Attention: All ATS Specialized Customers doing NCCCO training & testing.

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Beginning on January 1, 2024, all NCCCO written exam testing will have to be done on a computer connected to the NCCCO written testing website.

ATS will be offering two ways for you to complete the NCCCO written testing:

• Event Online Testing (EOT): This method allows for an organization, such as yours, to set up an approved testing room at your location, as long as the room, table layout, and computers meet the NCCCO requirements. Your organization would be responsible for all costs associated with setting up the room and computers. ATS will assist you in setting up your room and computer stations to meet these requirements. This method will allow your employees to complete their NCCCO written exams at your site upon completion of any classroom training. Note: Applications for E.O.T. site approval must be submitted 30 days in advance.
  
• Testing in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin: ATS is an approved E.O.T. testing facility that you can use for any NCCCO written testing that we can schedule based on your needs. If this method is used, ATS will schedule the testing date, and submit/pay for all NCCCO written candidate applications. If this method is used, ATS can still deliver the classroom training and practical testing at your location and then your employees can take their written exams in Sun Prairie to limit their time away from home. The written exams generally take two to four hours.
  

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is a non-profit agency that was established in 1995. With headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, the organization’s mission is to develop effective performance standards that promote the safe operation of cranes. Operating a crane requires certifications, training, and skills to ensure the safety of the operator, coworkers, and the general public.

Associated Training Services (ATS) offer a variety of training programs, including those that help individuals train to be crane operators, riggers, or signalpersons. These programs will qualify or certify the trainee so he or she can seek employment in the field and perform their jobs safely and as they should. ATS offers several programs that are customized to meet the needs of the different employers in the fields. Here are some of the different NCCCO certifications that are available to ATS students:

• Lattice boom crane – crawler and truck
• Large telescopic boom cranes – swing cab and rough terrain
• Small telescopic boom cranes – fixed cab and boom trucks
• Articulated cranes – knucklebooms
• Digger derricks
• Tower cranes
• Overhead cranes

Also, NCCCO Rigger 1 and NCCCO Signalperson certifications are available. ATS also offers OSHA-compliant rigging and signalperson qualifications.

The Importance of Certifications

You need to have the proper training and certifications before you go on the job site. If you don’t have the proper certifications, you and your employer could face the consequences, especially if there is an accident with injuries or damages.

To protect yourself and to help you stabilize your career and future, make sure you understand all the processes and get the right certifications. There is a demand for qualified crane operators, so it is a great career choice. To learn more about the crane operator, rigging, and signalperson training available at ATS, call (800) 383-7364 today. Financial aid is available.

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, or NCCCO

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, or NCCCO, exists as an independent, not-for-profit body that administers a nationwide program of training and certification for crane operators. Since its founding in 1996, NCCO has worked with the industry itself to develop courses and standards that reflect the requirements of the modern crane operator, both in terms of practical operational knowledge and the necessary safety requirements crane operation needs today.

Their certifications cover all kinds of cranes, including mobile, boom trucks, tower cranes, overhead cranes, and others, and include accreditation for operators, crane signal persons, riggers, and lift directors as well. Whichever program you look at though, CCO certification programs are developed alongside industry experts, and since 1998 have received formal recognition by federal OSHA as meeting their requirements.

That recognition is key, and what makes NCCCO programs such an important part of any crane operator, or any other crane professional’s career. Approved courses give student’s the skills to operate safely, it is the core of everything the NCCCO does. Training new operators, riggers, and signal persons to be safe from the very beginning of their careers, to base everything they do upon those safety choices, then it is creating a safer workplace for all.

A nationally recognized credential that is approved by the federal organization also ensures that those undertaking training programs that deliver NCCCO credentials are of a standard that meets federal requirements. That alone is crucial to finding employment in the industry, and why we here at ATS use NCCCO approved programs for all of our crane courses.

Why National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

With NCCCO approved credentials, employers know that you have the skills, knowledge, and technical understanding that is required to operate cranes safely or work as a signalperson, rigger, or in any other related position. These qualifications are recognized across the country, in any state potential employers will know that NCCO certified operators, riggers, and so on have the skills needed, and this makes building a successful career a much easier prospect. In fact, with NCCCO credentials also being recognized internationally, your crane operator career has no limits once you have achieved accreditation.

