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  1. Programs
  2. Overhead Crane Operator

Overhead Crane Operator

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

Certification

Welcome to the CCO Overhead Crane Operator certification program. The NCCCO Overhead Crane Task Force that determined the content of these certification exams was 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.

Duration

Hybrid

Credits

Not specified

Cost

Not specified

Format

Not specified

What You'll Learn

AI-generated

Key competencies developed through this program

  • KnowledgeInterpret load charts and crane capacity ratings to determine safe lifting configurations for various operational scenarios.
    Developing
  • Hands-onPerform pre-operational inspections of overhead cranes following OSHA and manufacturer guidelines to identify potential hazards.
    Developing
  • Hands-onOperate overhead crane controls to position and move loads with precision and stability in industrial work environments.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeCalculate load weights, center of gravity, and rigging requirements to ensure safe lifting operations within crane capacity limits.
    Developing
  • Hands-onExecute load handling procedures including lifting, traveling, and placement following established safety protocols and hand signal communications.
    Developing
  • MindsetCommit to workplace safety standards and hazard prevention practices when operating cranes in environments with personnel and equipment.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeDistinguish unsafe conditions and operational hazards during crane operations to prevent incidents and equipment damage.
    Developing
  • Hands-onManipulate crane controls to maintain load stability and control during complex lifting operations with varying load configurations.
    Developing
  • MindsetRespond to emergency situations and equipment malfunctions by implementing appropriate shutdown and safety procedures.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeIdentify crane components, load capacities, and operational limitations using manufacturer specifications and load charts.
    Emerging
Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Inspect crane systems to identify visual, audible, mechanical, and electrical hazards before operation
  • Verify emergency and safety controls to ensure proper function of shutdown systems, e‑stops, limit devices, warning devices, and brake test requirements
  • Check structural and mechanical components to confirm wire‑rope or chain condition, correct spooling, absence of leaks, and compliance with guard requirements
  • Confirm labeling and documentation to ensure control labels, capacity markings, strain‑relief requirements, and ASME B30.2 layout standards are met
  • Locate critical safety elements to verify access to runway disconnects, fire extinguishers, bumpers/stops, and lockout/tag‑out provisions
  • Determine load characteristics to accurately identify load weight and select proper rigging and below‑the‑hook lifting devices
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Crane and Tower Operators53-7021.00
  • Logging Equipment Operators45-4022.00
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines49-3042.00
  • Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators47-2073.00
  • Hoist and Winch Operators53-7041.00
  • Riggers49-9096.00
  • Pile Driver Operators47-2072.00
Program Details

Detailed information about this program

Certification Overview OVR.pdfWelcome to the CCO Overhead Crane Operator certification program. The NCCCO Overhead Crane Task Force that determined the content of these certification exams was 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. These volunteers gave freely of their time and expertise with the primary goal of improving the safety of all whose work brings them into contact with cranes and lifting equipment. HOW TO BECOME CCO-CERTIFIED CCO Certified Operator-150x Visit How to Test for instructions on applying for and taking CCO Written and Practical Exams; visit How to Recertify for instructions on recertification. Complete instructions, exam contents, and candidate applications are also contained in the Candidate Handbook for each program. ELIGIBILITY Requirements for certification include the following: Be at least 18 years of age Comply with NCCCO's Substance Abuse Policy Pass Written Examination Pass Practical Examination (Candidates must pass the Written and corresponding Practical examination within a 12-month timeframe.) Comply with the Code of Ethics CCO WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS The Overhead Crane Operator written exam consists of a single examination in Overhead Crane operation. This examination has 65 multiple-choice questions and candidates are allowed 60 minutes to complete the exam. Candidates may take their written and practical exams in either order. Candidates have 12 months from the time they pass the initial written or practical exam they take to pass the corresponding (written or practical) exam. CCO has three options for taking written exams: Online Proctored Testing (OPT), Test Center Testing (TCT), and Event Online Testing (EOT). Decide which option is best for you. CCO PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS The CCO Practical Examination demonstrating crane operator proficiency is available in either of the following Overhead Crane types: Cab Operated Pendant/Remote Control A candidate must pass both the Written and Practical examinations to be certified for a five-year period. CCO CERTIFICATION TIME FRAMES Candidates must pass both Written and Practical Examinations to be certified for a five-year period. The Written and Practical Exams may be taken in either order. Candidates have 12 months from the time they pass their first Written or Practical Exam for each crane type in which to pass the corresponding (Written or Practical) Exam. Any tests passed within a 12-month period count towards certification. For example, a candidate who fails the Overhead Crane Operator Written Exam in January 2015 but passes the Overhead Crane Operator Practical Exam in June 2015 has until the end of June 2016 to retake and pass the Overhead Crane Operator Written Exam. If a certified operator subsequently becomes certified in an additional operator designation by taking the appropriate written and practical exams, the certification period for the additional designation expires at the same time his/her original certification (i.e., all operator designations expire on the same date, regardless of when in the five-year certification period the candidate passed them). If the new designation is added within the final 24 months of his/her certification period, the certificant is exempt from recertifying for the new designation after five years; after that, however, certificants must recertify for all designations during the 12 months prior to their certifications’ expiration date. This ensures that all of the certificant’s operator designations maintain the same expiration date. Candidates for certification or recertification may petition for an extension of NCCCO’s standard timeline(s). NCCCO staff shall have the discretion to make the initial determination of whether a requested extension should be granted. Petitions for an extension of time are generally denied absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Denials of such petitions may be appealed to the Appeals Committee. CERTIFICATION POLICIES The following policies apply to all CCO certification programs: NCCCO Code of Ethics Disciplinary Policy Substance Abuse Policy Testing Accommodations Policy Change of Address Policy Appeals Policy and Procedures Information Release Policy Administrative Complaints Policy These policies are also covered in the Candidate Handbooks for each program. CERTIFICATION CARDS Certified individuals receive a laminated CCO wallet card at no cost when they complete initial certification, or recertification. If needed, replacement cards may be ordered online at a cost of $30. Certification cards remain the property of CCO, are not transferable, and must be returned to CCO upon demand. RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS CCO certification is valid for five years. Candidates must complete all of their recertification requirements during the 12 months prior to their expiration date. Review recertification requirements for Overhead Crane Operators. Get complete instructions on How to Recertify. PROGRAM SPONSORS The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators gratefully recognizes the sponsors of the Overhead Crane Operator Certification Program: Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) American Crane & Equipment Corp. Demag Cranes & Components KCI Konecranes Morris Material Handling OMI Hoist & Crane Virginia Crane (Foley Material Handling) ACE World Companies Capco Crane & Hoist Deshazo

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

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Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate

Not reported

Placement Rate

Not reported

Locations

Where this program is offered

No locations specified.

Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.