Northwest Territories Traffic Control Course 2026
This course is for security guards and other workers in the Northwest Territories who may be asked to help with traffic control. It covers the territory's rules for designated signallers, the WSCC code of practice, equipment, set-up and signals. It is background knowledge only and does not replace the site-specific training and TCP training card your employer must provide.
Quick answer
This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 12, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain who may act as a traffic control person in the NWT and what training the employer must give
- Describe what a traffic control plan contains and when signallers may be used
- Choose the right hi-vis apparel, paddle and night equipment
- Set up a safe control position and escape route
- Give clear stop, slow and release signals and handle a radio failure
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. A designated signaller
Section 138 of the NWT regulations uses the term designated signaller. On the job, this person is often called a traffic control person (TCP) or flagger.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. The employer
Section 138(1) requires the employer to designate and train the signaller, keep a record of the training and give the signaller a copy.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. A TCP card signed by the trainer or employer
The WSCC code says a TCP must have a training card signed by the trainer or employer, carry it on the job and show it when asked.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: B. One year
The WSCC code of practice states that the TCP training card is valid for one year, with refresher training each year or as required.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: C. Site-specific training for that job location
WSCC's TCP training guideline says additional site-specific training has to be provided for every job location.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: D. Not following it may count against compliance
Codes of practice made under the Safety Act are guidance. Failure to follow one may be considered in deciding compliance with the Act and regulations.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. Only when other methods are not enough
Section 139(4) says signallers must not be used on a highway unless the other listed methods of traffic control are inadequate or unsuitable.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. Two
Section 139(5) allows one signaller when traffic comes from one direction or the signaller and drivers can see each other, and requires two when they cannot.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: A. A written traffic control plan
Section 139 requires a written traffic control plan, training for workers in the plan, and that the plan be readily available at the site.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: A. Know it and sign it
The bulletin says TCPs must know and sign the shift's traffic control plan, and the supervisor keeps it on site.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: C. At least 1.6 metres
The WSCC TCP code of practice says the sign has to be at least 1.6 metres tall, with reflective sheeting on both sides.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: D. Black letters on a yellow background
The code says SLOW is black on yellow and STOP is white on red, and both sides must be reflective.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: B. CSA Z96
The WSCC PPE High Visibility Apparel code of practice is based on CSA Z96, High-Visibility Safety Apparel.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: D. Class 3
For high-risk work such as flagging, the WSCC code points to Class 2 in daytime and Class 3 in low light.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. Halfway between the last sign and the taper
The code places the control position halfway between the last sign and the taper, just outside the travel lane, with the paddle on the edge line.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. On a bridge
The code says not to flag on a bridge, near a railway crossing, over a hill, around a curve or on icy roads.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: D. Only when TCPs are actively controlling traffic
The code says the TCP sign is used only when TCPs are actively regulating traffic. Unless mounted high, it shows two red-orange flags.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: D. Every two hours, or as the supervisor arranges
The code says a TCP should be rotated every two hours, or as arranged with the supervisor.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: C. 210 metres
The code gives 210 m (about 42 car lengths) at 100 km/h and 65 m at 50 km/h, and more for trucks, wet or icy roads and downhill traffic.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: C. Turn the paddle to SLOW and wave drivers on with your arm
The code says to turn the paddle to SLOW and then signal with the free arm. It says never to wave the sign.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. Drop the paddle and wave both arms above your head
The code's emergency signal is to drop the paddle, raise both arms and wave them above the head.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Keep it as it is and repeat the message
The code says not to change signs when a radio fails. Repeat the message and check the radio; if it has failed, the TCP showing SLOW stops a vehicle and asks the driver to report the failure to a person in authority.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: A. A flashlight with a red or orange cone
For night work the code requires a flashlight with a red or orange cone, reflective material around the hard hat and reflective stripes on clothing. Section 138 also requires a suitable light in darkness.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. Fines for speeding are doubled
The NWT Driver's Manual says speeding fines are doubled in construction zones if workers are present, and tells drivers to obey the flag person.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. The officer's, since police overrule signs
The Driver's Manual says directions given by a police officer overrule traffic signs or signals. Follow the officer's lead and coordinate with them.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Section 138 of the NWT Occupational Health and Safety Regulations makes the employer designate, train and keep training records for each designated signaller.
- The NWT and Nunavut TCP training card is signed by the trainer or employer, must be carried on the job and is valid for one year.
- Signallers may control traffic on a highway only when signs, barriers, flashing lights, pilot vehicles and other methods are inadequate or unsuitable.
- The WSCC code calls for a stop/slow sign at least 1.6 metres tall: STOP white on red, SLOW black on yellow, reflective on both sides.
- The NWT Driver's Manual tells drivers to obey the flag person and says speeding fines double in construction zones when workers are present.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certificate to be a traffic control person in the NWT?
The NWT regulations require your employer to designate you, train you and keep a record of the training. The WSCC code calls for a TCP training card signed by the trainer or employer, valid for one year, plus site-specific training for each job. This course does not give you that card.
Who enforces traffic control safety rules in the NWT?
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) enforces the Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in the NWT. Its safety officers can inspect work sites.
Can a security guard direct traffic on a public road in the NWT?
Only as a designated, trained signaller working under a written traffic control plan, and only where other methods of traffic control are not enough. Police directions overrule signs and signals.
What should a TCP wear at night in the NWT?
High-visibility apparel to CSA Z96 (WSCC points to Class 3 for flaggers in low light), reflective material around the hard hat, and a flashlight with a red or orange cone.
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.