Crane OperatOrCertifiCatiOn prOgram

Candidate Handbook

N AT I O N A L C E N T E R F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N E D U C AT I O N A N D R E S E A R C H

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COntents

I. PurPose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

II. DeveloPment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

III. natIonal regIstry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Iv. objeCtIves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

v. CertIfICatIon PolICIes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

vI. CrIterIa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

vII. CertIfICatIon aCtIon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

vIII. reCertIfICatIon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

IX. revoCatIon of CertIfICatIon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

X. aPPeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

XI. CHanges DurIng PerIoD of CertIfICatIon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

XII. frequently askeD questIons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

XIII. forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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i. purpOse

The purpose of the NCCER Crane Operator Certification Program is:

To enhance the practice and profession of crane operation through validated and reliable 1. certification instruments that accurately assess the competency of a wide range of crane operators, thereby promoting competency of operation and a safer work environment.

To organize and implement a comprehensive program for the qualification of crane operators.2.

To promote the development of knowledge and skills of those interested in the crane operating 3. and hoisting profession.

To provide technical assistance to agencies having hoisting and crane operator regulatory 4. authority, applicable to testing and certification.

ii. DevelOpment

NACB and NCCER have partnered to develop a Crane Operator Certification Program which meets or exceeds current ASME B30 standards and OSHA regulations. Assessments are developed following strict professional testing guidelines endorsed by the American Psychological Association. All development phases involve subject matter experts (SMEs) who represent their respective technical areas. Prov, the test-development partner, provides psychometricians who monitor test development and performance on an ongoing basis.

III. NATIONAl REgISTRy

The NCCER National Registry maintains records of both the written assessment and practical examination results and issues credentials when successfully completed through our network of accredited assessment centers. All records are stored securely in the National Registry.

IV. OBjECTIVES

The Crane Operator Certification Program was developed to identify those individuals with the professional knowledge and skills capable of being designated as a certified crane operator. Therefore, the Crane Operator Certification Program is intended to accomplish the following objectives:

To identify crane operators who meet minimum criteria for certification.1.

To stimulate the improvement of crane operation and to establish it as a certifiable profession.2.

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V. CERTIfICATION POlICIES

After careful study of crane operator qualifications, the NCCER Crane Operator Certification Program has developed the following basic policies:

All parts of the certification process must be completed in order for a candidate to be certified.1.

The Crane Operator Certification Program will test the candidate’s ability to apply relevant, a. applicable knowledge and skills to the practice of lifting and hoisting.

Certifications are differentiated/separated based on the criteria for sizes and types of cranes, b. as defined in the current ASME B30 standards. Certifications may also be differentiated/separated if there are differences in any of the above categories such that the operation of the crane requires different knowledge or skills.

By affidavit provided in “Application for Practical Examination,” the candidate shall verify that 2. a medical professional has found he/she physically qualified to operate mobile cranes per ASME B30.5, and that he/she has passed a substance abuse test. Physical examinations and substance abuse tests shall be required, as a minimum, every three years.

To certify crane operators within the specified crane types and sizes as outlined in the current 3. ASME B30 standards, as well as meet federal, state and local requirements.

To deny certification to candidates who lack proficiency in any subject area in which a crane 4. operator, in their particular field, is expected to have competence.

To allow crane operator certification standards to keep pace with the constantly changing crane 5. operation environments.

To assess qualitative and quantitative factors in making the certification decision.6.

To maintain a secure registry of certified crane operators’ assessment records.7.

VI. CRITERIA

NCCER’s primary objective is to assure that the specific competencies identified in the ASME B30 standards have been achieved. The decision to certify, or recertify, will be based on the degree to which the crane operator has achieved these competencies. Competencies are measured through written assessments and practical examinations.

general Requirements1.

Demonstrate the ability to read, write, comprehend and exhibit mathematical skills, in the a. language of the crane manufacturer’s operations and maintenance instructional materials.

All requirements must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of any certification cards or documents.b.

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Physical Requirements2.

Applicant must sign the Application for Practical Examination, which includes an affidavit that a medical professional has found him/her physically qualified to operator mobile cranes per ASME B30.5 and that he/she has successfully passed (negative result) a substance abuse test, as specified in the current ASME B30.5 standards.

Written Assessment Requirements3.

Successful completion of a category-specific knowledge assessment, which will include core a. competencies, covering the following areas:

Operational characteristicsi.

limitationsii.

Standard hand signalsiii.

Pre-start inspectionsiv.

