The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is a challenging certification that is properly accredited and recognized by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). The In-person testing will phase out by the end of 2023, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the new processes and tools. So, how do you help your team prepare for NCCCO computer testing?
How Is the Process the Same as Written Testing?
Whether taking the written test with a sheet of paper, with online proctored testing (OPT) using a keyboard, or event online testing (EOT), you still need to master the same required material for the NCCCO exam:
- Exam Material: The exams have similar content and structure, ensuring consistency and fairness.
- Practical Exams: You must be proficient enough to maneuver the CCO course successfully within the exam parameters.
- Load Charts: Proficiency in reading Load Charts to calculate crane limitations is required.
Types of Exams
The CCO certification programs encompass various load-handling equipment and other related operations. These certificates, the most comprehensive in the industry, comply with standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and meet the requirements set by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
CICB offers a range of role-specific CCO preparatory training, along with the accompanying exams, for the following lifting industry professions:
- Mobile crane operator
- Overhead crane operator
- Rigger
- Signalperson
- Crane inspector
- Lift director
The best way to study the material is in one of our prep programs. Before enrolling in our preparatory programs, take our NCCCO practice tests to gauge your knowledge.
Which New Tools Do You Need to Master?
All CCO tests will be administered online. This means that you need to master the new testing platform in addition to the learning material.
Testing Platform
As CCO testing will no longer include physical paper, knowing how to prepare for online testing is crucial. The essential aspect is navigating the portal and familiarizing yourself with the demo exam, ensuring you can log in and navigate the test and supplemental components effectively.
To get ready to use the new testing platform, follow these steps:
To get ready to use the new testing platform, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the official myCCO portal page.
- Register as an existing candidate or a new user and create an account.
- Enter your email address and authenticate it using the verification code sent to you.
- Create your myCCO password and enter your name and date of birth.
- Read through and agree to the CCO terms and conditions.
- Complete your profile to access your CCO ID.
- Find your CCO ID on your dashboard to give to your test site coordinator.
Verify the latest process on NCCCO.org.
To take the CCO online practice test, follow these steps:
- Log into your myCCO portal account.
- Navigate to the Candidate Resources section on your dashboard.
- Click on the Launch Demo Exam button under the Candidate Resource section.
To be successful in your online CCO exam, take this demo exam multiple times until you are comfortable using the testing platform. Familiarize yourself with answering the mock questions and navigating the following tools and onscreen supplements:
- Tools:
- Whiteboard
- Marker
- Load charts
- CalculatorWhiteboard
- Highlighter
- Strikethrough
NCCCO Computer Testing Made Easy
The easiest way to prepare for testing online is by training with the experts. That is why our training is facilitated by subject matter experts who are certified in the programs they teach and stay up to date with the latest exam processes. We are fully prepared to help you transition from written to computer-based NCCCO testing.
Benefits to Testers
Students at CICB benefit by studying with seasoned professionals who are:
- CCO-certified operators, riggers, signalperson, lift directors, and inspectors.
- Accredited CCO practical examiners who have administered over 16,000 practical exams.
- Trained, evaluated, and designated as Qualified and Competent in Adult Learning Principles as trainers by the Bob Pike Institute.
- Equipped with more than 600 years of combined dedicated crane experience.
- Able to provide insights on the latest CCO test-taking practices.
Benefits of CICB CCO Prep Programs to Employers
When you entrust CICB with your employee training and CCO test administration, you receive a complete turn-key solutions, including the following:
- Students complete their studying, practical exams, and testing, all in one location that offers computers onsite for both group and individual examination.
- CICB coordinates student application paperwork with the NCCCO to ensure a seamless process.
- Hands-on training and preparation for practical exam options for less experienced operators are available.
- We ensure all NCCCO computer-based testing and practical exams are administered to CCO’s latest standards.
The CICB prep programs, therefore, benefit employers in the following ways:
- The CCO prep process is simpler to schedule.
- You experience reduced operational down time.
- The application process is simplified for you.
- You have a dedicated point of contact for the entire process.
Official EOT Test Site
CICB's Houston and Orlando facilities are now official Event Online Testing (EOT) sites. EOT is one of the options replacing CCO's Paper Pencil Testing (PPT) for written exams. The new test sites allow students to take the exams they study for at our facilities.
Our Training Facilities
We offer courses for crane operators, inspectors, lift directors, riggers, supervisors, and management safety awareness.
Our Houston training center includes three classrooms and has the following features and cranes for hands-on training:
- Virtual Reality (VR) simulator
- 8-ton fixed cab
- 15-ton swing cab
- 80-ton lattice boom crawler
- Articulating boom crane
- Overhead crane
- Gantry crane
- Aerial work platform
Our Orlando training center includes three classrooms and has the following cranes for hands-on training:
- Virtual Reality (VR) simulator
- 8-ton fixed cab
- 17-ton fixed cab
- 22-ton swing cab
- 80-ton lattice boom crawler
- Portable gantry crane
How CCO Online Testing Benefits the Industry:
Switching to NCCCO computer-based testing offers the following benefits to the lifting industry:
- Enhanced efficiency: The process is streamlined so students can receive results instantly after testing. Additionally, removing paper, pencil testing reduces the associated administration and logistics.
- Modernization of tests: Transitioning to computer-based testing keeps up with the times and streamlines the process.
- Enhanced security: Besides flexibility, computer-based testing provides enhanced security as every test component is administered through the CCO online portal.
- Flexible Scheduling: Candidates have an easier process for scheduling and rescheduling their exams.
Choose CICB for Your CCO Preparatory Training and Testing
The lifting industry is guided by various standards and regulations. Whether taking a CCO test, wanting to advance your employees' knowledge, or promoting workplace confidence, investing in training is always a wise choice. It enhances legal compliance, improves safety, helps mitigate risk, and saves time and money.
CICB has been providing world-class education since 1969 and has all the services you need to master your NCCCO certification exams in one location. Browse our preparatory courses for CCO certifications and complete our online contact form to request information or to book your CCO prep training. Alternatively, call us at 888-327-4320 for immediate assistance.
