Certification Process Overview

Certification is the final link in a process established to educate people in the correct way to perform their assigned job duties. Well-trained employees, with independently verified knowledge and skills, make fewer mistakes—and therefore have fewer accidents—than those with less experience or inferior knowledge. CCO certification is designed to assure both industry and the general public that employees working with load handling equipment are skilled and knowledgeable. The benefits of NCCCO’s nationwide certification programs include reduced risk of loss, fewer accidents, more consistent training, and expanded job opportunities for those who work in and around load handling equipment.

Ready to Get Started?

Where do you start? Download the candidate handbook for the program you’re interested in. Candidate handbooks contain detailed information about the programs, the timelines related to taking exams, outlines of the exam content, description of the practical exam (if applicable), and how to maintain your certification.

The process below applies to all CCO certification programs; for program-specific information, see each program’s webpage or candidate handbook.

Steps to Becoming CCO-Certified:

1. Learn about the certifications you may be interested in (*requires practical exam).
   • Mobile Crane Operator*
   • Service Truck Operator*
   • Tower Crane Operator*
   • Overhead Crane Operator*
   • Articulating Crane Operator*
   • Digger Derrick Operator*
   • Dedicated Pile Driver Operator*
   • Drill Rig Operator*
   • Concrete Pump Operator
   • Telehandler Operator*
     
   • Signalperson*
   • Rigger*
   • Crane Inspector
   • Lift Director
2. Review the eligibility requirements in the Candidate Handbook(s) to make sure you qualify.
   • Be at least 18 years of age 
   • Comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics
   • Pass written examination(s)
   • Pass practical examination(s), if applicable
3. Prepare for your exams on your own or attend training.
   • Self-study
   • Employer-provide training
   • Third-party training
   • Technical/vocational school
   • Apprenticeship program
4. Apply for and schedule your written exam(s), via:
   • Online Proctored Testing (OPT)
   • Test Center Testing (TCT)
   • Event Online Testing (EOT)
5. Find a practical test site and schedule your practical exam(s).
   • Identify an open practical test site location
   • Or hire a Practical Exam Proctor
6. Once you have passed your written and practical exams, CCO will mail your certification card.