High School

Traffic engineers must have mathematical skills in algebra, logic, and geometry and a good working knowledge of statistics. Language skills are useful for writing extensive reports that contain statistical data and for presenting these reports to groups of people. Courses in computers and electronics are also helpful. Classes in government are also helpful for a basic understanding of regulations and zoning laws and for future meetings and work with government officials. A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for traffic technicians.

Postsecondary Training

Traffic engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or general engineering. The field of transportation is vast, which is why many engineers have educational backgrounds in science, planning, computers, environmental planning, and other related fields. Educational courses for traffic engineers may include transportation planning, traffic engineering, highway design, and related courses such as computer science, urban planning, statistics, geography, business management, public administration, and economics.

Traffic engineers acquire some of their skills through on-the-job experience and training conferences and mini-courses offered by their employers, educational facilities, and professional engineering societies. Traffic technicians receive much of their training on the job and through education courses offered by various engineering organizations.

Other Education or Training

The Institute of Transportation Engineers provides professional development opportunities via webinars and in-person sessions at conferences and other institute events.

Certification or Licensing

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) offers certification as a professional traffic operations engineer. Requirements include four years of professional practice in traffic operations engineering; a valid license to practice civil, mechanical, electrical or general professional engineering; and passing an examination. The ITE also offers the professional transportation planner designation. 

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require engineers that offer their services to the public to be licensed. Licensing typically requires a degree from an ABET-accredited college or university.

Aspiring traffic engineers should try to gain as much experience as possible by participating in a traffic engineering-related internship or co-op during college. This experience will provide them with an edge when applying for jobs.  

Traffic engineers enjoy the challenge of solving problems. They have good oral and written communication skills, since they frequently work with others. They must also be creative and able to visualize the future workings of their designs; that is, how their designs will improve traffic flow, the effects on the environment, and potential problems.