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.
  

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.

In any construction site, no matter what crane is being used, from the smallest loader crane to the largest tower crane, there is a certain amount of danger once a load is off the ground. Safety is a crucial aspect of any crane operation, and riggers are central to that safety, with the crane operator making up a team that oversees every aspect of the crane operation on site.

The rigging team is responsible for all aspects of a lift, from the rigging of the load to ensure it has the required support and stability by organizing the cables and so on. This is where the rigging reference comes from, a throwback to the times of sailboats, but the rigger’s duties do not stop there, they also take part in the monitoring of the process throughout the lift. The other aspect of rigging that is incredibly important for safety is the signalperson. The signalperson relays the load condition, observations of the team, and other details to the crane operator themselves throughout the process.

Each of these positions is essential for site safety, the load riggers assess the weight, balance, and size of the load, setting up the pulleys and cable system to ensure a safe lift, so safety actually begins well before the lifting process is even started. During the lift, the signalperson will help control the lift and is an essential rigger position. With modern construction requiring ever larger and heavier loads to be moved, the rigger team is crucial to keeping the site safe during the lift, aiding and advising the crane operator throughout the process. Safe crane operation really is a team effort, and riggers are crucial to that team’s success.

Of course, for that team to work effectively and efficiently to maintain safety, training is essential, but the right training is even more important. There is specific OSHA qualification for riggers and signalpersons, and those qualifications can open doors to a new and rewarding career as a rigger or signalperson.

Here at ATS, we believe safety on site is one of the most important aspects of the construction industry today, and we are proud to offer OSHA-compliant courses for both riggers and signalpersons that go beyond the basic requirements.

Our qualification program for either rigger or signalperson meets OSHA requirements, and features both written and practical instruction and testing over 8 to 12 hours, resulting in each student receiving a qualification compliance card issued by Associated Training Services upon successful completion.

Moving on, our Certification Program for riggers and signalperson exceeds the OSHA qualification standard, and again, includes both written and practical training and testing over a 4-day period. Successful completion brings with it NCCCO Rigging Level One and NCCCO Signal Person Certifications, providing a valuable skillset that employers are actively seeking.

Whatever career you are looking at within the heavy machinery or trucking industry, whether crane operator, haul truck driver, or something else, the journey begins with high-quality training and national credentials. Here is where you hone your skills, in the classroom and on-site, to be able to operate in a safe, effective manner, enabling any student to build a successful career with in-demand skills.

However, there are a lot of choices when it comes to training, and finding the right course can be a little overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be though if you know what to look for. Quality tuition is a must, delivered by industry experts through engaging classroom content and practical, onsite experience that prepares students for all aspects of the job. It is this in-depth understanding of the job and its requirements, along with the practical experience that only hands-on instruction can provide, which gives students the confidence to take on the responsibilities and succeed in their chosen careers.

But having all of that skill and understanding is only of use if employers understand that you have them. In this competitive industry, having the right skills is essential to land that job, especially when first starting out.  That is why our training courses deliver nationally recognized credentials, from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Our crane operator examinations are all NCCCO certified, with both written and practical tests, and this combination of NCCER and NCCCO recognition provides a solid base of national recognition for our students. Not only does it guarantee the quality of instruction, but ensures that every student’s achievements and abilities are acknowledged countrywide, by employers, regulators, and others throughout their career. For any student looking to build a career as a crane operator, this should be an essential part of any course you look at.

Crane operators are some of the most skilled people operating on any site, being able to maneuver such large equipment and their loads with such precision can be awe-inspiring to watch. It’s why so many people love cranes, but there is also an inherent danger in crane work, and the potential for accidents is greater than with most other site equipment.

While modern technology, new construction techniques, and increasingly skilled operators mean that accidents today are much rarer than even 30 years ago, every accident is still one too many, and as such, we should never stop looking for ways to eliminate them. Accidents come in all shapes and sizes of course, tipping over in extreme weather is one type of accident that has been seen in recent years, a consequence of the increase in the size of cranes in general. However, many accidents can be attributed to human error, whether that is an operational or communication failure, maintenance deficiencies, or even a failure to follow safe practices by site workers.

