NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification Written Exam Self Study Guide

NCCCO Crane Certification

Preparing to take the CCO Mobile Crane Certification Written Exam can be a daunting task when reviewing the different Domains and Exams outlined by CCO and the Reference Materials used to make up the exam questions. Whether you are taking the exam for the first time, recertifying or retesting, reviewing a self study guide will prepare you to successfully pass the exam and truly understand the material.

Total Equipment Training has made this process easier by going through the difficult to follow ASME’s and OSHA regulations, pulling out the pertinent information, and converting it into easy to read and understandable layman’s terms. Our study materials may be purchased as downloadable PDFs and are sectioned the same as the NCCCO exam.

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Overview of the NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification Written Exam Format

The written exam is broken down into three different parts: The Core Exam, the Specialty Exam and the Load Chart Exam. All applicants take the Core Exam. Then, depending on their licensing requirements, they will choose their specialty(ies) from the following list: Telescopic Boom Cranes-Fixed Cab (TSS), Telescopic Boom Cranes – Swing Cab (TLL), Lattice Boom Truck Cranes (LBT), or Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes (LBC).

The Core Exam

  1. Site – Approximately 20% of the Test – Elements that affect ground stability, use of supporting material, electrical hazards, travel without load, evaluating hazards, responsibilities of controlling entity, lift requirements.
  2. Operations – Approximately 26% of the test – Crane safety inspection, leveling the crane, leveling and setting up the crane, hazards during operation, wire rope knowledge, crane signals, lift requirements for different types of lifts, lifting in the blind, tagline requirements, use and function of operator aids and when they malfunction, use and function of safety devices, emergency procedures, effects of dynamic loading, side loading, operating in different weather conditions, backward stability limitations, attachments and their effect, stop operation authority, shut down and secure crane.
  3. Technical Knowledge – Approximately 28% of the test -This portion of the exam tests the knowledge of the ASME B30.5, B30.10, OSHA 1910.180 and 1926 Subpart CC knowledge. Candidates should pay close attention to definitions, basic crane terminology, know function limitations of cranes and attachments, inspection requirements, basic procedures for rigging devices and their use, use of wire rope, hook blocks, overhaul ball, replacement criteria for rigging components, relationship between line pull and safe working load of running ropes, requirements of fall protection, access and egress of crane.
  4. Load Charts – Approximately 26% of the test – Know the terminology of load charts and how to use them, demonstrate basic math skills.

Total Equipment Training offers a Mobile Crane Certification Study Manual for the NCCCO exam and a 300 question practice test with answer key for $79.

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Hard copies are also available at Amazon.com for $89.95.

The Specialty Exam

The second test for NCCCO Certification is the Specialty Exam. Candidates will be tested on the type of crane they operate and will be taking the practical exam on. The test covers knowledge areas relating to the operation of the crane (TLL, TSS, LBC, LBT). Each type of crane has a different load chart test to choose from. The load charts are from different manufacturers’ cranes and they are used for testing purposes only. Find the actual load charts on NCCCO’s website.

The Specialty Exam is broken down into four Domains.

  1. Site – Approximately 23% of the test – Tests the knowledge of setting up the crane, use of supporting materials, boom assembly/disassembly, use of outriggers and stabilizers, crawlers, outrigger position indicators and sensors.
  2. Operation – Approximately 23% of the test – Operation of the crane, pick and carry, shut down and secure the crane, use and function of operator aides, use and function of safety devices, power flow systems procedures when approaching two blocking.
  3. Technical Knowledge –Approximately 19% of the test – Basic crane terminology specific to crane types, functions and limitations specific to crane types, wire rope replacement and inspection criteria.
  4. Manufacturer Load Charts – Approximately 35% of the test – Understand different elements of the load chart, be able to apply notes, specifications, read range diagram, work area diagram, boom/jib erection charts and rated capacity charts, understand and apply manufacturer’s load charts given various configurations. be able to determine maximum radius for load placement, determine gross capacity and net capacity.

Total Equipment Training offers study materials and practice specialty and load chart tests by crane type. Each specialty comes with a practice test, load chart and load chart practice test and answer key. Download the PDFs for $29 available on our website.

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The most effective program for NCCCO Certification Exam Preparation is instructor-led. Our team of trainers at Total Equipment Training have been successfully preparing candidates for the NCCCO written and practical mobile crane exams for years. We go to client’s sites so the candidates are familiar with the equipment and conditions. This is cost-effective for group pricing. Our online training materials are geared for individuals and for those who may need to retest or re-certify on their own. Give our office a call today at 610.321.2679 for more information on our NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification training materials and programs.



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.