RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam: A Complete Guide to Certification, Preparation and Career Benefits

If you are a transportation or safety professional looking to advance your career, the RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam is one of the most respected certifications you can earn in the United States. Administered by the Transportation Professional Certification Board (TPCB), this credential validates your expertise in road safety principles, crash prevention, and transportation systems management—key competencies that are increasingly in demand as U.S. agencies focus on Vision Zero and Safe System approaches.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam in 2025: eligibility, structure, preparation strategies, exam content, costs, application timelines, and how passing can unlock higher-paying roles in transportation safety.

What Is the RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam?

The Road Safety Professional (RSP) certification is an advanced professional credential developed to recognize individuals with in-depth knowledge and skills in road safety. It’s offered by the Transportation Professional Certification Board (TPCB) in cooperation with major industry organizations such as:

• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Road to Zero Coalition

• State Departments of Transportation (DOTs)

The exam is designed for professionals involved in transportation planning, engineering, enforcement, education, and public health. It establishes a recognized standard of practice across North America, ensuring certified individuals can analyze crash data, design safety countermeasures, and implement proven safety programs.

Key Fact: The RSP credential is increasingly being listed as a preferred or required qualification in state DOT job descriptions, especially for Safety Engineers, Transportation Planners, and Vision Zero Program Managers.

RSP Certification Levels: Level 1 vs. Level 2

There are two levels of the RSP certification, each targeting different experience levels:

Level 1 – Foundational Knowledge

• Purpose: Designed for individuals entering or early in their road safety career.

• Eligibility: No minimum years of experience required. Ideal for engineers, planners, law enforcement officers, and safety analysts.

• Focus Areas:

  • Fundamentals of road safety

  • Data analysis and crash causation

  • Risk assessment

  • Countermeasure selection

  • Basic program development

Passing Level 1 demonstrates broad road safety knowledge across disciplines.

Level 2 – Advanced Specialization

• Purpose: Targets experienced professionals with specialized skills.

• Eligibility: Minimum of four years of professional experience in road safety.

• Specializations Offered:

  1. Behavioral Safety – Focuses on human factors, enforcement, and education.

  2. Infrastructure Safety – Focuses on roadway design, traffic engineering, and systemic safety.

• Focus Areas:

  • Complex data interpretation

  • Program evaluation and management

  • Countermeasure integration

  • Policy and systemic strategies

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Passing Level 2 indicates expert-level competency, making you stand out in federal, state, or consulting roles.

RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam Structure

The exam structure is multiple-choice, with each question testing applied knowledge rather than rote memorization.

Level 1 Exam Format

• 100 multiple-choice questions

• 3 hours to complete

• Closed book (no external aids)

• Covers the full breadth of road safety topics

Level 2 Exam Format

• 125 multiple-choice questions

• 4 hours to complete

• Choose one specialization (Infrastructure or Behavioral)

• Focuses on in-depth application and analysis

Core Knowledge Areas Covered in the Exam

The RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam draws on real-world road safety practices and U.S. regulatory frameworks. Key domains include:

1. Road Safety Principles

• Safe System Approach (as promoted by FHWA and NHTSA)

• Human factors and crash causation

• Risk-based safety management

2. Crash Data and Analysis

• Data collection methods (FARS, NHTSA databases, State crash systems)

• Performance metrics (fatality rates, serious injury rates)

• Predictive modeling (e.g., Highway Safety Manual methods)

3. Countermeasure Selection

• Proven safety countermeasures (FHWA)

• Systemic vs. spot safety improvements

• Cost–benefit analysis

4. Program Development

• Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs)

• Vision Zero planning and implementation

• Evaluation of program effectiveness

5. Regulatory Framework

• Federal and state road safety regulations

• MUTCD guidelines

• AASHTO Green Book principles

RSP Exam Fees

Note: Exam fees are non-refundable once the registration period closes. Membership in ITE often provides discounts and professional development resources.

Why Earn the RSP Credential?

In the U.S., transportation safety roles are evolving rapidly. Agencies are investing in Vision Zero and Safe System initiatives, and they need qualified professionals to lead. The RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam gives you a competitive edge by:

• Demonstrating credibility in multi-disciplinary road safety work

• Boosting career advancement into senior or specialized positions

• Enhancing your earning potential (certified professionals often earn 10–20% more on average)

• Expanding your professional network through ITE and TPCB communities

• Qualifying for DOT and FHWA-funded projects requiring certified experts

According to FHWA’s 2025 workforce data, nearly 40% of state DOTs now list RSP certification as a preferred qualification for roadway safety and traffic engineering roles.

