IMSA Roadway Lighting I study plan

Map the full IMSA Roadway Lighting I body of knowledge into a personal outline covering terminology, photometry, standards, and maintenance

Define and correctly use core vocabulary: luminance, illuminance, luminous intensity, luminous flux, efficacy, and correlated color temperature

Explain the inverse-square law and cosine law and compute illuminance at a given mounting height and offset

Set up a formula sheet with unit conversions and lighting calculations you will reuse each week

Describe the purpose and scope of the major roadway lighting standards and recommended practices without relying on notes

Distinguish illuminance-based and luminance-based design criteria and state when each is applied

Identify the roadway classifications and lighting zones used to set design targets

Summarize the roles of the owner, designer, contractor, and inspector in a roadway lighting project

Compare lamp and light source families (high-pressure sodium, metal halide, induction, LED) on efficacy, life, color, and warm-up/restrike behavior

Explain the function of ballasts, drivers, and photocells in a luminaire circuit

Match luminaire distribution types (Type I through Type V) to typical roadway and area applications

Calculate simple payback comparing two source options using wattage, hours of operation, and energy rate

Read a roadway lighting layout and identify pole spacing, mounting height, arm length, and luminaire orientation

Explain how mounting height, spacing, and overhang affect uniformity and glare

Describe the causes and corrections for spill light, light trespass, and disability glare

Interpret photometric distribution data and pole placement principles well enough to explain them to a colleague

List the components of a roadway lighting system from service point to luminaire and state the function of each

Explain voltage drop, circuit loading, and the role of fuses, breakers, and disconnects

Describe grounding and bonding requirements and why they matter for safety

Outline the sequence of a routine inspection of poles, wiring, and luminaires

Build a preventive maintenance schedule covering lamp/driver replacement, cleaning, and group relamping strategy

Explain how dirt depreciation and lumen depreciation affect maintained illuminance

Describe troubleshooting steps for a circuit that is de-energized, flickering, or cycling

State the safety practices for working near traffic and at height during maintenance

Explain the purpose of a lighting audit and the data typically collected in the field

Perform a mock audit of a parking lot or roadway segment and record pole, luminaire, and control data

Estimate energy and cost savings from an LED retrofit using audited quantities

Present findings in a short written recommendation with assumptions stated

Review weak areas identified from prior weeks and rework missed calculations

Complete two full timed practice sets covering all topics

Recite key definitions, standards references, and safety rules from memory

Build a final one-page quick-reference card for exam day