Post-start inspectionsv.

general safety knowledgevi.

gross and net capacitiesvii.

gross and net loadsviii.

Control functionsix.

Response to crane/control malfunctionx.

There are four written assessment categories for crane operator certification:

Boom Truck Cranei.

Industrial All Purpose Craneii.

Telescopic Boom Craneiii.

lattice Boom Craneiv.

NOTE: Successful completion of the telescopic crane assessment will suffice for certification in boom trucks and industrial cranes.

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Successful completion of capacity-chart knowledge assessments (when capacity charts are an b. integral part of the crane operation). The assessment will cover configurations for the type of crane certification being sought, such as the following:

load chart calculations involving simple mathi.

gross and net capacitiesii.

gross and net loadsiii.

Capacity reductionsiv.

Boom length, boom angle, and load radius v.

Practical Examination Requirements4.

A candidate may test on one or all of the practical examination(s) after the successful completion of the applicable written assessment(s); however, certification will only be issued on those types and categories for which the candidate successfully completes both the written assessment and practical examination.

There are 4 practical examinations:a.

Industrial/All-Purpose i.

Rubber Tire Truck Mount ii.

Rough Terrain/All Terrainiii.

Crawler Mountiv.

Each candidate must successfully complete a practical examination including proper b. pre-operational inspection, machine setup, proper outrigger deployment, verifying crane levelness, carrier/car body maneuvering skills, proper securing procedures, and by demonstrating a basic level of operational skill in the following six functions:

Boomingi.

Hoistingii.

Swingingiii.

Simultaneous control of multiple functionsiv.

Correctly following standard hand signals, applicable to the specific type of crane v. certification being sought

Use and application of operational aids (where applicable)vi.

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Practical examinations increase in skill level as the testing progresses. Standardization of the practical testing is a must; however, NCCER understands that sites and crane types differ dramatically. Therefore a specific set of skills has been developed which can be applied to several different practical testing layouts, while maintaining standardization in the practical test scoring.

VII. CERTIfICATION ACTION

Certification is granted for a specific period of five years from the date of issuance. The term 1. of certification is subject to review for cause at any time during the period of certification. Certification is granted if current conditions are judged to meet or exceed the minimum criteria requirements. Certification may be revoked if, for any reason, the future of an operator’s abilities appears precarious or weak.

A “not to certify” action is effective immediately after exhausting the appeal procedures. 2. Notification to the operator, employer, or the AAC, when applicable, shall indicate the following:

The termination supersedes the certified crane operator status, ANDa.

The certifier expects the certified individual to notify his/her employer of the termination of b. the certified crane operator status.

The AAC is restricted by NCCER policies and procedures and has no authority to impose any 3. restrictions or standards upon crane operators or their employers.

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VIII. RECERTIfICATION

Candidates must pass the appropriate written assessment and complete and return an application 1. for practical examination to the certifier.

Candidate must successfully complete the practical examination for each crane type which 2. certidication is being sought. Recertification will be for a period of five years.

Candidate must provide, by affidavit provided in the “Application for Practical Examination,” 3. evidence to the certifier attesting that the candidate has successfully passed a physical examination, as defined in the current ASME B30.5 standards.

IX. REVOCATION Of CERTIfICATION

The certifier must document the reasons for proposed revocation and submit them to the NCCER Crane Certification Board. The board will render a final decision and notify the certifier. The certified crane operator is promptly notified of the board’s action by the certifier and is at that time given the right to an appeal. Certification is continued, however, until the appeal procedure has been exhausted.

filings for revocation are based on the following:

Any misrepresentation or fabrication of documents submitted to NCCER in regards to the Crane 1. Operator Certification Program.

lack/expiration of a physical examination, as required in the Crane Operator Certification Program.2.

Any documented, recordable crane accident that is submitted to the crane certification board 3. where crane operator error is determined to be the cause of the accident.

Certified crane operators are required to notify the NCCER of a documented, recordable a. crane accident within 48 hours of the accident. failure to do so will result in revocation of certification without appeal.

X. APPEAl

In the event a certified crane operator wishes to appeal the revocation actions taken by the AAC, notice of intent to appeal must be received within 30 days of the date of notification. The AAC will forward the appeal to the crane certification board. When an appeal notice is received, the crane certification board will review the appeal and make their decision in a timely manner. The findings of the crane certification board will be reported to the AAC, who will report back to the operator.

