The attainment of certification is a means for individuals to indicate to the general public, co-workers, employers and others that an impartial, nationally-recognized organization has determined that they are qualified to perform specific technical tasks by virtue of their technical knowledge and experiences. Certification also bestows a sense of achievement upon the recipient, since it reflects professional advancement in a chosen field. Certification can also provide an entry into many job assignments that otherwise would be difficult to obtain, since employers recognize certification as an indication of the individual's ability to do specific job tasks without the need for on-the-job training. A result of an employer's recognition of certification can be job advancement and increased responsibilities. Although IMSA certification is usually sought voluntarily by qualified technicians and technologists, there is a growing trend toward public and private sector employers directly or indirectly requiring a specific IMSA certification as a condition of employment. Acertificate issued by IMSA represents a nationally recognized credential which identifies the individual as having satisfied the IMSA requirements. The IMSA certification has no legal standing by itself. The IMSA certification is not a license, even though certain government bodies may require IMSA certification in order to obtain a license. In these cases, IMSA certification becomes a condition for obtaining a license, but it is not a license by itself. Certified individuals can call attention to their achievement by listing after their name the designated level. In those cases where it is appropriate to call attention to work having been done by an IMSA individual, it is suggested that you write IMSA Certified after your name followed by your certification number and level of certification. Every new certified individual receives a certificate and wallet card upon initial certification. After that, patches can be purchased. These patches can be put on hats and shirts serving as useful public relations tools for the individual certified and the company. Special certification programs are being developed by lMSA in cooperation with a recognized technical society or industry group. IMSA instituted certification in the year of 1982 to assist governmental agencies in lowering the likelihood of unnecessary legal actions and to increase the quality of Public Service Personnel. Since the institution of certification, IMSA has issued in excess of 120,000 certificates in the fields of Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control, Traffic Signals, Fiber Optics, Roadway Lighting, Sign and Pavement Marking, Interior and Municipal Fire Alarm, Public Safety Telecommunicator, Electronics inTraffic Signals and Microprocessors in Traffic Signals. IMSA is constantly developing curriculum to improve the current programs and is in the process of developing additional Educational and Certification programs to ensure the Public Safety image.  IMSA Currently has the following Certifications:
Fiber Optics

​     Roadway Lighting

​     Roadway Lighting Technician Level I​ 

Signs and Pavement Markings

     Signs & Pavement MarkingTechnician Level I

     Signs Technician Level II    

Traffic Signal / Transportation

      Traffic Signal Technician Level I    

     Traffic Signal Construction Technician Level I

     Traffic Signal Field Technician Level II

     Traffic Signal Senior Field Technician Level III

    Traffic Signal Inspector 

    Transportation Center System Specialist Level I​​

Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician


IMSA CERTIFICATIONS