How to Prepare for the RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam

Passing the RSP exam requires more than memorization—you need applied understanding. Here’s a proven preparation strategy tailored for U.S. professionals:

1. Review the TPCB Exam Content Outline

This is your blueprint. TPCB publishes a detailed outline for both levels, which should guide your study plan. Focus on understanding each domain thoroughly.

Official TPCB RSP Exam Content Outlines

2. Study Key Reference Materials

Some of the most valuable U.S. sources include:

• FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures (2023 Edition)

• Highway Safety Manual (AASHTO, 2nd Edition)

• NHTSA Crash Data & Analysis Reports

• MUTCD (2023)

• Strategic Highway Safety Plans (state-specific)

Use these to understand concept application, not just definitions.

3. Take Practice Exams

TPCB offers sample questions, and third-party providers offer full-length mock exams. Practice under timed conditions to build speed and confidence.

4. Join Study Groups

Many professionals in ITE chapters host RSP study cohorts, which offer peer support, shared resources, and expert Q&A sessions.

5. Attend Workshops and Webinars

FHWA and state DOTs regularly host webinars on systemic safety, Safe System implementation, and data analysis techniques—all relevant to exam content.

Exam Day Tips

• Log in at least 30 minutes early to resolve technical issues.

• Read questions carefully; some test multiple concepts.

• Use the flagging feature to mark and revisit difficult questions.

• Manage your time—don’t spend too long on any one question.

• Stay calm and focused; the exam is designed to test applied knowledge, not trick you.

What Happens After You Pass?

Once you pass, you will receive:

• An official certificate and digital badge from TPCB

• Inclusion in the TPCB Road Safety Professional Registry (publicly searchable)

• Eligibility to use the “RSP1” or “RSP2” designation after your name

Your certification is valid for 3 years, after which you must renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or retake the exam.

Career Opportunities After RSP Certification

Holding an RSP credential opens doors to a wide range of positions in both the public and private sectors. Common roles include:

• Road Safety Engineer

• Transportation Planner

• Safety Program Manager

• Vision Zero Coordinator

• Crash Data Analyst

• Traffic Operations Specialist

Employers that frequently hire RSP-certified professionals include:

• State Departments of Transportation (DOTs)

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)

• Local government agencies

• Engineering and transportation consulting firms

Read Also: What Are Warning Signs, How To Identify Them and Importance

According to Glassdoor and FHWA job listings in late 2025, RSP-certified professionals often command salaries ranging from $85,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

Recertification Requirements

To maintain the RSP credential, professionals must earn 45 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) over three years or retake the exam. PDHs can be earned through:

• Attending FHWA or ITE workshops

• Completing relevant university courses

• Publishing technical papers on road safety

• Participating in the Vision Zero program implementation

This ensures certified professionals stay current with emerging U.S. safety practices, such as AI-driven crash prediction, connected vehicle safety technologies, and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

The RSP (Road Safety Professional) Exam is more than just a test—it’s a career-defining step for U.S. transportation professionals who are passionate about making roads safer for everyone. With growing emphasis on Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach nationwide, earning the RSP credential positions you at the forefront of transportation safety innovation.

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Whether you’re an engineer, planner, public health specialist, or law enforcement professional, passing this exam signals your commitment to evidence-based road safety practices and gives you the professional credibility to lead meaningful change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who should take the RSP exam?

Transportation engineers, planners, safety analysts, law enforcement officers, and anyone involved in roadway safety programs in the U.S.

2. Is the RSP certification recognized nationwide?

Yes. It’s recognized by state DOTs, FHWA, MPOs, and major consulting firms across the U.S.

3. How hard is the exam?

Moderately challenging. The pass rate is around 65–75% for Level 1 and 55–65% for Level 2, emphasizing applied knowledge.

4. How long should I study?

Most candidates prepare over 8–12 weeks, dedicating 3–5 hours per week.

5. Can I take the exam remotely?

Yes. The exam uses secure online proctoring, allowing you to test from home or work.

6. Is the RSP certification worth it financially?

Absolutely. Certified professionals often receive promotions, higher salaries, and more leadership opportunities.