NCCER/NACB Crane Operator Certification Focuses on Standards

Focusing on the ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1910 standards, subject matter experts from across the nation participated in written and practical test development meetings beginning last May to design the new mobile crane operator certification program available from NCCER, Gainesville, Fla., and the North American Crane Bureau (NACB), Orlando, Fla.

Guided by NCCER's test-development partner Prov, the subject matter experts pinpointed critical knowledge and skill areas grounded in the ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1910 standards, which became the benchmarks for the exam developments.

“We base our exams on the standards because we want those earning our certification to know what's acceptable,” said Ted Blanton, NACB President. He added that the entire reason for developing the certification program was to meet requirements by companies, states, and eventually, the federal government's consensus standard developed by OSHA in 2004, which is expected to become law before the end of the decade.

The NCCER/NACB mobile crane certification program consists of four written exams and thirteen practical exams. Each written test focuses on load charts per make and model of crane, while the practical exams not only tests hook maneuvering, but also carrier maneuvering and setting outriggers. Written exams will be administered at accredited NCCER test sites, and the practical exams will by given by NACB-certified practical examiners. Practical examiner certification workshops will be offered nationwide.

One of the selling points of the NCCER/NACB crane operator certification is the on-demand nature of the testing. NCCER has structured its certification so a crane operator can take the written and practical exams and receive results back on the same day.

For more information on NCCER/NACB's mobile crane operator certification program, visit www.nccer.org or call 888-622-3720.