What You Can Do About Your Service Truck Certification or Recertification Right Now
Below information is derived from the nccco.org website. Crawford Custom Consulting, Inc. fully endorses the national certification program offered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) and provides training to prepare candidates for the NCCCO test(s).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The CCO Service Truck Crane Operator certification (STC) is a subcategory of the CCO Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab (TSS) certification [similar to the CCO Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF) certification] and was developed specifically for the industries that use these smaller machines.
Service truck cranes are identified by their telescopic boom, where the base and mast structure is not integral to the stabilizer/outrigger system. Lifting is typically accomplished via a winch (electric or hydraulic) and its functions (rotation, elevation, telescoping) are either powered or manual. These machines tend to have relatively shorter boom lengths (10–35 ft) and lower capacities (1–7 Tons) as compared to other Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab machines (e.g., Boom Trucks, Carry Deck cranes). Additionally, operations are usually conducted by the use of radio remote or pendant control with the operator standing on the ground following the load. The illustration below shows the components and terminology typically associated with service truck cranes (download print-quality PDF).
Please note that the CCO Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab Operator (TSS) and Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF) certifications cover service truck cranes. Operators of service truck cranes who currently possess a TSS or BTF certification are not required to also posses the Service Truck Crane Operator certification. The reverse is not true, however. STC certification is intended only for operators of service truck cranes and not for those who operate larger Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab or Boom Truck—Fixed Cab cranes. To be certified to operate all TSS cranes, candidates must achieve the full TSS certification (Core + TSS specialty written + TSS practical). To be certified to operate all BTF cranes, candidates much achieve the full BTF certification (Core + BTF specialty written +TSS practical taken on a boom truck).
HOW TO BECOME CCO CERTIFIED
Visit Online Registration for instructions in applying for and taking CCO Written and Practical Exams; visit How to Recertify for instructions on recertification.
ELIGIBILITY
Requirements for certification include the following:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy
- Pass the STC Written Examination (testing available at Crawford Custom Facilities)
- Pass the STC Practical Examination (testing available at Crawford Custom Facilities)
- Comply with the NCCCO Code of Ethics
CERTIFICATION POLICIES
The following policies apply to all CCO certification programs:
- NCCCO Code of Ethics
- Disciplinary Policy
- Substance Abuse Policy
- Testing Accommodations
- Appeals Policy and Procedures
- Information Release Policy
- Change of Address Policy
- Administrative Complaints Policy
These policies are also covered in the Candidate Handbooks for each program.
CCO WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The Service Truck Crane Operator Written Examination consists of a single comprehensive exam with 70 questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the exam. Please note that candidates for the Service Truck Crane Operator program are not required to take the Mobile Crane Operator Core Exam.
Candidate results are reported as a scaled score, with a score of 70 representing the minimum passing score for this test. Written exam score reports include a strength and weakness report by content domain.
CCO PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
The Service Truck Crane Operator Practical Exam demonstrates crane operation proficiency. It consists of five main tasks that increase progressively in the skill level tested. Skills tested are: inspecting the equipment, hoisting, booming, swinging, following hand signals, and combination (multifunction) operations. Crane operation with load and without load is required.
Both the Practical Examination and the scoring system have been validated and verified by NCCCO’s pilot testing program. A score of 70 represents the minimum passing score for Mobile Crane Practical Examinations.
CCO CERTIFICATION TIME FRAMES
Candidates must pass both the STC Written and Practical Exams within twelve months of each other. Candidates may take their Written and Practical Exams in either order.
Candidates for certification or recertification may petition for an extension of NCCCO’s standard timeline(s). NCCCO staff shall have the discretion to make the initial determination of whether a requested extension should be granted. Petitions for an extension of time are generally denied absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Denials of such petitions may be appealed to the Appeals Committee.
CERTIFICATION CARDS
Certified operators receive a laminated photo ID card at no cost when they certify for the first time, add a designation, or complete the requirements for recertification.
Please note that all TSS-certified operators will also receive the STC certification designation because Service Truck cranes are a subcategory of Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab cranes. Click here for additional information.
Replacement cards may be obtained from NCCCO at a cost of $25 and ordered online.
Certification cards remain the property of NCCCO, are not transferable, and must be returned to NCCCO upon demand.
RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
NCCCO certification is valid for five years. Candidates who can attest to at least 500 hours of crane-related experience during their period of certification do not need to take the Practical Exam to recertify. Crane-related experience is defined as: operating, maintaining, inspecting, or training on cranes.
Recertification candidates must complete all recertification requirements during the 12 months prior to their certification’s expiration date. There is no grace period after their certification expires. Candidates whose certification has lapsed must take both the regular Written and Practical Examinations again to be certified again.