IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level 1 Exam Questions and Answers PDF (Latest 2025/ 2026 Update) Study Guide & Practice Test (GRADED A)

IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level 1 Exam Questions and Answers PDF (Latest 2025/ 2026 Update) Study Guide & Practice Test (GRADED A) Question: What is the primary function of the IMAS? Answer: Safety Education Question: IMSA Stands for Answer: International Municipal Signal Association Question: Which of the following is NOT an IMSA certification? Answer: Traffic Signal Level III Bridge Technician Question: Which of the following are potential safety hazards? Answer: overhead and underground power, gas, aerial lift equipment. Tra Question: What are the sections of a ramp mete signal Answer: Circular red, circular green Question: PPE stands for Answer: Personal Protective Equipment Question: A work zone supervisor is responsible for which of the following tasks: Answer: Ensure advance warning devices have not been removed or relocated. Question: Which of the following is NOT a sentence type in the MUTCD? Standards; requirement that have to be followed. Guidance; recommendations that are to be followed unless there I good reason not to. Objectives; reasons behind the standards and guidance. Support; additional information to clarify the standards and guidance. Answer: Objectives; reasons behind the standards and guidance Question: Which of the following is an example configuration fo an Emergency - Vehicle Traffic Control Signals? Answer: Thee section traffic signal with circular red, circular yellow, and smaller circular yellow indications. Question: The following phases are typically assigned to the major-street through movements: Answer: 2 and 6 Question: There green interval is made up of which three components? Answer: Minimum green, passage time, maximum green Question: What are the three typical types of recall features of a traffic signal controller? Answer: Minimum, Maximum, Pedestrian Question: In a coordination plan, what is the number of seconds given to each phase at the intersection? Answer: split Question: which of the following traffic signal coordination methods is typically the least expensive? Answer: Time-Based Coordination Question: Which of the following is a definition for cycle length? Answer: The elapsed time between the start of a specific display until that display comes up again. Question: Which of the following is a characteristic of sequential phases? Answer: they cannot occur at the same time. Question: Which of th following is a definition for initial green time Answer: Minimum time that that the green indication myst be displayed Question: The only point in the cycle of a coordinated traffic signal controller where the major street phase is allowed to end is called Answer: Yield point Question: Which of ht following is NOT a common mode of operation for timing plans in a signal system? Answer: Traffic Related Question: Two common terms to describe traffic signal supports and signal heads are Answer: rigid and free-swinging Question: IN a single wire with. single point attachment configuration, the wire that supports the signal heads is called the Answer: Messenger Wire Question: The two nominal diameter sizes for vehicular signal lenses are: Answer: 8 in (200mm) and 12 in (300mm) Question: The purpose of "Louvers" is to: Answer: make signal visible from a specific lane Question: Which of the following types of conduit are used for traffic signals? Answer: Rigid Steel conduit High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) PVC Schedule 40 Question: Traffic signal supports are NOT used to display the following items: Answer: Advertisements Question: Which of the following is a disadvantage of mast arms: Answer: Large Foundation Question: Loop detectors operate on the principle of: Answer: inductance . Question: The piece of cable that connects the controller cabinet to the loops is called a: Answer: Lead-in-cable Question: The outer jacket of loop lead-in cable is typically made of: Answer: Polyethylene Question: What is and advantage of video detection systems? Answer: Images can sent to remote locations Question: Which of the following is a type of microwave detector: Answer: frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Question: A 6' x 60' loop typically has how many turns of wire: Answer: two Question: The primary function of the CMU is: Answer: prevent conflicting signal indications Question: What is NOT part of an overhead power service: Answer: Pull box or boxes Question: Typical back-up battery systems provide battery power in case of an outage to a signal for: Answer: 2 to 6 hours Question: A major distinguishing feature between NEMA TS-1 and TS-2 controllers is: Answer: Data bus Question: The advanced transportation controller was developed to provide: Answer: Open architecture hardware and software platform Question: Which of the following type of controller assemblies, without adapters, can accept multiple software platforms and be utilized in all types fo cabinets: Answer: 2070 controller Question: What is another term for load switches used in 170/2070 controllers? Answer: switch packs Question: Which type of controller was introduced to supersede the 170 controller? Answer: 2070 controller Question: the NEMA TS-2 standards cover the same items as the TS-1 standards but expand the requirements to include which of the following: Answer: Treatment fo signal preemption Question: What is NOT part of an underground power service: Answer: Conduit rise with weatherhead Question: Two common types of signal pole installations are Answer: Direct buried and foundation Question: The first type of testing performed on a controller cabinet assembly is Answer: bench test Question: the second type of test performed on a controller cabinet assembly is Answer: field test continuity is a type of test for traffic signal conductors Question: the most labor intensive