Crane Inspector
Certification Policies | How Do I Test?

Overhead Crane Inspector Comprehensive Exam Outline

Core Crane Inspector | Mobile Crane Inspector | Tower Crane Inspector | Reference Material | Sample Questions

The Overhead Crane Comprehensive examination portion of the NCCCO Crane Inspector Written Examination tests the following knowledge areas relating to overhead cranes:

Domain 1: Pre-Inspection Survey

• Approximately 14% of test

Domain 2: Records Review

• Approximately 6% of test

Domain 3: Visual Inspection

• Approximately 50% of test

Domain 4: Operational Testing

• Approximately 17% of test

Domain 5: Load Testing

• Approximately 7% of test

Domain 6: Post-Inspection

• Approximately 6% of test

DOMAIN 1: PRE-INSPECTION SURVEY

• Knowledge of the standards and regulations applicable to crane inspection, including, but not limited to ASME B30 and OSHA
• Knowledge of responsible parties involved in or pertaining to the inspection
• Know what to communicate to the site supervisor/personnel on needs/requirements for inspection
• Have specific knowledge of cranes including
• Configurations/types
• Terminology
• Applications
• Components
• Operator controls
• Knowledge of crane capacity as it relates to crane configuration
• Multiple trolleys
• Permanently attached material handling devices
• Know access to the work site
• Know how to identify job site hazards (e.g., obstructions, multiple cranes on the same runway)
• Know specific lock-out/tag-out procedures/requirements

DOMAIN 2: RECORDS REVIEW

• Know if given documentation is correct
• Application
• Maintenance
• Engineering
• Knowledge of what inspection records are required
• Know how to verify that the following have been performed with acceptable documentation
• Repairs
• Modifications/alterations

DOMAIN 3: VISUAL INSPECTION

• Ability to identify the following conditions
• Weld
• Corrosion
• Need for non-destructive testing
• Knowledge in proper operation of
• Safety devices
• Operational aids
• Knowledge of wire rope, including:
• Construction and specifications
• Rejection criteria
• Reeving specifications
• Ability to recognize existing or potential problems
• Know how to identify modifications and alterations
• General knowledge of the manufacturer’s requirements
• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Service requirements
• Limitations
• Know and understand the following components
• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Structural
• Understand the requirements for component guarding
• Mechanical components
• Electrical
• Knowledge of inspection criteria for:
• Hooks
• Load blocks
• Sheaves
• Drums
• Knowledge of inspection requirements for operator controls
• Pendant
• Radio/remote
• Cab
• General knowledge of the following for job site situations
• Assist equipment (e.g., aerial work platform)
• Tools
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Know how to verify requirements for safe access and egress
• Knowledge of travel systems
• Tire requirements
• Wheels and end trucks
• Runway systems
• Know how to verify capacity markings of cranes
• Knowledge of load chains

DOMAIN 4: OPERATIONAL TESTING

• Knowledge of crane signals
• Hand signals
• Voice signals
• Knowledge necessary to verify operational aids and limits are functioning properly
• Knowledge of:
• Control characteristics/functions
• Operating parameters/dynamic effects

DOMAIN 5: LOAD TESTING

• Know the requirements and limits of a load test and applicable environmental limits (temperature, etc.)
• Proof
• Load limiters
• Know the requirements for full operation of bridge and trolley movements

DOMAIN 6: POST-INSPECTION

• Know and understand that the inspection/test procedure(s) did not cause damage per regulations and manufacturer’s requirements
• Know how to document/communicate the deficiencies and recommendations on the final report
• Knowledge of responsible parties involved in or pertaining to the post-inspection