Through transparent, quality-assured standards of training and accreditation, it also ensures that every student reaches the required level, fair and open for everyone. That is true for every NCCCO course, including everyone we offer. With ATS and NCCCO, you get the very best training and qualifications that are recognized around the world. Whether you are just starting out on your journey in the industry, or an experienced hand, having NCCCO accreditation tells potential employers you have what they are looking for, and helps you to achieve your goals.

If you want to become a mobile crane operator, you’ll need to consider getting your crane certification. Of course, there are a few ways to get that certification. You can enroll in a heavy equipment training school like Associated Training Services, or you can have the training school come to your place of employment and train all of your workforce at once. That way works when you have a crew of construction workers already employed and you want them trained on the mobile crane.

The certification authority is the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). They set the standards for certification.

NCCCO is recognized internationally as the authority on certification and crane operator training. To become a certified crane operator, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be medically fit
• Comply with NCCCO’s substance abuse policy
• Pass NCCCO written exams
• Pass a practical exam within 12 months of passing the written exam
• Comply with the NCCCO code of ethics

Rather than receive the full certification, if your work entails you to specialize in a particular type of mobile crane operations, you may receive a restriction on your certification that allows you to operate that particular type of crane.

To learn more about mobile crane certification, visit the NCCCO website, and feel free to contact Associated Training Services to learn more about our training programs.

Two decades ago, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) was not thought to be such good news. This quote from their recent press release shows that the start was a bit rocky:

“Initial response to what at that time was the new and often misunderstood process of certification was mixed,” recalls Kerry Hulse, who played a leading role insteering the certification process from its infancy and currently serves the NCCCO Board of Directors as Vice President. “But as we sit here today and reflect on the progress that has been made over the years, I can certainly say it has been a remarkable journey—even one that has far exceeded the expectations of those who contributed their time and expertise to this effort for years even prior to the formation of NCCCO.”

But now, after twenty years, the proof of the benefit that nationally recognized certification provides is in the 80% decline in crane-related fatalities where such certification is in place. That’s pretty impressive. Crane operators do a dangerous job and there isn’t room for much error. The consequences of unprofessional standards with heavy equipment are severe because the machine & gravity always are stronger than the human body in an accident.

Mobile Crane Operators Are Safer With NCCCO

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School is proud to offer certified crane operator programs that give the education and practical skills needed to obtain NCCCO certification. Thousands of ATS grads are included in last year’s NCCCO milestone of 100,000 persons being rewarded with their CCO certification card. The professional training you get when you go through a nationally certified program pays off in years of working safely. Accidents do happen in cranes, but being NCCCO certified means that fewer of them happen.

It’s always a good idea to get training and receive national credentials when you are hoping to be employed in a skilled trade. But there’s a big difference between the kind of training you’d get in the backfield practicing with the farm’s equipment and the kind of training you will get at a nationally accredited training facility like ATS.

That farm equipment practice is a valuable experience, no doubt about it. You have developed a sense of where you are when operating the big machine and you have learned how to adapt to changing conditions. But you haven’t met any recognized standards of performance and a potential employer will want to know how you measure up to the standards in the industry.

Accreditation Proves You Are Professional

National credentials are accepted by educational institutions, government agencies, and industry professionals as proof you have met certain standards. The two organizations Associated Training Services works with are:

• National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

Many employers will insist that you have one of these certifications before letting you on the job site because their insurance company tells them it is a good idea. It proves the standard of training has been met. You might be up to that standard simply by having a lifetime of experience, but without the credentials, it is not easy to prove.

The experience you get on the farm or a job site is an important part of what you bring to a potential employer. Taking the time to get additional training at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School puts legitimacy into your resume by adding the appropriate credentials to prove it.

Right now, all signalpersons and riggers must meet Federal OSHA standards by being qualified. The best way to accomplish this is by getting NCCCO certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — the NCCCO. Their Rigger-1 and Signalperson certification standards are so high, this certification is recognized in the crane and lifting industries as being much more than the minimum level of expertise required to meet OSHA standards.

That’s pretty attractive when you are an employer looking for the best work crew available. Your vital signalpersons and riggers keep everybody else safe on the job site, so you want people who know what they are doing. The Rigging/Signalperson Training at ATS is one of the few places you can get the NCCCO certification while you are a student.

