Do I Need A CCO Prep Course?

Obtaining an NCCCO Certification can be quite challenging. We know this, because we’ve provided CCO certification training for 19 years. At Crane Tech we have students who come to us with years of operating experience thinking certification will be a breeze only to find out, there is a lot of information regarding crane operation they don’t know or may have forgotten.

In a former post on Clarifying CCO Certification Crane Tech discussed the topics around what it means to be CCO Certified and what does it take to become CCO Certified, but we are constantly getting asked, “Do I need to take a CCO Prep Course?”

Here at Crane Tech, we like to say that taking a CCO Prep course is kind of like taking a prep course for a college-level test, such as the SAT or Bar exam.  Sure you don’t HAVE to take a prep course before you take the exams, but an in-depth review of the material that might be on the exams is surely helpful before taking them. After all, failure should not be an option.

What’s In the Tests?

The CCO exams were designed to truly test the knowledge and abilities of the operators on the crane types where they are seeking certification. In order to become CCO certified, candidates must pass written and practical examinations. They consist of:

• Written Exams
  • A 90-question Core Exam that covers mobile crane operating procedures with the CCO subjects (domains) of:
    • Site (approx 20% of the test)
    • Operations (approx 26%)
    • Technical Knowledge (approx 28%)
    • Manufacturers’ Load Charts (approx 26%)
  • A 26-question Specialty Exam that covers the details and load charts for each crane type where the individual is seeking certification (meaning a candidate can take from one to four specialty exams).  Each of the specialty exams include crane-type specific questions on the following domains:
    • Site (approx 12% of the test)
    • Operations (approx 30%)
    • Technical Knowledge (approx 23%)
    • Manufacturers’ Load Charts (approx 35%)
• Practical Exams
  • There are separate practical exams for each different certification category. Each exam includes crane operation with load and without load, is comprised of six main tasks that increase progressively in the skill level tested. Skills tested are:
    • equipment inspection and set up
    • following hand signals
    • depth perception
    • hoisting, booming and swinging
    • load control

Think You are Ready?

• Click here to sign up for a FREE NCCCO Practice Test.

Take the sample tests and see how you score. If  you decide a prep course might be a good idea, Crane Tech will be here with our CCO expertise, in-depth knowledge, and course specifically designed to get you ready for the exams.

Remember, Safety through Education is more than just our motto it is our guiding principle. Should you need assistance with either the knowledge portion or the skills portion for the CCO certification exams, we have options to assist both individuals and companies with compliance.

Operators who successfully complete our preparation programs are better equipped for the written examinations. When operating a crane they will be able to make positive decisions regarding safety and control of their equipment. We believe in our program so much that in the event a candidate does not pass a portion of their written exams, they can attend the prep course again at no cost, until they pass the written examination (CCO applications fees are required).

Crane Tech’s Programs

• Qualified Mobile Crane Operator– Course for new and experienced operators that will teach the critical elements of operation for all mobile crane types. Great for new operators who have another opportunity to gain seat-time on their own or for long time operators who have never attended a formal training program.
• Professional Operator Development– Extensive three week course for new operators that includes the Mobile Crane Operator program, Qualified Rigger Level 1 Course, 1 week of hands-on training, and the NCCCO Prep Course/Exams. Perfect for individuals who want to learn how to operate a mobile crane or those needing knowledge and hands-on training to get ready for CCO certification.
• NCCCO Certification Prep– Class specifically designed to help prepare experienced and trained operators to gain their CCO operator certification. Provides a review of the regulations, safe operating practices and load charts for the CCO written exams. The program ends with NCCCO written and practical examinations (does not include hands-on training).

For more Frequently Asked Questions about CCO certification, visit the NCCCO FAQ page.