Tower Crane Certification
In order to legally operate a complex crane, workers must obtain tower crane certification, which requires operational and safety training and testing. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is an organization that has a nationwide program focused on the certification of crane operators. The NCCCO's programs are designed to meet OSHA regulations for crane operator safety and other standards. The organizations services are coordinated through major groups such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
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Benefits
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Certification of crane operators is considered most important to the crane industry because of safety. Construction accidents, along with injury, property damage and associated legal issues, are costly for individuals, companies and the industry overall. The most efficient way to improve safety has been the use of standardized assessment and certification to maximize the skill of crane workers to safely operate cranes. For employers, hiring an operator with a certification card assures them that they have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skill.
Requirements
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To be eligible for tower crane certification, you must at least 18 years old and meet the physical requirements, as determined via the CCO Physical Examination Form, and outlined in standard ASME B30.3. You must also pass a written examination as well as a practical exam within a 12 month period. The tests can be taken in any order preferred. The NCCCO has also set a Code of Ethics that emphasizes professional conduct, and which all certified crane operators must comply with.
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Certification
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Certification in additional categories is possible following initial certification, but the five year period will expire for all at the time the candidate was first certified. Recertification requirements, which must be completed during the year prior to when the expiration expires, include passing examinations, meeting physical requirements, complying with a substance abuse policy and complying with the Code of Ethics. However, if a crane operator documents 1,000 hours or more during the certification period, they do not have to take another practical examination.
State Licensing
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Tower crane operators may also be required to get a license from the state they reside in. The NCCCO website lists each state and city that offers licensing, and indicates which accept certification by the organization. In 2007, Utah, Nevada and Minnesota passed requirements for operators to be certified by the state. Also known as credentialing, this is the most restrictive form of certification and reflects mandatory governmental requirements, while certification is generally a voluntary process run by non-government agencies.
Other Sources
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You can find access to training classes through CraneExam.com, including those for tower cranes and many others. Among the services on the site, which has been recognized as one of the top professional trainers, are NCCCO Training and Certification and training for tower cranes. These courses include the written and practical exams. The Tower Crane School of Phoenix also offers many courses in Arizona, information on which is accessible through CraneExam.com.
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References
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- Photo Credit tower crane image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