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XI. CHANgES DURINg PERIOD Of CERTIfICATION

It is the obligation of the certified crane operator to notify NCCER of any accidents with the crane type(s) for which certification has been obtained, or any significant changes in the medical, physical or other abilities of the operator that would affect certification status during the period of certification. Notification of the above-described accident or changes in abilities must be made to the NCCER within 48 hours of the accident or change in ability. failure to do so constitutes immediate revocation of any and all certification types.

XII. fREqUENTly ASkED qUESTIONS

Where do I test? At any NCCER Accredited Assessment Center that offers the Crane Operator Certification Program. Visit www.nccer.org or call NCCER customer service at 888.622.3720.

How much does it cost? Each assessment site determines the schedule and cost of services to be provided.

How are tests scored? Tests are scored by CPU (fax server interpreter for paper-based tests) and results posted at www.provexam.com. Results are usually available within fifteen minutes.

How will I get test results and credentials? Successful completion of the written assessment and practical examination will result in a certificate of completion, wallet card, and official transcript from the NCCER National Registry. All credentials are sent back to the assessment center who conducted the examinations, for dispersal to participants.

What is the retest policy? If the cut score is not attained on the initial assessment, a retest on the same written assessment may be taken following a two-day waiting period.

Subsequent retests require a 30-day waiting period with no more than four attempts within a 12-month period.

XIII. fORMS

See attached forms:

Assessment Specifications1.

Instructions and Application for Practical Examination2.

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Overview – This written assessment is a three-hour, closed-book examination complemented with Performance Verifications. The certification is stratified into four crane-specific categories listed below. Each test contains basic core items considered necessary to all mobile crane operations. You will be permitted to use a nonprogrammable, nonprinting calculator during the examination. The Assessment Center will provide any necessary pencils. The necessary load charts for certain items will be provided. No extra papers, books, notes or study material are allowed in the testing area. Assessment Development – All questions on each assessment have been developed and approved by subject matter experts from the respective craft. Assessment development and administration operates under the direction of Prov, NCCER’s testing partner. Accreditation – Upon beta testing and the proper statistical analyses, NCCER will focus on obtaining accreditation with ANSI. Training Prescription Reports – Each candidate will have access to individual results of the written assessment on NCCER’s website. This training prescription will include the overall score and results by topic area. National Registry – Assessment results will be maintained in NCCER’s National Registry and be a part of each candidate’s training records. These records are stored and become a portable record of your training and assessment achievements.

Domain

TelescopicBoom

LatticeBoom

Boom Truck

Industrial& All

Purpose Technical 17 17 17 17 Federal and State Regulations 4 3 4 4 Principles of Craning Operations 1 2 1 1 General Crane Related Terminology 2 2 2 1 Structural Limitations of the Crane, Auxiliary Equipment & Attachments 1 1 1 1 Wire Rope 3 4 3 4 Rigging & Rigging Hardware 5 4 5 5 Load Information 1 1 1 1 Jobsite 4 4 4 4 Ground Stability 1 1 1 1 Electrical Hazards 2 2 2 2 Blocking, Cribbing & Mats 1 1 1 1 Normal Operations 18 18 18 18 Communications & Signaling 2 2 2 2 Common hand signals 2 2 2 2 Hydraulic hand signals 1 0 1 1 Crawler hand signals 0 1 0 0 Pre-operational Inspection & Maintenance 3 2 3 3 Proper Crane Set-up 1 2 1 1 Adverse Weather Conditions 1 1 1 1 Load Movement 5 5 5 5 Operator Assist Devices, Electronic & Manual 1 1 1 1 Advanced Operations 2 2 2 2 Capacity Charts 21 21 21 21 General Capacity Chart Knowledge 2 2 2 2 Capacity Chart Components (Math) 10 4 7 7 Capacity Chart Components (Look up) 8 5 7 7 Determining Capacity Using Capacity Charts (Math) 0 6 4 4 Determining Capacity Using Capacity Charts (Look Up) 1 4 1 1 Total number of questions per exam 60 60 60 60

Cut Scores: Boom Truck Crane: 77% Industrial/All Purpose: 78% Lattice Boom: 79% Telescopic Boom: 78%

Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Released August 2006

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National Center for Construction Education and Research3600 NW 43rd Street, Building G • Gainesville, FL 32606 • P 352.334.0911 • F 352.334.0932 • www.nccer.org

NCCER CRANE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM - CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

The following criteria must be met before any certification documents will be issued:

A. Applicant must successfully complete the written assessment for the desired crane type.

B. Applicant must complete and submit to the NCCER AAC Administrator, in its entirety, NCCER CraneOperator Certification Program Application for Practical Examination and associated fees. *Applicantshould be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

C. Applicant must successfully complete the NCCER Practical Examination on the Specific Type(s) of Cranesfor which Certification is sought.

