FAQ >> Introduction of overhead crane operator

Introduction of overhead crane operator

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is an independent, nonprofit organization formed in 1995 to set standards for fairly measuring the knowledge and proficiency required for the safe operation of cranes. NCCCO currently administers a nationwide program of certifications for crane operators and related trades, including riggers and signalpersons.

Based on extensive discussions with representatives from all segments of business and industry who recognize the impact of safety issues, NCCCO has identified the following potential benefits of operator certification:

  • Fewer accidents, injuries, and fatalities
  • Reduced risk of loss
  • Assurance of operator’s abilities
  • Less property damage
  • Improved safety records
  • Enhanced public image of crane operators

All candidates are required to pass both Written and Practical Examination(s) to be certified. As detailed in this handbook, candidates may take the Practical Examination on either of the following overhead crane types:

  • Cab-operated
  • Pendant/remote control

All overhead (bridge) and gantry cranes that meet the requirements of the ASME B30.2, B30.11, B30.16, and/or B30.17 standards and have powered functions for hoist, bridge, and trolley are covered by CCO certification exams.

Note that the NCCCO Exam Management Committee draws questions from the ASME B30.2 standard for Overhead and gantry cranes in an effort to lessen the burden on candidates preparing to take the examination. Please see pg. 14 for a complete Reference List.

The initial certification period is for five years, after which operators are required to recertify. Periodic written examinations are necessary to ensure that certificants’ knowledge of industry standards, equipment, and safety practices keeps pace with changes in these areas. NCCCO’s subject matter experts, working in conjunction with psychometric consultants, reviewed the speed of such change in the industry and researched other comparable certification and licensing programs before determining that this goal could be achieved by setting the examination interval at five years. Little, if any, additional benefit, it is believed, would accrue by more frequent testing.

A practical (skills) examination is not required for recertification, as long as the certificant meets specified experience requirements.

NCCCO EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT

The first step in the development of an objective test to measure what is required to operate overhead cranes safely was a job task analysis. This study identified the knowledge and skills necessary for safe crane operations. A representative number of crane operators then validated that the knowledge recommended by the experts was vital to safe operations. The study and survey were then used to generate the test blueprints and content specifications.

Development of the overhead crane Operator Written Examination involved a panel of crane operation content experts who worked with the staff of International Assessment Institute to write and review all questions used in the examination. Each examination contains a unique combination of questions from the question bank. Questions are selected for examinations on the basis of the content areas defined by the test blueprints.

Similarly, the overhead crane Operator Practical Examination was developed as a fair and objective assessment of the essential skills that a crane operator needs to operate overhead cranes safely. These exams were developed over an 18-month period by an NCCCO task force made up of experts from all aspects of the crane industry—crane operators, training directors, managers, supervisors, manufacturers—who together represent many thousands of hours of crane-related experience. This task force teamed its knowledge and experience with the exam development expertise of International Assessment Institute (IAI). IAI guided the NCCCO task force in establishing key elements of the program, including identifying essential skills, selecting tasks, standardizing test conditions, developing the scoring process, establishing reliability among tests, and creating flexible application and scheduling procedures. In concert with the NCCCO overhead crane Task Force, IAI also designed the Practical Examiner Accreditation Program whereby NCCCO trains and accredits certified crane operators to administer NCCCO Practical Examinations.

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