type of vehicle detection installation is Answer: inductive loop detection Question: which of the following 'start-up' items need to be completed by the contractor prior to the physical construction of the traffic signal Answer: Utilities notification and coordination, public awareness as required by the agency, approval of traffic control plan. Question: Which of the following equipment is NOT typically seen at the construction site of a traffic signal? Answer: grader to create level intersections Question: Free-swinging signal heads are located on which of the following support systems Answer: span wires Question: Traffic signals can be installed: Answer: after justification is determined through a warrant study Question: A traffic signal warrant study can determine the need of installation through all of the following except: Traffic volumes that show insufficient gaps exist on the major street to allow minor street traffic to enter or cross an intersection. Road users at an intersection submitting a sufficient number of requests for installation of a signal based on local requirements. Pedestrian volumes indicate a need in order to allow safe crossing of a road Historical crash data shows that a signal would potentially improve safety conditions Answer: Road users at an intersection submitting a sufficient number of requests for installation of a signal based on local requirements Question: a plans preparation manual indicates information regarding: Answer: Amount of detail, information, and proper format for traffic signal plans. Question: EEO participation requires the contractor to: Answer: maintain a percentage of minority workers on the project. Question: What is the purpose of traffic signal inspection? Answer: to provide a record of construction, to document results of tests, to verify installation meets the requirements of the plans and contract documents. Question: in case of the perceived need for a traffic signal to allow pedestrians to cross a roadway, pedestrian volume counts are typically performed for what time duration? Answer: 8 hours Question: which of the following does a traffic signal designer have to take into consideration when designing a signal? Answer: signal phasing, utilities, cost Question: Which of the following ar considerations that should be taken into account when designing a new traffic signal? Answer: types of preemption required, coordination with nearby traffic signals, traffic characteristics at the location. Question: Multimeters are used to check Answer: resistance, voltage, current Question: What devise is used to measure the resistance or breakdown strength of conductor insulation: Answer: megohmmeter Question: What device dos a technician use to troubleshoot existing loops already installed in the field: Answer: loop analyzer Question: Resistance as expressed by Ohm's law is Answer: R=E/I Question: Ohm's law is useful in the design and troubleshooting of circuits and describes the mathematical relationship of the following: Answer: voltage, current, resistance. Question: The typical traffic signal controller assembly is powered by what type of electrical current: Answer: 120 volts of AC Question: The two types of traffic signal maintenance that are typically performed are: Answer: Emergency and scheduled maintenance Question: an example of emergency maintenance is: Answer: power outages/surges due to electrical storm Question: A good nice step procedure for troubleshooting is: Answer: observe, identify, determine, correct, observe again Question: Which of the following is NOT typically a maintenance concern for traffic signal installations: Answer: Lubrication Question: A Key component of documentation is: Answer: Developing written procedures for documentation, developing checklists, developing field reports Question: Which of the following is a characteristic o a good field report: Answer: clearly written, concise, describes actions taken. Question: Which of the following best describe traffic signal maintenance: Answer: the repair or upkeep of the existing equipment and operations Question: Checking for inconsistent indications, local construction activities, and if the signal is in flashing mode, would be an example of which of the 4 steps in the troubleshooting procedure: Answer: Observe Question: Crashes occur at signalized intersections due to: Answer: driver error, vehicle equipment malfunction, roadway or traffic control device defects. Question: The best way to minimize the possibility of being named in a lawsuit is by: Answer: keeping good records, strict adherence to established stands, providing comprehensive maintenance procedures. Question: negligence is defined as: Answer: the failure to do something that a reasonable person would ordinarily do. Question: When dealing with the public a technician should: Answer: avoid arguing Question: When dealing with the public a technician should not: Answer: threaten anyone, use technical jargon Question: Some agencies have found the it is more cost efficient to replace the lamps: Answer: on a regularly scheduled basis Question: Effective determination of the cause of a failure in a traffic signal is called: Answer: troubleshooting Question: what is the 5 step troubleshooting procedure Answer: 1. observe 2 identify 3 determine 4 correct 5 observe again Question: What is as important as performing the maintenance itself? Answer: documentation of emergency maintenance. Question: When should documentation of a failure begin? Answer: when a failure is traffic signal is first reported. Question: a Circuit that is wired in series is one where: Answer: the current goes through all of the electrical components of the circuit Question: a Circuit that is wired in Parallel is one where: Answer: each component has its own direct path. Question: Circuits are wired in__________ and ___________ Answer: series and parallel Question: Ohm's law is a set of formulas that describe the mathematical