Mobile Crane Operator Training

Who needs to be certified or qualified?

Per OSHA’s 2018 rule 1926.1400, any person engaged in a construction activity who is operating a crane must be certified, except:

• sideboom cranes*
• derricks*
• equipment with a rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less*

*Operators of the listed equipment must meet the criteria for minimum expertise described in the applicable section in subpart CC.

Does an operator need more than one certification?
With respect to certification from an accredited testing organization, an operator must be certified for the type and capacity of crane they are going to operate. Each accredited testing organization develops its own categories for crane type and capacity.

Can I get certification from anyone?

No! The issuing entity (e.g. NCCCO) must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency (such as ANSI or NCCA) to ensure that industry-recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, facilities/equipment, and personnel have been met.

What am I (Employer) required to do under OSHA’s “Evaluation” requirement?

The Final Rule published in 2018 includes the addition of a process OSHA calls “Evaluation.” In this Employer’s Guide, NCCCO drills down into the main elements as prescribed by OSHA.

What specific training does OSHA require for crane operators?

OSHA lists the knowledge and skills it has identified as critical to safe crane operation in 1926.1427 (j)(1) and (2).

Helpful references:

An Employer’s guide to the OSHA final rule: Crane Operator Certification

An Employer’s Guide to the OSHA final rule: Crane Operator Training

NCT’s Crane Operator Evaluation Form

OSHA Mobile Crane Operator fact sheet

The following criteria must be met and followed in order for a candidate to obtain and keep NCCCO certification.

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must strictly follow NCCCO substance abuse and ethics policies.
• Must pass written examinations (including the core exam and a minimum of one specialty).
• Must pass a practical exam within 12 months of passing the written examinations. 

Nationwide Crane Training offers both boot camp for individuals with no experience in the industry, and open-enrollment mobile crane operator training programs for those who are already trained and/or employed in crane operations.

The written exam is half of the testing that must be completed in order to earn NCCCO certification. The core written examination portion is composed of 90 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have a maximum of 90 minutes to finish it.

The core exam is broken down into four sections, called domains. The domains are:

1. Site (20%)
2. Operations (26%)
3. Technical knowledge (28%)
4. Load charts (26%)

Depending on the type of crane an operator wants to use, there are three specialty written examinations to choose among; you must pick one, but can do up to all three. These are:

1. Lattice Boom Cranes (LAT)
2. Telescopic Boom Cranes—Swing Cab (TLL)
3. Telescopic Boom Cranes—Fixed Cab (TSS)

The specialty exams include 26 multiple-choice questions and candidates have 60 minutes to complete each.

Specialty exams are divided into the same four domains as the core test, but each domain is weighted differently:

1. Site (12%)
2. Operations (30%)
3. Technical knowledge (23%)
4. Load charts (35%)

Candidates must pass both the core and at least one specialty written examination, as well as a practical exam (see below) to earn an NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator certification good for five years.

The practical exam portion of mobile crane operator training certification requires the candidate to prove proficiency by demonstrating competency in both hand and voice commands. The practical exam uses real-world equipment and actual work-related simulations to paint an accurate-as-possible picture for both the examiner and the candidate.

The instruction you receive when preparing for the practical exam is key. Our experienced instructors have years of real-life job experience under their belts and can help candidates grasp concepts like “catching the load” quickly and easily. This is essential when a candidate comes up on the practical exam.

Nationwide Crane Training offers multiple training location options to candidates and their employers to make mobile crane training and certification easy.

Not only do we offer boot camp and open enrollment classes at various locations around the country, we can also arrange private on-site training for companies wherever you are. This minimizes travel and related expenses, cuts downtime, and keeps you and your operators on equipment and in locations they’re already familiar with.

Nationwide Crane Training is a WBENC-certified, woman-owned business that retains some of the best instructors in the industry. Our instructors are NCCCO-accredited practical examiners who bring experience from a variety of careers including Military, Firefighting, FEMA, IUOE Union, CALOSHA, and FEDOSHA. Bringing in the best instructors is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to each client.

Our crane operator classes supply the level of expertise, support, and personal care you need to get certified. We believe that each student is unique, and we work closely with each to be sure not only that you pass the exams but that you develop the necessary skills to excel in this competitive profession. It is our commitment to quality training and each student that has earned us a respected reputation in the crane industry.

In fact, we are so committed to your success that we guarantee you will pass the written exams.

Once a candidate is certified, the certification is good for a period of five years. Candidates who are currently certified must begin the recertification process in the 12-month period prior to when their current certification expires.