Crane Operator and Rigger-Signaler Training Programs

Ridgewater’s three-day preparatory training program for the NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification or Exam is specifically designed to prepare candidates who currently work in mobile crane operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written and Practical Examinations. This program includes CICB’s Study Guide, which is authored and copyrighted by CICB on an annual basis, as well as interactive classroom exercises that emphasize all parts of the NCCCO Core and Specialty Examinations.

Note:  This is not a basic crane operator course—it is the preparation course for certification.  Documentation of crane experience is required.  Failure to provide accurate information regarding crane experience constitutes grounds for rejection of application.

NCCCO Preparatory Training focuses on:

• The Core Exam’s Four Domains
  • Domain 1:  Site (Approximately 20% of test)
  • Domain 2:  Operations (Approximately 26% of test)
  • Domain 3:  Technical Knowledge (Approximately 28% of test)
  • Domain 4:  Load Charts (Approximately 26% of test)
• Your Selected Specialty Exam’s Four Domains (i.e. for Lattice Boom Truck Cranes (LBT), Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes (LBC), Large Telescopic Swing Cab Boom Cranes (TLL), and
  Small Telescopic Fixed Cab Boom Cranes (TSS)
  • Domain 1:  Setup (Approximately 23% of the test)
  • Domain 2:  Operations (Approximately 23% of test)
  • Domain 3:  Technical Knowledge (Approximately 19% of test)
  • Domain 4:  Manufacturers’ Load Charts (Approximately 35% of test)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
• Multiple Practice Tests for all Domains
• NCCCO Core Exam has 90 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes to complete)
• NCCCO Specialty Exam has 26 multiple-choice questions (60 minutes to complete)

Practical Exams will take place prior to the three-day NCCCO Prep class at a location TBD.

Our preparatory training program for the NCCCO Articulating Boom Crane Operator will prepare candidates who currently work in articulating boom crane operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written and Practical Examinations.  The NCCCO prep includes what is in the Articulating Boom Crane class and the NCCCO practical exam.

NCCCO Preparatory Training focuses on:

• Domain 1 – Site and Setup (13% to 20% of Written Exam)
• Domain 2 – Operations (35% to 40%)
• Domain 3 – Technical Knowledge (28% to 35%)
• Domain 4 – Manufacturer’s Load Charts (12% to 17%)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
• Practical training on the crane

Area of Emphasis:

• Operator Requirements and Responsibilities
• Effective Communications Among Lifting Personnel
• Proper Use of Hand and Voice Signals
• Applicable OSHA & ANSI/ASME Safety Standards
• Safe, Effective and Efficient Operating Techniques
• Proper Articulating Crane Set-up
• Evaluating and Applying Site Conditions
• Dangers of Power Lines
• Equipment Overload, Shock Loading
• Supporting Surface Requirements
• Load Chart Interpretations and Applications
• Lift Planning & Determining and Verifying the Load Weight
• Load Control
• Use of Operator Aids
• Basic Rigging Principles
• Determining the Load’s Center of Gravity
• Sling Selection, Inspection and Sling Angles
• Wire Rope Construction and Inspection
• Hitch Selection and Applications
• Pre-Operation & Post Operation Inspections
• Equipment Maintenance
• Minimizing the Opportunity for Accidents

Ridgewater’s preparatory training program for the NCCCO Service Truck Crane Operator Certification or Exam is specifically designed to prepare candidates who currently work in Service Truck Crane operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written and Practical Examinations. This program includes interactive classroom exercises that emphasize all parts of the NCCCO Written Examinations.

Service Truck Cranes are identified by their telescopic boom, where the base and mast structure is not integral to the stabilizer/outrigger system. Lifting is typically accomplished via a winch (electric or hydraulic) and its functions (rotation, elevation, telescoping) are either powered or manual. These machines tend to have relatively shorter boom lengths (10–35 ft.) and lower capacities (1–7 Tons) as compared to other Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab machines (e.g., Boom Trucks, Carry Deck cranes). Additionally, operations are usually conducted by the use of radio remote or pendant control with the operator standing on the ground following the load.

NCCCO Preparatory Training focuses on:

• Domain 1 – Site and Setup (17% of Written Exam)
• Domain 2 – Operations (44%)
• Domain 3 – Technical Knowledge (21%)
• Domain 4 – Manufacturer’s Load Charts (17%)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
• Multiple Practice Tests for all Domains

 Syllabus:

• Introduction, objectives and basic overview
• OSHA’s standards and other regulations
• Responsibilities of the operator, controlling entity, rigger/signaler
• Inspections: daily (shift), monthly, annual, notifying supervisor of deficiencies
• Crane and outrigger set-up, leveling procedures and site evaluation
• Operating near power lines/ electrical hazards/danger zone
• Operational aids: LMI Systems, computers, anti-two blocking devices
• Center of gravity, radius, boom length, boom angle
• Load rating chart interpretation/weight calculation
• Pre-lift, critical lifts, special lifts and lift planning
• Basic rigging procedures and hardware
• Sling inspection procedures
• Care and maintenance
• Crane signals-hand, verbal and radio

Our two-day preparatory training program for NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Recertification or Exam is specifically designed to prepare candidates who currently are certified in mobile crane operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written Examinations. This program includes interactive classroom exercises that emphasize all parts of the NCCCO Core and Specialty Examinations.

