Do I need a certificate to be a flagperson in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. Section 374(5) of the OHS Regulations requires completion of a traffic control training program prescribed by WorkplaceNL, delivered by an approved provider. This online course does not meet that requirement.

How long does TCP certification last in Newfoundland and Labrador?

WorkplaceNL requires recertification every three years. The certificate holder is responsible for registering for the refresher.

Can a flagperson use a flag in Newfoundland and Labrador?

No. The provincial Traffic Control Manual says flags may not be used. Flagpersons use a reflectorized STOP/SLOW sign on a pole, plus a red baton flashlight at night.

Can a security guard direct traffic on a public road?

A guard has no more powers than a member of the public under the Private Investigation and Security Services Act. Traffic on public roads is directed by police or by certified traffic control persons in a proper set-up.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Newfoundland and Labrador Traffic Control Course 2026

Question 1 of 25

In Newfoundland and Labrador, which regulations set the workplace safety duties for traffic control persons?

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012
The Fire Protection Services Regulations
The Highway Traffic Act parking rules
The Private Investigation and Security Services Regulations

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Answer: A. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012

Part XVI (sections 373 to 375) of the OHS Regulations, 2012 covers traffic control and traffic control persons.

Question 2 of 25

Under section 373(2) of the NL OHS Regulations, when must effective traffic control be provided?

Only on highways with a speed limit over 80 km/h
Only at night or in fog, rain or snow
When moving vehicle traffic is a hazard to workers
Only when a police officer asks for it on site

Show answer

Answer: C. When moving vehicle traffic is a hazard to workers

Section 373(2) requires effective traffic control where moving traffic is a hazard to workers.

Question 3 of 25

Under section 374(5) of the NL OHS Regulations, who may work as a traffic control person?

Any employee of a licensed security guard agency
Anyone who is wearing a high-visibility vest
A person who finished a WorkplaceNL-prescribed program
Anyone over 19 who holds a valid driver's licence

Show answer

Answer: C. A person who finished a WorkplaceNL-prescribed program

Section 374(5) says a person must not work as a TCP unless they completed a WorkplaceNL-prescribed traffic control training program.

Question 4 of 25

Who approves the providers that deliver traffic control person training in Newfoundland and Labrador?

WorkplaceNL
Each municipality
The fire commissioner
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Show answer

Answer: A. WorkplaceNL

Training providers must apply to and be approved by WorkplaceNL under its TCP certification training standard.

Question 5 of 25

How often must a traffic control person in Newfoundland and Labrador recertify?

Never, the certificate lasts for life
Every three years
Every five years
Every year

Show answer

Answer: B. Every three years

WorkplaceNL's training standard requires recertification every three years from the date of last certification.

Question 6 of 25

Where is the official record of a worker's TCP certification kept in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In a file at the nearest police station
In an appendix of the Traffic Control Manual
On the back of the worker's driver's licence
In WorkplaceNL's Certification Training Registry

Show answer

Answer: D. In WorkplaceNL's Certification Training Registry

The TCP standard says the official record is held in WorkplaceNL's Certification Training Registry.

Question 7 of 25

What must a person hold before taking Level 2 (Traffic Control Planner) training in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A first aid certificate
A security guard licence
A commercial driver's licence
A valid Level 1 certificate

Show answer

Answer: D. A valid Level 1 certificate

WorkplaceNL's standard makes a valid Level 1 certificate a prerequisite for Level 2 training.

Question 8 of 25

A guard has finished this online traffic control course. Can they now work as a traffic control person on a road job in Newfoundland and Labrador?

No, they need a WorkplaceNL-prescribed program
Yes, as long as their supervisor agrees
Yes, but only for daytime road work
Yes, any course with a certificate is enough

Show answer

Answer: A. No, they need a WorkplaceNL-prescribed program

Only a traffic control program prescribed by WorkplaceNL meets section 374(5). This course is background knowledge only.

Question 9 of 25

Under section 374(2) of the NL OHS Regulations, how far from the work area should a traffic control person normally be?

At least 25 metres
At least 100 metres
Right beside the workers
At least 5 metres

Show answer

Answer: A. At least 25 metres

Section 374(2)(b) says a TCP is positioned at least 25 m from the work area, unless intersections or space requirements dictate otherwise.

Question 10 of 25

When two or more traffic control persons work together in NL, what does section 374(3) require?

Each person decides alone when to switch direction
They must take turns using one shared paddle
They must stand side by side at the same end
One person co-ordinates and starts direction changes

Show answer

Answer: D. One person co-ordinates and starts direction changes

Section 374(3) requires one TCP to be responsible for traffic co-ordination and for starting direction changes.

Question 11 of 25

What does section 375(1) of the NL OHS Regulations require before flagging begins?

Everyone must agree on and understand how to communicate
A police officer must arrive at the site before work starts
Every driver in the area must be warned over a radio
The whole work area must be fenced off and locked

Show answer

Answer: A. Everyone must agree on and understand how to communicate

Section 375(1) says methods of communication must be determined and understood by personnel before they are used.

Question 12 of 25

What is the minimum high-visibility garment for a flagperson under the NL Traffic Control Manual?

