How to Become a CCO Certified Crane Operator

A certification for mobile crane operation will allow you to operate a crane on building and construction sites. This job requires a significant amount of in-depth professional training. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about becoming an CCO certified mobile crane operator.

Becoming a CCO Crane Operator

An CCO certified crane operator must:

Get the CCO MOBILE CRANE OPERATOR STUDY GUIDE

How much money can you expect to make as a CCO Certified Crane Operator?

According to Glassdoor in June 2024, a crane operator makes $50K – $85K per year.  There are wide-ranging estimates of salary for a crane operator, and these ranges are mostly based on location and the experience of the operator.

Are Certified Crane Operators in Demand?

Crane operators are in high demand!  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an 8% growth rate is predicted between 2014 and 2024 for crane operator jobs.  This can be explained by the increase in high-tech infrastructure projects that require heavy lifting.

crane operator

Is being a Crane Operator Dangerous?

Yes, being a crane operator is a hazardous job. There are many dangerous aspects of this job including electrical/power hazards, overloading, and falling materials.  All of these hazards can and should be managed through planning, preparation, extensive training, and safeguards.

Should I Become an CCO Certified Crane Operator?

Being a crane operator is a career that requires a structured, responsible, and detail-oriented person who has the ability to think fast. You must know your machine, the conditions of the jobsite and be aware of other people and machines. If you consider yourself responsible, realistic, and hands-on a career as a crane operator may be right for you!

Learn more about the CCO Mobile Crane Certification

What does an CCO Training Course Cost?

The median cost for a CCO training course is $1,400. In some situations, companies pay for their employees to receive this training by hiring companies like Total Equipment Training. Individuals can choose to use schools or online training programs to help them prepare for the certification exam. Total Equipment Training offers online study materials to individuals. We currently have CCO study guides and practice tests for Mobile CraneRigger 1, and Signal Person.

We also uniquely offer onsite training to YOUR company’s worksite. Live training on your company’s heavy equipment. Please use this link to schedule heavy equipment group training.

What is the Cost of CCO Certification?

CCO certification costs depend on what certification is being obtained and the manner in which the test is taken. CCO currently offers two different types of written exams. The traditional paper and pencil testing option and a computer-based option often referred to as CBT or computer-based testing.

If you have opted to test using the traditional paper and pencil testing option, each certification will cost between $100 and $350. In order to take the pencil and paper test, you must have a Test Site Coordinator set up the testing site, date, and time with CCO.

Testing with the computer-based option ranges between $145 and $420. Additionally, some certifications are not currently offered in the CBT form.

Are there any Additional Costs involved in CCO Certification?

CCO training courses can vary depending on where your company is located or who you choose to train you or your staff. Occasionally, you can run into the unexpected cost of having to retake your exam but this can be avoided with proper training. Additional costs may include travel, lodging, and taxes. To find more information on the base cost of the certification you’re looking for you can visit the CCO website.

Crane Operator Training

How can Total Equipment Training help you become a CCO Certified Crane Operator?

Total Equipment Training provides your employees with the training they need to pass both the written and practical CCO crane operator certification exams. We utilize a mix of classroom work and hands-on training, using your equipment.

Our comprehensive training programs can help you prepare your employees to pass their CCO certification exams. Our trainers train you at your site, using your equipment. Total Equipment Training can also register your site with CCO and set up certification testing as well as test preparation. To find out more about how Total Equipment Training can assist your company with their training needs visit our contact page on our website.

Our trainers are experienced professionals who keep their training skills up to date by continuing their education. All of our heavy equipment trainers have at least ten years of in the field experience working with heavy construction equipment.

Contact us today for a quote and for more information on how to tailor a crane training program for your needs, skill levels, and equipment.



Barb Fullman- CEO of Total Equipment Training
About the Author

As the owner of Total Equipment Training, Barb Fullman has been an active contributor to the heavy equipment training industry for over 23 years. Barb, a Penn State University graduate, is recognized as the highest ranking women-owned heavy equipment training business in the US. As a leading authority and provider of heavy equipment training, training manuals and tests based on OSHA Standards and Regulations, Total Equipment Trainings’ client list is composed of most of the Fortune 1000 companies focusing on energy, construction, heavy highway, and manufacturing.

Barb’s motto is “Stay safe, stay up to date”. She is committed to up-to-date & technically correct training, whether it is via in-person or through our library of online heavy equipment resources. With over 50 OSHA qualifying training topics to choose from with TET, the most popular heavy equipment training subjects are mobile cranes, CCO, all “dirt equipment”, rigging, crane inspections, and train-the-trainer.