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Articles and guides

Crane Operator Training Blog

Practical articles on NCCCO certification, crane safety and building a career in lifting operations.

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What you'll find on our crane operator training blog

Our crane operator training blog is written for people at every stage: those thinking about a first crane job, operators preparing for NCCCO exams, and supervisors responsible for keeping lifts safe and compliant.

Posts fall into a few main areas:

Articles are general guidance. Always follow your employer's procedures, the manufacturer's instructions and current OSHA rules. When you're ready for hands-on training, see our programs.

Where to start

New to the industry? Begin with a beginner's guide to mobile crane operation. Exam coming up? Read our NCCCO exam tips. Supervisors and safety managers will get the most from our posts on inspections, lift planning and OSHA compliance.

Careers

Crane Operator Career Progression Guide

A stage-by-stage map of crane careers, from ground crew to certified operator, lift director, inspector and trainer, with the credentials for each step.

Crane Safety

Equipment

Florida

Inspections

NCCCO Certification

OSHA & Regulations

Rigging & Signaling

Training Programs

Mastering Crane Operation Skills

Seven crane operation skills, from inspection and setup to load charts, smooth controls and communication, with practical ways to practice each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who writes the articles on this blog?

Posts are produced by The Crane School to share what our instructors teach in class and answer common student questions.

Can I use blog articles in place of formal training?

No. The articles support learning, but certification requires passing NCCCO written and practical exams, and hands-on training is the best way to prepare.

How do I suggest a topic?

Email info@thecraneschool.com with your question. We use student questions to plan future posts.

Crane Operator Practice Test

Ten quick questions on crane safety rules and NCCCO basics. Pick one answer per question — your score shows on the next page.

1. Which OSHA standard covers cranes and derricks used in construction?
2. How long is an NCCCO crane operator certification valid before recertification?
3. What does NCCCO stand for?
4. Under OSHA's current construction crane rule, operator certification must be obtained by:
5. Under OSHA Table A (1926.1408), what is the minimum clearance from power lines rated up to 50 kV?
6. When is a signal person required?
7. Whose emergency stop signal must a crane operator obey?
8. What does an anti-two-block device prevent?
9. Which document gives a crane's rated capacity for a given boom length and radius?
10. Which NCCCO designation covers telescopic boom cranes with a swing cab?