relationship between: Answer: Voltage (E), current (I), and resistance (R). Question: What is a load switch tester also known as? Answer: Multi-switch tester Question: A Load switch tester or multi-switch tester is used to: Answer: verify the correct operation of a load switch. The unit verified that the correct current outputs are within the acceptable range for operation. Question: Slot testers are available that: Answer: plug into the cabinet detector card rack and enable the technician to measure voltage, continuity and or resistance for each internal connection in the cabinet. Question: A loop analyzer is a unit that: Answer: a signal technician uses to troubleshoot existing loops and test newly installed loops Question: An ammeter or current probe is: Answer: a device that measures the current flowing through a wire or circuit. Question: A multimeter can detect the: Answer: resistance, voltage, or current of an electrical circuit. Question: In the case of significant underground utility congestion or of the presence of utilities with potentially catastrophic consequences if damaged, a ______________ is a good option. Answer: soft-dig Question: The following are some of the items that need to be considered when determining the signal type: What type of signal supports will be used, will pedestrian features be required, are there any unusual roadway geometric features that will need to be accommodated? Question: the typical tests for traffic signal conductors are: Answer: functional such as the connection to the proper signal display, induced voltage, and continuity Question: The cabinet should be oriented such the the door opens away from the intersection, and in a position that gives the field technician the: Answer: greatest possible view Question: Traffic signal supports that typically require some type of foundation include: Answer: mast arm poles, steel strain poles, trusses, monotones, pedestal poles for vehicular signals, and pedestrian signal pedestals. Question: What NEMA TS-2 configuration has no downwards compatibility? Answer: type 1 Question: An electro-mechanical controller has a: Answer: motor that rotates the mechanism. Question: Emergency responders have two type to signal activation which are: Answer: manual and optical or acoustic activation. Question: Cabinet power panels have a series of ___________ that protect the electronic equipment inside the controller cabinet against current overload. Answer: Circuit breakers Question: Flasher units flash at a rate of: Answer: no less than 50 and no more than 60 per minute Question: a difference between NEMA cabinets and 170 cabinets is NEMA cabinets Answer: require connection with harnesses pre-wired into the cabinet. Question: Controller cabinets can perform functions such as Answer: changing the signal indications, collecting and analyzing vehicle could and communicating with other contorllers Question: Which type of transmitter transmits low energy microwave radiation at a detection zone? Answer: Doppler microwave radars detectors Question: a disadvantage of video detection systems is: Answer: may involve a higher initial installation cost Question: What activates a signal loop? Answer: decrease in inductance Question: Loop detector installed in. double rectangle is called a Answer: quadrupole Question: what drives energy through the loop detector? Answer: loop amplifier Question: a metallic pull box lid must be Answer: bonded to a grounding source Question: cable coiled in a pull box is called Answer: slack cable. Question: pull boxes should have some type of Answer: drainage capability Question: visibility limited displays appear dark to to drivers unless drivers are: Answer: within the are programmed by the technician. Question: another word for break away base: Answer: frangible base Question: A wire that is attache to the bottoms of the signal heads to prohibit excessive movement or spinning of the traffic signals on the support wire Answer: tether wire Question: where copper cables are terminated in local controller cabinets Answer: interface panel Question: a hybrid system combines Answer: closed loop systems with central computer systems Question: a command that forces the traffic signal controller to end the green display for an actuated phase Answer: force off Question: the number of seconds from a common signal cycle point to a known point in the cycle Cush as the end of the green indication for the major street Answer: offset Question: for coordinated traffic cycles, all signals must have the same Answer: cycle length. Question: pedestrian ________ __________ consists of a flashing upraised hand that shall begin immediately following the walking person signal indication Answer: Answer: change interval Question: The terms ____________ time and _____________time come from the concept of making time long enough for a vehicle leaving the advance loop to get to a point whee it will continue through the intersection if the light turns yellow. Answer: Passage and Extension Question: more detailed assignment of specific portions of the time within a phase is known as Answer: phase intervals Question: What phase does not connect with one another Answer: concurrent Question: what type of phase can happen at the same time? Answer: sequential Question: in a dual ring controller, there are two ________- Answer: barriers. Question: in a traffic signal phase, even numbers are typically assigned to Answer: through movements Question: What is the most common beacon? Answer: Flashing beacon. other beacons include warning and stop Question: new option for mid block pedestrian signals is Answer: High intensity Actuated crossWalK or "Hawk" Question: types of sentences Answer: standard "shall", guidance "should", optional "May" Question: short term work zones are Answer: 1 hour or less Question: NEC Answer: NAtional electric code Question: NESC Answer: National Electrical Safety Code Question: CEC Answer: Canadian Electrical Code