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Exam Format and Content
The subjects on each PTOE certification examination are selected to conform to the blueprint of subject domains and
sub-domains listed below. The number of questions in each sub-domain area reflects the relative importance of that
content area as determined by a comprehensive validation process involving judgments of several hundred practicing traffic
operations engineers.
The exam is administered in two 3 hour sessions (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:20 p.m.-4:30 p.m.) with a lunch break in between.
| Subject Domain/Sub-Domain |
Number of Questions |
| Traffic Operations Analysis |
|
| Roadway and intersection operations |
7 |
| Freeway operations |
5 |
| Traffic flow concepts |
5 |
| Road user characteristics and accommodations |
4 |
| Site impact analysis |
4 |
| Travel demand management |
2 |
| Intelligent transportation systems |
3 |
| Operational Effects of Geometric Designs |
|
| Functional classification |
4 |
| Geometric design controls and criteria |
7 |
| Roadway cross section element |
5 |
| Intersection layout/elements |
7 |
| Interchange configurations |
6 |
| Traffic Safety |
|
| Safety systems and programs |
7 |
| Roadway/roadside safety concepts |
9 |
| Safety analysis and evaluation |
9 |
| Safety countermeasures |
9 |
| Traffic Control Devices |
|
| Signing application |
5 |
| Traffic signal application |
6 |
| Marking application |
5 |
| Roadway/railroad grade crossings |
5 |
| Work zone applications |
6 |
| Road user guidance |
3 |
| Traffic control systems |
4 |
| Devices for transportation system management |
3 |
| Traffic Engineering Studies |
|
| Applied statistical analysis |
3 |
| Traffic operational characteristics |
4 |
| Traffic engineering operations study techniques |
4 |
| Assessment of long- and short-range traffic impacts |
4 |
| Social, Environmental and Institutional Issues |
|
| Environmental impacts |
1 |
| Urban and regional planning |
1 |
| Intermodal considerations |
1 |
| Transportation laws and ordinances |
2 |
| Total number of questions |
150 |
Questions within each category are designed to determine the candidate’s competence at different cognitive levels:
- Knowledge
- Analysis
- Comprehension
- Synthesis
- Application
- Evaluation
At the knowledge level, candidates are expected to know terminology, measurement systems and basic engineering and
physical relationships relevant to transportation. Candidates are expected to know basic relationships common to
professional traffic operations practice; however, they will be provided with a variety of formulas and values related to the
solution of examination problems, which a practicing traffic operations engineer would not normally be expected to
commit to memory.
At application and analysis levels, the candidate is required to determine the factors essential to the solution of a problem
and select an appropriate solution—frequently using mathematical processes. It should be noted, however, that the
examination is not intended to test the applicant’s mathematical skills. Candidates are permitted to have (or will be supplied)
simple arithmetic calculators (see examination protocol). Examination questions may be presented in either metric or
English units and answers may be required in either form. Tables of conversion factors will be provided.
To assure objective scoring, the correct response to questions requiring synthesis and evaluation are based on documented
sources drawn from references widely used in the profession.
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