ATS Offers NCCCO Certification

1. OSHA Recognized, so the regulations are satisfied
2. Industry Recognized, so the skill is respected
3. Portable – goes with a person, so you can relocate without penalty
4. Opens additional job opportunities, so you have more career options
5. Short term – one week, so you can get on with your training
6. Additional credential, so it looks good on your resume and might get you the job

All these reasons are good ideas for getting your NCCCO certification and  rigging/signalperson certification. And there’s another good reason: spending that extra week to get it means you’ll know what is happening around you on the work site. You’ll understand what’s happening and be prepared to respond the right way.

Heavy Equipment Operators need to be flexible and responsive. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you are on the job. It’s a good idea to have all the certifications you can get, so your future options are wide open.

The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) are the credentialing organizations that gives Associated Training Services (ATS) advantage over other trade schools.

These credentialing standards are recognized and accepted by many industry employers. They are also accepted by government agencies and educational institutions so are eligible for financial assistance. Students who hold NCCER or NCCCO credentials are appreciated and sought after.

The National Center for Construction Education & Research

NCCER is affiliated with the University of Florida and has the mission of “fostering a productive, safe, and sustainable workforce.” This standardized curricula is what ATS uses to teach our students. All ATS instructors have completed the NCCER Instructor Certification Training Program and we employ two NCCER Master Trainers who have gone on to advanced levels.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

NCCCO was formed for the purpose of developing standards for crane operators in performance and safety procedures. These standards greatly increase the effectiveness of crane operation and reduce the risk of accidents. These standards include stimulating training, improving performance records, and recognizing professionals within the crane operation industry.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School Advantage

Because ATS utilizes these nationally recognized credentials, our graduates consistently are known as highly qualified entrants in their chosen field. Associated Training Services is proud to be a part of the legacy and promise that NCCCO and NCCER certifications bring to the skilled trade industries. A certification from either of these national credentialing organizations is an achievement to be proud of.

Crane certifications make the heavy equipment industry safer and more professional. By ensuring that workers who step foot onto the work site are trained, qualified, and certified, all of us can know with certainty that the heavy equipment industry is better for it. So who certifies crane operators?

But who is responsible for those certifications?

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is the organization that certifies qualified crane operators to ensure that workplace safety is a top priority all over the country.

Associated Training Services (ATS) fully endorses the NCCCO standards, and we hire only instructors who are certified by the NCCCO. When you are trained by a training school that recognizes and adheres to the national standards set forth by the industry itself, you can be sure that you will get the best training by the best instructors.

ATS instructors are not just certified. They are experienced professionals. In many cases, they have years of experience as crane operators themselves and many have served as safety officers and managers.

If you are ready to start your career as a certified crane operator, sign up for the ATS crane operator training. Check our class schedule to see when our next training class begins. You will be trained by the best in the business to be the best in the business.

What is NCCCO? is an acronym that stands for National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. The organization was formed in 1995 to administer the nationwide program for certifying crane operators.

The key here is nationwide. Once you’ve been certified by NCCCO, then you can go to any state and work as a crane operator.

All program guidelines and training initiatives meet OSHA guidelines for safety. That’s very important because the last thing any employer wants is a crane operator who is operating unsafely. The liability is too great. That’s why training and certification are so important.

NCCCO has spent a lot of resources to serve crane operators and employers nationwide by ensuring safety standards in training and on the workforce. These include:

• Reducing the risk of losses to employers on the work site
• Ensuring there are fewer accidents
• Maintaining a consistent training environment for crane operators
• Increasing job opportunities for crane operators

The organization enjoys support from a wide variety of industries and employers within the various industries, including training schools like ATS. Construction companies, crane rental companies, utility companies, energy companies, steel erection organizations, petrochemicals manufacturers, pulp and paper manufacturers, and government agencies at all levels support NCCCO.

NCCCO is a non-profit organization that operates within the private sector to ensure crane operators are trained safely and certified to operate cranes on any type of worksite in any state. They administer both written and practical tests to ensure proficiency in crane operations.

If you are ready to be trained and certified as a crane operator in the U.S., then look no further. ATS has the perfect training class for you.