Rigger I, Rigger II and Signalperson Assessment and Certification Offerings Available Now in the Marketplace for Wireless Industry Workforce
November 23, 2015—The National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) announced today the official introduction to the wireless industry of CCO Rigger and Signalperson Certification programs. The programs have the distinction of becoming the first two assessment and certification offerings available to the wireless industry’s workforce through the NWSA.
The CCO Rigger and Signalperson certification programs are offered through a partnership with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). The nationally recognized and internationally accredited certification programs are the culmination of many years of hard work by NCCCO and experts from the various industries and groups that use rigging and cranes; including construction, steel erection, ironworkers, operating engineers, utilities, petrochemicals, specialty rigging companies, and sling manufacturers.
“The formal introduction of the CCO Rigger and Signalperson certification programs represents a significant milestone for the organization,” said NWSA Board of Governors Chairman Art Pregler from AT&T. “For the first time, workers in the wireless industry will be able to obtain nationally recognized and ANSI accredited certification through the NWSA,” added Pregler.
The Rigger program will include certification offerings for both a Rigger Level I category and a Rigger Level II category. A certified rigger is a person trained and certified to handle rigging equipment to lift and move loads. The level of certification depends upon the individual’s training, knowledge, skill base, and ability to perform functions related to the selection, inspection, and proper use of rigging equipment. The Signalperson certification program is designed for signalpersons who are trained and who will use hand and voice signals in crane operation.
In order to obtain the Rigger and Signalperson certifications, candidates must achieve a passing score on both a computer-based testing (CBT) written examination and a field-based practical examination that is administered by a NCCCO authorized Practical Examiner. The computer-based tests are administered via computer at approximately 300 test centers located throughout the nation.
“NCCCO is proud to partner with the NWSA in order to offer co-branded certifications for our nationally recognized and internationally accredited CCO Rigger and Signalperson programs,” stated NCCCO’s Director of Operations and Program Development, Joel Oliva. “Many subject matter experts affiliated with NCCCO have devoted thousands of hours to ensure the validity, reliability and continued integrity of the Rigger and Signalperson certification programs,” emphasized Oliva.
The NWSA is a national non-profit assessment and certification organization that has been established to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills and provide verifiable worker certification in order to enhance safety, reduce workplace risk, improve quality, encourage training, and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers and other non-standard structures. The organization is the result of collaborative efforts between a broad coalition of the industry’s leading subject matter experts, companies and stakeholders representing wireless carriers, tower owners, OEM’s, turnkey management firms, small contractors, tower technicians, and industry associations.
Industry workers, companies, and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the NWSA website today at www.nws-a.org to obtain more information on the certification programs and begin the process of registering for the Rigger and Signalperson computer-based and practical exams.
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About National Wireless Safety Alliance
NWSA is a non-profit organization that has been established to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills and provide verifiable worker certification in order to enhance safety, reduce workplace risk, improve quality, encourage training, and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers and other non-standard structures.
Contact: Chuck Slagle
nwsa@nws-a.org
Download a PDF of the NWSA Press Release.