NCCCO Certification Training Updates For Covid-19 Guidelines

NCCCO Certification Training Updates For Covid-19 Guidelines

Mobile Crane installing concrete foundation for Pennsylvania Barn in September rain storm

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has made several updates to the NCCCO certification training guideline during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The most recent update released in August 2021 has made guideline updates to the paper-pencil testing, computer-based testing program, and to the practical examines. The NCCCO continues to make the needed adjustments which are required during Covid-19 as the work of the lifting industry and its workers are deemed essential work that must continue through the pandemic.

Find a list of NCCCO training material at Total Equipment Training.

Paper-Pencil Testing Guidelines

NCCCO training is required for operators in use of equipment above 2,000 lbs. in capacity. During the pandemic, test coordinators continue to work with NCCCO to schedule and hold paper-pencil testing for its operators.

Updated guidelines include testing locations to follow local, state, and/or federal guidelines when it comes to:

  • Proper social distancing and spacing
  • Cleaning and sanitation of test, registration, and break areas
  • Availability of hygienic products

If you are preparing for your initial NCCCO certification test, Total Equipment Training has practice tests for you to assist in your studies.

Computer-Based Testing Guidelines

Today many NCCCO certification training programs are offering computer-based testing (CBT) for both initial and recertification testing. Computer-based testing covers the same content as the paper-pencil testing. CBT is available for the following programs:

  • Overhead
  • Mobile
  • Agricultural Crane Operator
  • Tower
  • Lift Director
  • Digger Derrick Operator
  • Crane Inspector
  • Rigger
  • Signalperson

Similar to the paper-pencil testing, updated NCCCO guidelines to be followed include:

  • Candidates are required to wear face coverings at the testing centers
  • Scheduling adjustments may need to be made at the testing centers
  • All equipment is to be wiped with antibacterial wipes between usage
  • Testing centers are required to follow federal, state and/or local guidelines and directives

Practical Exam Guidelines

Practical exams test the skill level of equipment inspection, hand signals, hoisting, swinging, booming, and a combination of multifunctional operations

Practical exam site coordinators will continue following all local and/or state and federal guidelines in regards to its examinations as well as:

  • Social distancing and table spacing
  • Availability of hygienic products
  • Cleaning and sanitizing registration, testing, and break areas

NCCCO training continues to be at the forefront for the lifting industry during the pandemic. Check in regularly with Total Equipment Training to stay up to date on any NCCCO training updates that may impact you and your business.

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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, NCCCO, all “dirt equipment”, rigging, crane inspections, and train-the-trainer.