Frequently Asked Questions

NCCCO is the acronym for National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators and it is more commonly known as CCO. NCCCO was formed in January 1995 as a non-profit organization with its mission to develop effective performance standards for safe load handling equipment operation to assist all segments of general industry and construction. By providing thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills, NCCCO aims to enhance lifting equipment safety, reduce workplace risk, improve performance records, stimulate training, and give due recognition to the professionals who work in, with, and around load handling equipment.

Accidents cost us all dearly-in terms of serious injury, property damage, lost time and litigation. Safety is one of the most important issues we face, and proficiency of crane operators is key. Standardized assessment and certification of the skills and knowledge required for safe crane operation can improve our ability to enhance safety.

Clearly, reducing accidents is goal #1. And there is clear evidence that certification can help achieve this. The Province of Ontario instituted a certification program in 1979 requiring more thorough training of crane operators. The net result has been fewer injuries and fatalities, and an improvement in overall safety records. There is every reason to believe the U.S. can expect similar results.

All exam items have been developed by experts with knowledge and expertise in the area of load handling equipment operation. Development of the written certification examinations involves panels of load handling equipment operation content experts who work with NCCCO staff to write and review all questions used in the examinations. Each examination contains a unique combination of items from the item bank; items are selected for the examination on the basis of the content areas as defined by the test blueprints. The content areas have been developed through the original role delineation and serve to guarantee each test is consistent in difficulty and question content. Each of the written exams are based on the operator validation study conducted by NCCCO.

In order to be certified by CCO, operators must demonstrate skills and knowledge which subject matter experts have judged necessary for safe crane operation. They do this through a written examination for a specific type crane, a practical test on the equipment, and a medical confirmation of physical ability to perform on the job.

The CCO crane operator certification program was built around the ASME /ANSI B30.5 mobile crane standard and OSHA’s crane regulations. OSHA has officially recognized the CCO program as meeting its requirements for crane operator competency, and will accept CCO certification as proof of training. The presence of CCO-certified operators on site also positions employers well to qualify for OSHA’s “focused inspection”.

From the outset, this has been an industry-led program, with crane operators themselves playing a central role. Representatives from many different sectors have helped to determine what a crane operator should know to safely operate a crane. Volunteers come from construction, steel erection, and general industry, as well as training, manufacturing, insurance, military, OSHA and the IUOE.

The program is designed by CCO to be a voluntary program. Nevertheless, as the benefits of certification are realized, more and more employers are requiring operators to be certified as a condition of work In accordance with Federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 all crane operators must be certified by a nationally accredited certification for construction activities.

In order to provide an independent and objective assessment of a crane operator’s proficiency, CCO is not able to offer training. However, training is clearly essential to the process of improving operator skills, and CCO works with many training organizations who provide professional instruction in this area. A current list can be accessed at CCO’s web site at www.nccco.org.

A fair, objective, independent assessment of the skills and knowledge of crane operators is critical to realizing the long-term benefits of crane operator certification. It is important to involve representatives from all segments of construction and general industry, without any special interest taking precedence. CCO has succeeded in combining their expertise with that of examination development professionals to develop and administer tests.

Because of the sound methodology employed at all stages of program development, an employer can be assured that operators carrying CCO certification cards have demonstrated that they possess the fundamental knowledge necessary for the safe operation of cranes-without relying on subjective recommend; or judgment. In turn, operators who earn the distinction of the CCO credential can take satisfaction that their skills have been recognized by an independent profession authority.

Licensing by itself does not necessarily ensure an operator possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a crane. Some programs do not require training or testing. The CCO program functions as a positive supplement to some current licensing programs, and is increasingly being accepted or recognized by others.

Written examinations are held on demand at sites around the country when requested by employers, unions, employer organization testing companies or other groups. The Crane School offers CCO written exams every month at our headquarters in Seffner, FL. The Crane School has a staff of accredited practical examiners and we offer CCO practical examinations anywhere and anytime nationwide. Contact The Crane School to schedule your exams.