED, WHICH DEADLINE FOR RENEWAL APPLIES?
If certified in one specialty (behavioral or infrastructure), you need to achieve 45 PDHs within three years of receiving your RSP2. If certified in both specialties, you need to achieve 60 PDHs within three years of receiving your RSP2.
CAN I TAKE THE RSP1 AND RSP2 ON THE SAME DAY?
Yes, however, you must pass RSP1 first. Therefore, even if you pass RSP2 you will not be recognized as such if you do not pass RSP1.
Example:
John Doe took RSP 1 in October 2018 and paid $100 exam fee and $180 certification fee.
John Doe wants to take RSP 2 in October 2019. He would pay $100 exam fee plus the $315 certification fee and get credit for two unused years ($120) of RSP 1 certification.
John Doe’s cost is $100 + $315 - $120 = $295
John Doe’s renewal date for the RSP certification (including Levels 1 and 2) would be 2022.