Did you know that the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) is one of the oldest associations for public safety systems? A group of municipal signal employees formed IMSA in 1896 as the “International Association of Fire and Police Telegraph Superintendents.” The initial goal of IMSA has stayed the same over the years: to help its members and other professionals stay up to date on new construction procedures, maintenance, products, and equipment developments. Today, the association has certified tens of thousands of technicians and is highly regarded in the U.S. and Canada for public safety.
In 1902, under guidance from associate members like Thomas A. Edison and the Edison Electric Company, the association developed specifications for wire, cable, firearm boxes, and manhole covers. Since then, the group has evolved through name changes, new technologies, and a larger breadth of expertise.
IMSA membership requires dedication to the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of public safety systems from both government and private employees. Amongst IMSA offerings are educational and certification programs in Traffic Signals, Signs and Markings, Work Zone Traffic Control, Municipal and Interior Fire Alarm Systems, Fiber Optics, and Transportation Center Systems.
In the fall of 2022, I received two IMSA certifications. First, I completed the IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician Certification. This is a prerequisite for certifications within the Traffic Signals, Signs and Markings, and Work Zone Traffic Control programs. The certification is important because many traffic and roadway construction projects require developing a Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) plan. TTC plans include signing, marking, and other details to inform drivers and keep both drivers and workers safe within an active construction zone in or adjacent to a roadway.
Second, I am an IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I. The knowledge base for this certification includes some traffic signal timing theory and dives further into field equipment and construction than a typical engineering course of study. During the midpoint of my testing sequence, the process for becoming an IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level II was updated. My goal is to become Level II certified once the revision process is complete, and details of the new process are announced in 2023.
When I acquired my certifications last fall, the process included studying the certification program manual, participating in a virtual day-long course led by their instructor, and taking a three-hour electronically proctored exam. Historically, IMSA has also offered their certification courses and exams in-person during their annual meeting.
The renewal process is similar to the process for my Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification. Most IMSA certifications require renewal every three years and completion of 16 hours of continuing education during that time.
I am proud to have completed these two certifications, as they signify the knowledge and expertise I gained during this process. The Alabama Department of Transportation requires their traffic signal contractors to always have an IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level II on-site during construction of a traffic signal. Sain’s traffic signal design contracts often include some construction observation during the traffic signal construction. It is not uncommon for a signal design to require small adjustments in the field due to unforeseen circumstances. Successful signal construction is frequently a collaboration between the design engineer and the signal contractor. Ultimately, these IMSA certifications help Sain Associates provide a quality product for our clients and the public.