A vest or jacket meeting CSA Z96, Class 2, Level 2
A reflective armband on each arm and each leg
An orange hard hat, with no vest or jacket needed
Any bright orange or yellow T-shirt or sweater

Show answer

Answer: A. A vest or jacket meeting CSA Z96, Class 2, Level 2

The manual requires at minimum a high-visibility vest or jacket meeting CSA Z96, Class 2, Level 2.

Question 13 of 25

Under the NL Traffic Control Manual, how tall is the STOP/SLOW sign on its pole, overall?

There is no height rule
2.0 to 2.3 metres
3.0 to 3.5 metres
1.0 to 1.2 metres

Show answer

Answer: B. 2.0 to 2.3 metres

The manual and Section 715 call for a reflectorized STOP/SLOW sign on a pole with an overall height of 2.0 to 2.3 m.

Question 14 of 25

May a flagperson use a flag to control traffic under the NL Traffic Control Manual?

Yes, a red flag is the main signal they use
Yes, but only after dark and in poor weather
No, flags may not be used to control traffic
Yes, as long as the flag is bright orange

Show answer

Answer: C. No, flags may not be used to control traffic

The manual says flags may not be used to control traffic; the STOP/SLOW sign is used instead.

Question 15 of 25

What does a flagperson carry at night in addition to the reflective STOP/SLOW sign, under NL rules?

A small air horn clipped to the vest
A road flare held in the free hand
A whistle on a cord around the neck
A red signalling baton flashlight

Show answer

Answer: D. A red signalling baton flashlight

For night work the manual and Section 715 require a red signalling baton flashlight as well as the reflective sign.

Question 16 of 25

How does the NL Traffic Control Manual define night for traffic control?

From 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, year-round
From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise
Whenever the streetlights in the area are switched on
From one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise

Show answer

Answer: B. From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise

The manual defines night time as half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

Question 17 of 25

Where does a flagperson normally stand under the NL Traffic Control Manual?

In a parked truck near the start of the zone
In the middle of the open lane of traffic
Outside the active lane, usually on the shoulder
Inside the work area with the work crew

Show answer

Answer: C. Outside the active lane, usually on the shoulder

Flagpersons stand outside the active lane, typically on the shoulder, and stand alone.

Question 18 of 25

Under NL rules, when may a flagperson step onto the driver's side of the lane?

Whenever they want a better view of traffic
After more than one vehicle has stopped
As soon as the first car comes into view
Never, under any conditions at all

Show answer

Answer: B. After more than one vehicle has stopped

The manual allows it only after more than one vehicle has stopped, to check the queue or sightlines. The flagperson must go back to the shoulder before releasing traffic.

Question 19 of 25

Under Section 715, how does a flagperson give the daytime STOP signal?

Point at the driver and shout loudly to stop
Wave the paddle back and forth over their head
Show STOP and hold the free arm out across the lane
Turn their back to traffic and raise the paddle

Show answer

Answer: C. Show STOP and hold the free arm out across the lane

Section 715 says to face approaching traffic, hold the paddle upright with the STOP side facing traffic, and extend the free arm horizontally across the lane.

Question 20 of 25

Under Section 715, how does a flagperson signal traffic to move ahead?

Hold the STOP side of the paddle toward drivers
Rotate the lower free arm in an oval motion
Flash the headlights of the nearest truck
Blow a whistle twice and point down the road

Show answer

Answer: B. Rotate the lower free arm in an oval motion

Traffic is advanced by rotating the lower free arm in an oval manner; the paddle is lowered if traffic may go at the posted speed.

Question 21 of 25

What does Section 715 say about cellphones for flagpersons?

They may be used for music with one earphone
They must be held in the free hand at all times
Not during work hours unless there is an emergency
They may be used whenever traffic is light

Show answer

Answer: C. Not during work hours unless there is an emergency

Section 715 bans cellular devices during hours of operation unless it is an emergency, and bans earphones and other distracting devices.

Question 22 of 25

In normal operations, how long should traffic be delayed in each direction under NL flagperson rules?

As long as the crew needs
No more than one minute
No more than 15 minutes
No more than five minutes

Show answer

Answer: D. No more than five minutes

The manual and Section 715 say traffic should not be delayed more than five minutes per direction in normal operations.

Question 23 of 25

Which sign is placed in advance of each flagperson in Newfoundland and Labrador, except for very short-term work?

Slow-Moving Vehicle
Flagperson Ahead
Road Closed
Detour Ahead

Show answer

Answer: B. Flagperson Ahead

The manual requires a "Flagperson Ahead" (TC-21) sign before each flagperson, except for very short-term work.

Question 24 of 25

Under Section 715, what is the minimum number of flagpersons at a signalized intersection?

Four
Two
Three
One

Show answer

Answer: B. Two

Section 715 says a minimum of two flagpersons shall be used at a signalized intersection.

Question 25 of 25

Your supervisor asks you, an uncertified guard, to direct traffic on the busy public street outside the site. What should you do?

Do it, but only while holding a flashlight
Ask a passing driver to help you do it
Do it, because guards have police powers on duty
Say no and tell your supervisor you are not certified

Show answer

Answer: D. Say no and tell your supervisor you are not certified

Section 34 of the Private Investigation and Security Services Act gives guards no powers beyond a member of the public, and section 374(5) of the OHS Regulations requires TCP certification.

Newfoundland and Labrador Traffic Control Course 2026

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