Which traffic control course do you need?
TC1, Short Term Low Impact and Utilities TTM are 3 different tickets for 3 different jobs on Victorian roads. How to pick the right one.
Written byEdway
The short answer
Choose Traffic Controller if you want to direct traffic or set up traffic management on Category 1 roads. Choose Short Term Low Impact for brief, low-impact roadside work.
Choose Utilities TTM only if you work for, or solely provide services to, an eligible utility provider.
Compare the 3 courses
| Course | Choose it when | Accredited? | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC1 + TMI1 Combined | You want traffic control or traffic management work on Category 1 roads | Yes | Statement of Attainment and, after the workplace practical, a TTM Digital Card |
| Short Term Low Impact | Your work is brief and low-impact, with no static worksite | No | Certificate of Completion |
| Utilities TTM | You do restricted in-field work for an eligible utility provider | No | Certificate of Completion and a Digital Utilities card |
Traffic Controller is the entry route
The Traffic Controller course combines TC1 and TMI1. It covers directing traffic and putting traffic management plans into place on Category 1 roads, such as urban streets and low-volume rural roads.
The class runs for 3 days. You then complete workplace evidence within 6 months: 20 logged hours and a supervised assessment for TC1, plus 3 traffic management setups for TMI1.
This is the course for someone entering traffic control work. The separate guide What happens after traffic control training? explains the workplace stage.
What the TC1 course covers
The TC1 half covers controlling traffic with stop/slow bats and portable traffic control devices, deploying basic traffic signs, workplace communication and risk management.
The TMI1 half covers implementing traffic management plans, applying risk management processes, and positioning, setting up and programming portable traffic control devices.
Assessment is theory — multiple choice and short answer — plus practical work inside the course: setting up a worksite, operating a stop/slow bat and installing signs to a Traffic Guidance Scheme.
Short Term Low Impact work
Short Term Low Impact (STLI) is for brief roadside tasks. A site-specific risk assessment must show no static worksite is needed.
Examples include minor maintenance, inspections and vegetation work.
It is a 1-day Victorian course offered in a classroom or live online. It is non-accredited and gives you a Certificate of Completion, not a Traffic Management Card.
STLI does not qualify you as a Traffic Controller or Traffic Management Implementer.
Utilities TTM is restricted
Utilities TTM is for in-field workers employed directly or indirectly by water, gas, electricity, communications or public transport providers. Contractors must work solely to provide services to an eligible provider.
You need an employer letter proving that connection before booking. The course runs for 1 day in a classroom or live online.
It is non-accredited. You receive a Certificate of Completion and a Digital Utilities card for restricted Utilities TTM work in Victoria. It does not qualify you as a general Traffic Controller.
Check the entry requirements
All 3 courses require a current White Card. For Traffic Controller, bring the Statement of Attainment for your White Card unit. The plastic card alone is not accepted as evidence for entry.
Utilities TTM also requires the employer letter. Check the course page before booking for the remaining identification, clothing and study requirements.
All 3 are Victorian courses delivered by Edway Training (RTO 91401), an approved Temporary Traffic Management training provider.
Next step
For traffic control work, see Traffic Controller (TC1). For brief roadside tasks, see Short Term Low Impact.
Eligible utility crews can see Utilities TTM.
Sources
- training.gov.au — RIISS00058 Traffic Controller and RIISS00060 Traffic Management Implementer skill setsSkill set codes, official titles and the six units they contain
- Austroads — Temporary Traffic Management National Training FrameworkThe National TTM Training Framework, Approved Training Providers, the practitioner register, and 'specialised training' products such as STLI and Utilities TTM
- Victoria Government Gazette — Code of Practice for Worksite Safety – Traffic Management (gazetted 1 June 2023)The Victorian duty on whoever runs the works to use appropriately trained and qualified people to direct traffic
- VicRoads — Worksite Traffic Management Code of PracticeThe Victorian code the TC1 and TMI1 training is delivered to, alongside the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management
