If you work with cranes on your construction site, you need to be a Certified Crane Operator (CCO). According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), every employer must be sure that the operators of their cranes are certified to handle such machinery.
Understanding the Exams
The National Commision for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) serves as the standard for crane operator certifications. In order to become certified as a mobile crane operator, you must take two types of exams: written and practical.
The written exam is broken into two parts:
A Core Examination of 90 multiple choice questions
At least one of the following written specialty exams for specific certification(s)
Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes (LBC) exam
Lattice Boom Truck Cranes (LBT) exam
Telescopic Boom Cranes - Swing Cab (TLL) exam
Telescopic Boom Cranes -- Fixed Cab (TSS) exam
The practical examination requires candidates to demonstrate their operational abilities. The practical exam that you choose to take should correspond to the written specialty exam(s) that you took so that your certification in one (or multiple) crane area(s) can be completed. Practical exams can be taken in one of the following crane types:
Lattice Boom Crane (covers both LBC and LBT)
Telescopic Boom Crane -- Swing Cab (covers TLL)
Telescopic Boom Crane -- Fixed Cab (covers TSS)
The written and practical exam(s) can be taken in any order, as long as both are taken in the same 12-month period. Keep in mind that these examinations are specific to those who wish to become certified as operators of mobile cranes - other crane certifications are available.
Know the Requirements
Before you take the written or practical exams, be sure that you comply with the following requirements and have previous crane operation experience -- the NCCCO certification is meant for operators who have site experience and training.
Be 18 or older
Meet all NCCCO medical requirements
Be in accordance with the Substance Abuse Policy
Understand and follow the NCCCO Code of Ethics
Complete the NCCCO Physical Examination Form (the form is valid for three years)
Posses a DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Examiner's Certificate (certificate is valid for two years)
Be Prepared to Recertify
CCO certification from the NCCCO is valid for five years from the time the final exam requirement - whether written or practical - is completed. If, during the five-year certification period, you become certified in another crane specialty area, the expiration of that certification will still remain the same as your original certification. This means that all of your crane operator certifications expire on the same date.
However, this policy does not apply to any certifications you receive in the last 2 years of your certification period. Otherwise, all official qualifications must be recertified with NCCCO after 5 years. It is important to remember that your recertification process has to be completed within the last full year of your 5 year certification period.
Preparing for Certification
There are resources for those who wish to prepare, study, and train for their crane operator certification exams. Classes are available that will prepare you for your NCCCO exams. Make sure to find out when CCO exams are being offered and where the most convenient location is for you.
24/7 Lifting, Inc. is dedicated to the values and importance of crane operation safety. All of our employees are fully NCCCO certified and prepared to operate our cranes safely on your site.
However, we take safety a step above and beyond that mandated by the regulatory authorities. This strict adherence to safety protocol is instilled into our personnel from the moment they are hired. Safety standards can never be compromised at any time; from the moment they arrive on the job-site, to completing the pre-lift safety checks and all the way through to the completion of the lift.
Every driver/operator, no matter how experienced, is required to perform under the direct supervision of Mr Connolly (Owner/Operator) for a period of time. They are not allowed to operate independently until he is confident that they are capable of performing their duties in a safe and secure manner. The goal is to ensure our own safety as well as everybody around us, at all times.
If you'd like any advice or information on crane safety, then feel free to contact 24/7 Lifting, Inc. at any time, and we will be happy to assist you.