Whether you’re certified who have passed the test five years ago or a new aspirant who is looking forward to getting certified, preparation is important on how to pass the NCCCO crane operator certification test.
To earn the much-sought-after NCCCO certification means a candidate must accomplish these two requisites: a written exam (core + specialty) and a practical test. To pass those, you must undergo training that is inlined with NCCCO guidelines.
You can choose an on-site training, which is applicable if your employer will arrange for it, or attend the class at the school’s training facility.
Any exam candidate can opt not to take the training. The training is just preparation, but if the candidate chose not to do so, his chance of failing the NCCCO test is considerably higher. It is best to recommend for every candidate to take a training class to boost their chance of succeeding.
There have been many changes since the last time you taking the exam. Current OSHA and ANSI regulations have changed since then, as well as modification of the test format. Undergoing a training class will give you a heads-up of what’s going to happen.
Helpful Guides on How to Succeed and Earn Your Certificate in Crane Operation
- Remember, training is the key to passing. So it's highly recommended that you take a preparatory class - this will boost your confidence and avoid getting intimidated before taking the actual exams. If you’re presently employed, your employer can provide you free training, if not, spend an amount by enrolling in a course offered by a private training school. Doing so will boost your chance of passing the NCCCO certification exams.
- Get a copy of the currently issued Candidate Handbook. The handbook can be downloaded for free on this website. (www.nccco.org). The handbook will give you a sneak peek of what going to be during the exam – a great study material that will boost your chance of passing the certification tests on the type of crane you want to be certified on.
- Gain as much site experience as you can. The CCO exams are designed for trained operators who are currently doing work. If you don’t have such experience tucked under your belt, get an entry-level job or have extensive training to get that much-needed experience.
- In a CCO Prep training class, load charts and sample problems will be provided for you to practice on. Study them from cover to cover. Take the notes and the warnings seriously. Because in the actual exams, solving a load chart problem is crucial to your passing. These charts can be downloaded from the CCO website, along with the sample problems.
Other Tips That Can Help You Pass the Certification Tests
Create a strategic study plan
In the absence of strategic test prep, you may find yourself grappling with answers. Incompetent to pass the exam with flying colors. And, you could end up taking another shot again. Who wants a repeat? So study. Review. You must have a strategic study plan that could nail your next certification exam.
Those who already have professional experience/s in their areas of specialization before taking the exams may need a shorter time to prepare - compared to those who have little or no experience at all. If you belong to this category, it would help if you start preparing ahead for the exam. How many months? It depends on the extent of your familiarity (or the lack of it), and your availability - especially if you have a full-time job. You have to make time to prepare for the exam.
Some "certificate seekers" allot 2-3 hours of study time per day. As there should also be ample time for reading study guides, virtual or live training, labs, and other modes of learning. You must be able to squeeze all that within the allocated timeframe and extend the hours of study to the maximum as the exam date draws nearer.
Practice – Do the Mock Test
The best preparation for a professional certification exam, according to veterans and certification providers, is practical experience or hands-on training. This gives you an in-depth knowledge of concepts. Hands-on training can make you understand the techniques better than any reading material can.
Set up a lab environment on your home computer and install the technology that you will be tested on. Practice. Know the process inside out. Or enroll in a course that emphasizes practical training.
Remember those practice tests you had in prep class? Those were meant for you to get used to taking exams. Your certification providers will give you authorized practice tests. Take them and practice. To get yourself familiar with the testing procedures. Read the explanations that come with the practice tests to help you identify your weak points, which you can later review for reassessment.
Familiarize with Technical Info
Whether you're a veteran or a newbie, jot down notes when studying. Especially about technical information - such as commands, utilities, etc. Technical details that may appear on the questionnaire. These little notes help where to focus your attention and boost the recall of things you might miss.
Learn how to summarize classroom lectures and topics. This will help you write about what you've read constructively. Analyze, and later take down notes of what's important to you.
What to Do When Taking Exams
Time is of the essence when taking exams. Learn to allocate and divide the time given to you to answer all the questions. Don't get stuck on one question when you're in doubt. Answer anyway. Or you'll end up running out of time.
Most certification exams only require a specific passing score. So a couple of wrong answers won't hurt your chances of passing the exam. Self-confidence also plays a role in taking any exam and passing it. Believe in yourself.
There will always be tricky questions in any exam. This is a way of gauging your readiness to pass it. So pay attention to details. Read each question thoroughly and understand what's required of you to answer. After months of studying and practicing, this is your moment of truth. Shine.
Composition of Crane Operator Training Course
The hands-on training. The duration of which depends on whether you are already currently employed as a crane operator with considerable experience tucked under your belt.
This training usually takes lesser time. Lessons include familiarization of new and existing rules and regulations about crane operation. (Re)Introduction to the ever-changing policies, and the latest technologies on crane operation.
For a newbie (with little or no experience at all) on the other hand, the duration of training can extend up to several months, and understandably so. Where you will be taught the basics and everything you need to know about crane operating. These lessons, study guides, practice timed tests are actually in the Candidate Handbook.
Classroom lectures include an understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of a crane operator, understanding load chart interpretations and applications, etc. You will also be taught to perform site analysis, attend live or virtual training, etc.