Telehandler Operator

Certification Overview The CCO Telehandler Task Force that developed this certification program was made up of experts from all aspects of the telehandler industry—operators, users, trainers, safety supervisors, manufacturers—who together represent many thousands of hours of telehandler-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 telehandlers and other lifting equipment. HOW TO BECOME CCO-CERTIFIED Get complete instructions on how to apply for and take CCO certification exams in the Telehandler Operator Candidate Handbook. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for certification, you must: Be at least 18 years of age Comply with CCO’s Substance Abuse Policy Pass a written examination Pass a practical examination Comply with the CCO Code of Ethics CCO WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS You must pass both a written exam and a practical exam to be certified for a three-year period. Candidates meeting the eligibility requirements may take either the written examinations or the practical examination(s) first. The Telehandler Operator Written Examination has 70 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 60 minutes to complete the written examination. 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 Telehandler Operator Practical Examination demonstrates operation proficiency and is available for two telehandler types: Fixed Telehandler Rotating Telehandler A candidate must pass both the written exam and the practical exam to be certified for a three-year period. Candidates who take and pass the Rotating Telehandler practical examination are not required to take and pass the practical exam in the Fixed Telehandler category. CCO CERTIFICATION TIMEFRAMES Candidates must pass both written and practical examinations to be certified for a three-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 to pass the corresponding (written or practical) exam. Any tests passed within a 12-month period count towards certification. For example, a candidate who passes the Telehandler Operator Written Exam in February 2023 but fails the Fixed Telehandler Operator Practical Exam in May 2023 has until January 2023 to retake and pass the practical exam. Candidates for certification or recertification may petition for an extension of CCO’s standard timeline(s). CCO 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: CCO 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 three years. Recertification candidates must complete all recertification requirements during the 12 months prior to their expiration date. Review recertification requirements for CCO-certified Telehandler Get complete instructions on How to Recertify.