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Home    |    Customized Training    |    Training Opportunities    |    Crane Operation & Certification

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Crane Operation & Certification

Listen

Crane operators are required to be certified by November 10, 2018. OSHA 2010 standard 29 CFR 1926.1427 gave the construction industry eight years to certify all crane and derrick operators. Assure you pass your certification exams. Prepare with Ridgewater College!

May 21, 2018—As expected, OSHA has removed from its rule the requirement for crane operators to be certified according to the capacity of the crane, a decision supported by the overwhelming majority of industry stakeholders at meetings hosted by OSHA and others since the rule was first published in 2010.

In its Proposed Rule published today, OSHA also lays out plans to address the other major issue on which industry had raised concerns, that of what, if anything, an employer’s duty should be over and above operator certification.

Solutions to meet your needs

Crane Operator
  • Telescopic Boom Crane (swing cab) (TLL)
  • Telescopic Boom Crane (fixed cab) (TSS)
  • Lattice Boom Cranes (LBC and LBT)
  • Articulating Boom Cranes (ABC and ABW)
  • Overhead Cranes
  • Signal Person and Rigger I
  • Core, specialty, and practical exam preparation

REGISTER NOW

Crane Operator Training Programs

NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification

This three-day NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Preparatory Training program 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 after the three day NCCCO Prep class at a location TBD.

NCCCO Prep Articulating Boom Crane & Practical Exam

NCCCO Articulating Boom Crane Operator Prep Training program 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
NCCCO Service Truck Crane Prep Training

NCCCO Service Truck Crane Operator Preparatory Training program 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
NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Recertification

This two-day NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Recertification Preparatory Training program 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.

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)
 

You will benefit from learning about:

  • 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 Crane Set-up
  • Evaluating and Applying Site Conditions
  • Dangers of Power Lines
  • Equipment Overload, Shock Loading
  • Two-Blocking
  • Supporting Surface Requirements
  • Load Chart Interpretations and Applications
  • Lift Planning & Verifying the Weight of the Load
  • Load Control
  • Use of Operator Aids
  • Basic Rigging Principles
  • Determining 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

Rigger-Signaler Training Programs

NCCCO Rigger Level I

This NCCCO Rigger Level I Preparatory Training program 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
NCCCO Signalperson

This NCCCO Signalperson Preparatory Training program 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 consisting of two types of Scenarios:
    • Match Scenario where the crane performs certain
      functions and the candidate gives the corresponding
      hand or voice signal that matches the function
    • Candidate-Initiated Scenario where the candidate
      gives the necessary hand or voice signal to initiate
      and direct crane movement
  • Recertification requirements include:
    • Passing the Recertification Practical Exam

Contact us today to discuss customized training options
[email protected]
320-234-8542

Certifications available

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) operator certification and recertification

Ridgewater College is approved by NCCCO as a test site for both the NCCCO written and practical exams.

Training delivery

  • Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
  • On-site

Choose Ridgewater

Mobile crane operator preparation training within Ridgewater’s Customized Training and Continuing Education offerings can take you to the next level. We are one of just a few Minnesota crane safety trainers. Ridgewater has become a regional crane training center, attracting practicing operators from North and South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and, of course, throughout Minnesota. Ridgewater has an accredited practical examiner on staff for Telescopic Boom Crane-Swing Cab (TLL) Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab (TSS), Articulating Boom Crane (ABC & ABW), Signal Person (SGP), and Rigger I certifications (RIGI).

What clients say

“I struggle on written exams and you were able to provide a great learning environment that helped me pass the exams. Thanks for everything.” Virginia participant

“The class was very well organized and covered exactly what we needed for the NCCCO exams.” Sebeka participant

“Everything went great I felt very well prepared. The computer-based test was easy to follow. I got my scores right away… Everything was above 90% so for that I am thankful. Keep up the good work.” Alexandria participant

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