The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)is nationally recognized as the "Gold Standard", and has unrivaled credibility as the leader in the professional credentialing of Crane Operators, Riggers, and Signalpersons. Many states require certification and only acknowledge licenses obtained through NCCCO by an accredited provider.You can find Craneology in the NCCCO's list of accredited Proctors for:
aBC, LAT, TLL, TSS, STC, RIG-I, RIG-II, and SGP.
Mobile Crane Operator candidates MUST register for the written Core Exam,
and at least 1 Written Specialty Exam.
Core Written Exam Outline
This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete it. The exam evaluates the following knowledge areas:
1. Understand elements that affect ground stability:
a. Below surface
b. On surface
c. Boom position
2. Know the proper use of support materials
3. Know electric power line hazards during assembly/disassembly
4. Know the requirements to travel without load
5. Know how to identify and evaluate hazards concerning:
a. Access to job site
b. In-transit clearances
c. Pinch/crush points
d. Personnel
6. Know the responsibilities of the controlling entity concerning the site conditions
7. Know how to review lift requirements with site supervision
1. Know how to inspect the crane for unsafe conditions
2. Know personnel safety requirements during crane inspections
3. Know how to level crane
4. Know how to obtain dimensions, weight, and center of gravity of the load
5. Know how to verify the radius
6. Know electric power line hazards during operations
7. Know wire rope:
a. Reeving
b. Parts of line
8. Know types of signals:
a. Hand signals
b. Voice/radio signals
c. Audible signals
d. New or non-standard signals
9. Know the requirements for:
a. Mutli-crane lifts
b. Suspended personnel platforms
c. Duty cycle operations
d. Barge operations
e. Mutli-drum operations
10. Know the effects of lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water
11. Know the requirements and procedures for when load is not in full view of operator
12. Know the requirements of tag lines
13. Know how to react to:
a. Block and line twisting
b. Personnel in the fall zone
14. Know the use/function of the following operator aids:
a. Load moment indicator, load moment limiter, load weighing devices
b. Anti-two block devices
c. Boom angle indicator
d. Wind indicator
e. Drum rotation indicators
f. Radius indicators
15. Know alternative operating procedures when operator aids malfunction
16. Know the use/function of the following safety devices:
a. Horn
b. Level indicator
17. Know emergency procedures for:
a. Electric power line contact
b. Loss of stability
c. Control malfunction
d. Carrier or travel malfunction
e. Two-blocking
f. Overloading
g. Fires
18. Know the effects of dynamic loading from:
a. Shock loading
b. Moving loads
19. Know the effects of side loading
20. Know the effects of operating in various weather conditions
21. Understand the condition where backward stability presents limitations
22. Know how to use the manufacturer-approved attachments and their affect on the crane's operation
23. Know the Operator's authority to stop operations
24. Know how to shut down and secure the crane when leaving it unattended
1. Know current federal regulations and industry standards, including but not limited to ASME B30.5, B30.10; OSHA 1910.180, 1296 Subpart CC
2. Know basic crane terminology and definitions
3. Know functions and limitations of cranes and attachments
4. Know the inspection requirements for:
a. Shift inspections
b. Monthly inspections
c. Annual inspections
d. Notifying supervision of inspection deficiencies
5. Know the basic procedures for rigging devices and their use, such as slings, softeners, lifting beams, and shackles
6. Know basic procedures for termination of the wire rope
7. Know the proper use of hook blocks and overhaul balls
8. Know wire rope:
a. Types and designations of wire rope and their application
b. Replacement criteria and inspection procedures of running ropes
c. Maintenance and lubrication
9. Know relationship between line pull and safe working load of running ropes
10. Know protective measures against electrical hazards and their limitations
11. Know the significance of the instruments and gauge readings
12. Know requirements for fall protection
13. Know requirements for access and egress of the crane
1. Know the terminology necessary to use load charts
2. Demonstrate basic math skills without the use of a calculator
3. Know how to ensure that the load chart is the appropriate chart for the machine in its particular application
4. Know how to use load charts, including:
a. The difference between capacity limited by stability and factors other than stability
b. The range diagram
c. The work area chart
d. "parts-of-line" information
Specialty Written Exam Outline
This exam tests knowledge in the operation of LBC, LBT, TLL, or TSS cranes. Each exam's questions are relevant only to the specialty are you've chosen.
1. Know the proper use of supporting materials
2. Know proper boom assembly/disassembly procedures:
a. Lattice booms
b. Telescopic boms
c. Extensions/jibs
3. Know how to properly use:
a. Outriggers/stabilizers
b. Crawlers
4. Know how to use outrigger position indicators/sensors
1. Know how to operate a crane:
a. Stationary on rubber tiles
b. On outriggers
c. Stationary on crawler
2. Know how to pick and carry
a. On rubber
b. On crawlers
3. Know how to shut down and secure the crane properly when leaving it unattended
a. Lattice boom cranes
b. Telescopic boom cranes
4. Know the use/function of the following operator aids:
a. Boom length indicators
b. Boom hoist limiting devices
c. Luffing jib limiting devices
5. Know the use/function of the following safety devices:
a. Boom stops
B. Brake locks
c. Jib stops
6. Know power flow systems
7. Know the procedures when approaching two-blocking for:
a. Telescopic boom cranes
b. Lattice boom cranes
1. Know basic crane terminology and definitions specific to different crane types
2. Know functions, limitations, and attachments specific to different crane types
3. Know wire rope replacement criteria and inspection procedures (standing ropes)
1. Understand different elements of load charts:
a. Apply load chart notes
b. Specifications
c. Range diagram
d. Work area diagram
e. Boom/job erection charts
f. Rated capacity charts
2. Understand and apply manufacturers' load charts given various configurations:
a. Determining maximum radius for load placement
b. Determining gross capacity
c. Determining net capacity
Practical Exams
Available on ABC, LAT, TSS, or TLL. Once a candidate passes the Written Exams, they have the choice of taking the Practical Exam on 1, 2, or all 3 crane types.
The Practical Exam evaluates the 6 main tasks below:
Inspecting the equipment
Hoisting
Booming
Swinging
Following hand signals
Combination (multi-function) operations
Written Exam
Corresponding
Practical Exam
Lattice Boom Truck Crane
Lattice Boom Crane (Truck or Crawler)
Lattice Crawler Crane
Lattice Boom Crane (Truck or Crawler)
Telescopic Boom Crane—Swing Cab
Telescopic Boom Crane—Swing Cab
Telescopic Boom Crane—Fixed Cab
Telescopic Boom Crane—Fixed Cab
For more specific and broken down detail regarding the Mobile Crane Operator Practical Exam and associated tasks, visit the NCCCO's website.
Mobile Crane Operator Recertification
The Core and Specialty Written Exams for recertification are required, and are the same as those for initial certification.
If you can prove at least 1,000 hours of crane-related experience, a Practical Exam for recertification is not required.
If a Practical Exam is needed, it must be completed BEFORE your certification expires, or both the Written AND Practical Exams will be required to certify again.
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