Professional traffic operations engineer explained

A Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) is a certification sponsored by the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. 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. This certification process builds on and supports the practice of professional engineering registration. The PTOE is the highest leveling licensing available in the field of Traffic Engineering. As of November 29, 2022, there are 3,767 licensed PTOEs worldwide, 3,562 of whom are located in the United States.^[1]

Requirements

A Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) must meet all of the following requirements:^[2]

1. Have four years of Professional Traffic Operations Engineering experience;
2. Hold a valid license issued by a state, province, or other governmental body to engage in the practice of civil, mechanical, electrical, or general engineering if he or she resides in a jurisdiction that issues such licenses.
3. Take and attain a passing score on the Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® exam; and
4. Have paid the application/examination fee and the three-year certification fee

Exam topics

The 150-question certification examination currently includes the following topics:^[3]

Traffic Operations Analysis:
Roadway and intersection operations
Freeway operations
Traffic flow concepts
Road user characteristics and accommodations
Site impact analysis
Travel demand management
Intelligent transportation systems
Operational Effects of Geometric Designs:
Functional classification
Geometric design controls and criteria
Roadway cross section element
Intersection layout/elements
Interchange configurations
Traffic Safety:
Safety systems and programs
Roadway/roadside safety concepts
Safety analysis and evaluation
Safety countermeasures
Traffic Control Devices:
Signing application
Traffic signal application
Marking application
Roadway/railroad grade crossings
Work zone applications
Road user guidance
Traffic control systems
Devices for transportation system management
Traffic Engineering Studies:
Applied statistical analysis
Traffic operational characteristics
Traffic engineering operations study techniques
Assessment of long- and short-range traffic impacts
Social, Environmental and Institutional Issues:
Environmental impacts
Urban and regional planning
Intermodal considerations
Transportation laws and ordinances
Total number of questions

See also

• Traffic engineering (transportation)
• Regulation and licensure in engineering
• Professional transportation planner

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2022-11-29 . SEARCHABLE DIRECTORY . 2022-11-29 . ITE.
2. Web site: PTOE Requirements. 2017-11-26.
3. Web site: PTOE Exam Format. 2017-11-26.