Note:  This course is for those who are due for their five-year renewal. Recertification candidates must complete all recertification requirements during the 12 months prior to their certification’s expiration date. This includes:

• Passing the Recertification Written Exam(s)
• Continuing to meet medical requirements
• Compliance with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy
• Compliance with the Code of Ethics

Candidates who can attest to at least 1,000 hours of crane-related experience during their period of certification do not need to take the Practical Exam to re-certify.  Crane related experience is defined as: operating, maintaining, inspecting, or training on cranes.

Note: Candidates who re-certify more than 12 months prior to their expiration date will have their new certification period begin immediately, not from the end of their current certification period.

This course is for certified operators due for recertification testing.  Course also provides updates on new OSHA & ANSI/ASME standards and reviews load charts. Note: The TLL Swing Cab load chart is no longer the Grove crane load chart.

NCCCO Preparatory Training focuses on:

• The Core Exam’s Four Domains
  • Domain 1: Site (Approximately 20% of test)
  • Domain 2: Operations (Approximately 26% of test)
  • Domain 3: Technical Knowledge (Approximately 28% of test)
  • Domain 4: Load Charts (Approximately 26% of test)
• Your Selected Specialty Exam’s Four Domains (i.e. for 
  Lattice Boom Truck Cranes (LBT), Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes (LBC),
  Large Telescopic Swing Cab Boom Cranes (TLL), and
  Small Telescopic Fixed Cab Boom Cranes (TSS)
  • Domain 1: Setup (Approximately 23% of the test)
  • Domain 2: Operations (Approximately 23% of test)
  • Domain 3: Technical Knowledge (Approximately 19% of test)
  • Domain 4: Manufacturers’ Load Charts (Approximately 35% of test)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
• Recertification NCCCO Core Exam has 40 multiple-choice questions (45 minutes to complete)
• Recertification NCCCO Specialty Exam has 10 multiple-choice questions (30 minutes to complete)

Ridgewater’s preparatory training program for  NCCCO Rigger Level I Certification or Exam is specifically designed to prepare candidates who currently work in rigging operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written and Practical Examinations and certification by NCCCO. This three-day program includes an interactive classroom and hands-on exercises that emphasize all parts of the NCCCO Rigger Level I Written and Practical Examinations.

NCCCO defines a Rigger Level I as a rigger that can successfully demonstrate or have the knowledge of how to inspect rigging before use, identify and attach rigging with basic knowledge of hitch configurations, recognize associated hazards, signal operations, and use various types of rigging equipment and basic hitches and their applications.

NCCCO Rigger Level I Preparatory Training focuses on:

• Domain: Scope of the Rigging Activity (15% of Test)
• Domain: Technical Knowledge (13%)
• Domain: Inspection (30%)
• Domain: Execution of Rigging Activity (42%)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
  • NCCCO Exam is 60 multiple choice questions (60 minutes to complete)
  • Recertification NCCCO Exam is 30 multiple choice questions (30 minutes to complete)
• The NCCCO Practical Exam consists of four tasks: (60 minutes to complete)
• • Pre-Use Rigging Inspection
  • Rigging Hitches
  • Rigging Connections
  • Basic Knots

• There is no requirement for a NCCCO Practical Exam for recertification

Our preparatory training program for NCCCO Signalperson Certification or Exam is specifically designed to prepare candidates who currently work in lifting operations for the successful completion of NCCCO Written and Practical Examinations and certification by NCCCO as a Signalperson. This one-day program includes an interactive classroom and hands-on exercises that emphasize all parts of the NCCCO Signalperson Written and Practical Examinations.

OSHA 29CFR 1926 Subpart CC states that a Signalperson needs to know and understand the type of signals used at the worksite; is competent in using these signals; understands the operations and limitations of the equipment, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging, raising, lowering and stopping loads and in boom deflection from hoisting loads, knows and understands the relevant signalperson qualification requirements specified in subpart CC 1926.1419, 1422 and 1428; and passes an oral or written test and a practical test. NCCCO’s program fulfills all of these requirements.

NCCCO Signal Person Preparatory Training focuses on:

• Domain 1 – Hand Signals (33% of Written Exam)
• Domain 2 – Voice Communication (13%)
• Domain 3 – Basic Knowledge of Crane Operations (27%)
• Domain 4 – Site Specific Situational Considerations (13%)
• Domain 5 – Safety Standards and Regulations (13%)
• Basic Math Skills Necessary to Pass the Exams
• NCCCO Exam is 60 multiple choice questions (60 minutes to complete)
• The NCCCO Practical Exam consists of 30 scenarios of hand and voice signals.
• Recertification requirements include:
  • Passing the Recertification Practical Exam