The issue of extreme weather is one that can be dealt with through more closely monitoring weather reports, allowing preparation for the conditions, however for others where human error is responsible, then education is the solution. Specific, professional crane operation training is proven to give operators the confidence and knowledge to operate these ever more complex, large cranes more safely. However, it is not just the physical operation of a crane that training can improve, although, with such heavy loads today, that aspect is crucial for onsite safety. For operators, increased training can also help them spot potential safety issues on-site before they occur.

This could be potential communication issues that a specific site brings, it could be worker positioning during the movement of a load or when checking over equipment before the operation to recognize maintenance issues. It is the ability to see a problem before it becomes one, through understanding where the risk is and what it looks like, in every aspect of the crane operator’s job, that makes regular crane operation training so important.

Crane Operator Training

As every year cranes are becoming larger and more complex, so the need for training on these new machines becomes more important, the need to understand all aspects of operation, including safety being critical. With larger loads, larger cranes, tighter deadlines, and tighter budgets ensuring that crane operation remains as safe as possible increases the responsibility placed on operators and site management. While errors can never be completely eliminated, having the required training provides operators with the skills and knowledge to operate a crane safely, and just as importantly, recognize where issues for the safety of the crane and those around it could be compromised before an accident occurs. Crane operator training today is not just important, it is essential.

It’s probably crossed your mind already, just what is it like to be a crane operator? If there is one job that everyone sees being done that makes us think, it is the crane operator. But what is the job actually like for those that take on the training and go out and do it?

The first task of the day, no matter what kind of crane is being operated, is safety. Whether a mobile crane or a tower crane, giving things a check over is important. For mobile cranes, this means a once-over before setting off to the site, for a tower crane, operators check the crane at each stage as they climb to the cab. Responsibility, as shown by the safety checks, is a big part of being a crane operator, and that is why it can be so appealing. You are responsible for your crane, yourself, and the loads you move.

For mobile cranes, finding today’s site is the next challenge, moving large cranes around is itself a skill, but with each new site is a new work environment, and those ever-changing surroundings mean that life for a crane operator is never routine, never dull.

Operating the crane itself is, of course, the main part of the day, and is an exercise in precision and teamwork. Crane operators take responsibility, but they also need a team to guide them as loads are moved. Hand signals, radios, and even flags are all tools that allow the team to work seamlessly and safely to get the job done. Many people think a crane operator’s day is a lonely one, but the truth is that it takes a team to make it work. Operators may be alone in a cab, but they are never on their own on a site.

It can be long days, sometimes 12 hours on big projects, but that combination of responsibility, skill, and teamwork makes crane operators something unique. It also makes the work day for crane operators unique as well, which is why we see those cranes and wonder what it would be like. If you like the idea of something different every day, working as a team and taking on responsibility for yourself and others, it’s time to think about that crane operator training for yourself.

There are a lot of reasons to seek equipmen certification for heavy equipment operations. Whether you want to be a crane operator, drive commercial trucks, or operate other types of equipment such as backhoes and forklifts, getting national certification benefits you and your employer.

Here are several ways national certification works for your benefit:

• It ensures that there is a recognized safety standard everywhere you go. You will not be subject to the whims of any employer.
• You can be confident of your skills as a heavy equipment operator and know that you can operate the proper equipment on any work site.
• You will become more competitive in the field of heavy equipment operators as certification narrows the field of potential employees.
• National certification ensures that heavy equipment employers provide the best service to their clients and cuts down on the potential for lawsuits by making operators on the work site follow the same set of core standards.

National certification is one of the most important aspects of the heavy equipment industry today. Operators who have their certification are more employable, more trustworthy, and more likely to hold onto long-term employment.

Get your heavy equipment training today. Get certified as a Class A CDL driver, heavy equipment crane operator, or all-around heavy equipment expert.