D. Applicants meeting the above requirements will be granted “Certified Mobile Crane Operator” status fora period of five (5) years from date of certificate issuance.

E. NCCER reserves the right to withhold Certification status from those individuals who lack the necessarytalents to become Certified Crane Operators as outlined by ASME B30.5, or as needed for the particular job.

F. Once certified, it is the obligation of the Certified Crane Operator to notify the Certifier of any accidents theindividual has had with the crane type(s) for which certification has been obtained, or any significantchanges in the medical, physical or other abilities of the operator that would affect certification status dur-ing the period of certification. Notification of the above-described accident or changes in abilities mustbe made to the Certifier within 48 hours of said accident or change in ability; failure to do so constitutesimmediate revocation of any and all certification types.

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Confidentiality of Information: Information supplied by an individual or employer is for the confidential useof NCCER and will not be disclosed without the written permission of the individual or employer concerned.This application should be submitted to the Administrator of the NCCER AAC. Administrator verifies com-pleteness and submits to NCCER.

APPLICATION FORPRACTICAL EXAMINATION

Name (first, middle, last): Date:

Social Security Number: ___ ___ ___ -___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

Email:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Employer:

Employer Address:

City: State: Zip:

Employer Phone: Fax:

Are you retesting? � Yes � No

By signing this application, I verify that a medical professional has found me physically qualified to operatemobile cranes per ASME B30.5 and that I have passed a substance abuse test.

I also acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Crane Operator Certification Program Candidate Handbook. I further agree to the following conditions: a) to comply with the relevant provisions of the certificationscheme, b) to make claims regarding certification only with respect to the scope for which certification hasbeen granted, c) not to use the certification in such a manner as to bring the certification body into disrepute,and not to make any statement regarding the certification which the certification body may consider mislead-ing or unauthorized, d) to discontinue the use of all claims to certification that contains any reference to thecertification body or certification upon suspension or withdrawal of certification, and to return any certificatesissued by the certification body, and e) not to use the certificate in a misleading manner.

In addition, I agree to abide by the conditions of certification and agree to inform the certifier of any changesaffecting the status of the certification.

Signature Date

NATIONAL CENTERFOR CONSTRUCTION

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Personal Data • Please Type or Print Only

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WRITTEN TESTING – TYPE(S) SPECIFIC

Directions: You must take (and pass) at least one Crane Type-specific written assessment in order to apply forthe Practical exam. Certification is granted after both Written and Practical examinations are successfully com-pleted. Check the appropriate written assessment that you have successfully completed or wish to take below.*The Industrial Crane and Boom Truck exam certification is included in the Telescopic Boom Crane assessment,so an applicant may satisfy all three categories by taking the Telescopic assessment-If an applicant desires certi-fication on Boom Trucks only or Industrial Cranes only, then they may take only the respective written assess-ment. Contact NCCER or NACB if you have not taken the written examination.

Available Written Assessments❐ 1. Lattice Boom Crane❐ 2. Telescopic Boom Crane❐ 3. Industrial Crane❐ 4. Boom Truck Crane

CHOOSE CRANES FOR PRACTICAL EXAMINATION – TYPE(S) SPECIFIC

ONLY an NCCER AAC that has an NCCER/NACB-approved Practical Examiner on staff may conduct thePractical Examinations. The Written Assessment and Practical Examination must match to ensure certifica-tion for that particular type of crane.

Directions: You must register for at least one Crane Type-specific Practical Examination. You must pass theappropriate Written Assessment before taking the Practical Exam. Check the appropriate crane types for whichyou are applying. *NOTE: The number in Parentheses indicates which specific written assessment must besuccessfully completed before taking the Practical Examination (see written assessment numbers above).

Practical Examinations❐ Industrial/All Purpose (1 or 2)❐ Rubber Tire Truck Mount (2, 3, or 4)❐ Rough Terrain/All Terrain (2)❐ Crawler Mount (2 or 4)

Practical Examiner will note specifics of the equipment used on the practical exam.

Please complete and return the attached Application for Practical Examination to the Administrator of theAssessment Center that is offering the Crane Certification.

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

www.nccer.org • 888-622-3720