There is a lot to think about for those individuals who are interested in a career as a crane operator. There is of course your crane operator training and then finding that all-important first job. You should also give serious thought to the type of crane you wish to operate, however, don’t expect to undertake training then walk into a job operating one of those large high-rise building cranes – it just won’t happen. They require the skills of very experienced operators. Whilst training and employment are important, you will also need to consider how you intend funding your training, whether or not you can travel each day to attend training, and the impact your training may have on your family.

The easiest path is to find a training school such as ATS that delivers a complete crane operator training program. This includes assistance with finance to cover your training costs, assistance with housing while attending training, and assistance to find that first job after you have completed your training. You will also need to complete the requirements for certification as a crane operator – you will need this certification to be eligible for employment as a crane operator. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools can also help you obtain this certification.

By having everything handled under the one training program, you remove any stress from yourself. This means you can concentrate on your training. It also helps to reduce the effect that training may have on your family. It only takes three weeks of training to gain the skills required to commence work as a crane operator, and with crane operators earning lucrative pay checks each month, you’ll very quickly recover the costs of your training.

Crane operator training programs commence every three weeks, and they often fill quickly due to limited class sizes. We believe in giving our students as much in-the-seat training as possible whilst also ensuring they receive classroom-based training in safety and theoretical areas. Looking for a career as a crane operator? Take away the hassles by looking for a complete crane operator training program.

It doesn’t matter what sort of training you undertake. It is going to cost you. If you were buying a car or a washing machine, for example, you would ensure you were getting value for money, so the same should hold true for training. When it comes to crane operator training, you can undertake basic training, which will provide you with some of the skills required, or you can undertake training that leads to a national certification.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools goes one better. We deliver crane operator training and follow that with NCCCO-approved assessments and certifications. Employers cannot employ a crane operator unless they are certified, so it makes sense to walk away from your crane operator training with that certification, not just the basic skills. The ATS training program includes options for:

• Training on swing cab boom cranes,
• Training on rough terrain boom cranes,
• Training on fixed cab cranes,
• Training on fixed boom trucks,
• Professional lattice boom crane instruction,
• Articulated crane training (aka knuckleboom crane),
• OSHA-compliant rigging & signalperson training,
• NCCCO written exams, and
• NCCCO practical exams.

Our training methods and standards are up-to-date and designed with future employment specifically in mind. We want our graduates to have long and successful careers as crane operators – you are, after all, our best advertisements. Your success helps us to remain successful with a philosophy we have held over fifty years, and one that has been maintained through our strong reputation with industry.

If you are interested in a rewarding and interesting career as a crane operator, then talk to us about your training options. You’ll be surprised at how quickly we can have you ready to commence work as a crane operator.

Work places have become quite tricky when it comes to following OSHA guidelines. In many jobs, your primary role may be very easily defined, however, it’s your secondary tasks that could cause confusion – and problems if you’re not very careful. Truck driving is one job where problems could arise.

Truck drivers that deliver pallet loads of building bricks to construction sites are often required to use a small crane boom that is attached to the truck. Rather than being a truck driver, they are now crane operators, and as such they require all the crane operator training and certifications that full-time crane operator receive. Small cranes, even those attached to the back of delivery trucks, require skills that go above and beyond those of a truck driver.

Small crane operators still need to assess the load, stabilize their vehicle, and ensure the load is moved safely and in accordance with crane operator guidelines – hence the requirement for certification as a crane operator. The upside for truck drivers who are certified to operate a crane is that they have a secondary occupation they can fall back on if times are tough in the trucking industry – not that there’s any likelihood of that in the foreseeable future.

If you have a commercial drivers license and you want to extend your skills base, consider crane operator training. If there is always a demand for truck drivers who are multi-skilled, another example being truck drivers who can also drive heavy equipment on and off flat bed trailers. You can learn these skills in less than a month and they will provide a lifetime of employment opportunities.