Written Exam Outline

The Core examination portion of the CCO written certification program tests the following knowledge areas relating to the operation of cranes:

Domain 1: Site (Approximately 20% of the test)

Domain 2: Operations (Approximately 26% of the test)

Domain 3: Technical Knowledge (Approximately 28% of the test)

Domain 4: Manufacturers' Load Charts (Approximately 26% of the test)

DOMAIN 1: SITE (Approximately 20% of the test)

1. Know that the suitability of the supporting surface to handle the expected loads. Elements of concern include but are not limited to:

(a) weakness below the surface such as voids, tanks and loose fill;

(b) weakness on the surface such as retaining walls, slopes, excavations and depressions.

2. Know the proper use of mats, blocking or cribbing and outriggers or crawlers as they affect the supporting surfaces to handle the expected loads of the operation.
3. Know electric power line hazards, corresponding regulations and safety practices.
4. Know how to identify and evaluate hazards associated with:

(a) access to job site

(b) site hazards such as underground utilities

(c) transportation clearances

5. Know how to review how to review lift requirements with site supervision to include determination of working height, boom length, load radius, load weight, crane capacity, travel clearance, extension of crawlers or outriggers/stabilizers and counterweights.

DOMAIN 2: OPERATIONS (Approximately 26% of the test)

1. Know which federal regulations and industry standards affect safe operation of the crane, including but not limited to ASME B30.5, B30.10, B30.23, OSHA 1910.180, 1926.550.
2. Know how to conduct daily crane inspections for unsafe conditions/deficiencies and to notify supervision of these conditions.
3. Know how to pick, carry, swing and place the load smoothly and safely on rubber tires and on outriggers/stabilizers or crawlers (where applicable).
4. Know proper procedures and methods of reeving all wire ropes and methods of reeving multiple part lines and selecting the proper load block and/or ball.
5. Know standard hand signals as specified in ASME B30.5.
6. Know how to shut down and secure the crane properly when leaving it unattended, based on manufacture's recommendations in both normal and emergency conditions.
7. Know the manufacture's recommendations for operating in various weather conditions, and understand how environmental conditions affect the safe operation of the crane.
8. Know how to verify the weight of the load and rigging prior to initiation of the lift.
9. Know how to determine where the load is to be picked up and places and how to verify the radii.
10. Know basic load and rigging procedures.
11. Know how to perform daily maintenance and inspection.
12. Know how to use the following operator aids:

(a) LMI,

(b) anit-two block device,

(c) boom angle indicator,

(d) rated load indicator,

(e) boom length indicators.

13. Know which operations reduce crane capacity or require specific procedures or skill levels such as:

(a) multi-crane lifts,

(b) suspended personnel platforms,

(c) duty cycle operations,

(d) barge operations.

14. Know the proper procedures for operating safely under the following conditions:

(a) traveling with suspended loads,

(b) approaching two-blocking,

(c) operating near electric power lines,

(d) using suspended personnel platforms,

(e) lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water,

(f) using various approved counterweight configurations,

(g) handling loads out of the operators vision ("operating in the blind"),

(h) using electronic communications techniques, such as radios, extreme weather.

15. Know the proper procedures for load control and the use of hand-held tag lines.
16. Know how to react to:

(a) electric power line contact,

(b) loss of stability,

(c) control malfunction,

(d) block and line twisting,

(e) carrier or travel malfunction.

17. Know how to properly use the outriggers in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
18. Know alternative operating procedures when operator aids malfunction.
19. Know the effects of dynamic loading from:

(a) wind

(b) stopping and starting

(c) impact loading

(d) moving load

(e) traveling with the load (pick and carry)

20. Know the effect of side loading.

DOMAIN 3: TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (Approximately 28% of the test)

1. Know the basic crane terminology and definitions.
2. Know the functions and limitations of the crane and attachments.
3. Know wire rope:

(a) construction and breaking strength, inspection procedures

(b) replacement criteria and procedures

(c) capacity and when multi-part rope is needed

(d) maintenance and lubrication, relationship between line pull and safe working load

4. Know rigging devices and their use, such as:

(a) slings

(b) spreaders

(c) lifting beams

(d) wire rope fittings, such as clips, shackles and wedge sockets

(e) saddles (softeners)

(f) clamps

(g) hook blocks and overhaul balls

5. Know the limitations of protective measures against electrical hazards.
6. Know the effects of load share and load transfer in multi-crane lifts.
7. Know the significance of the instruments, gauge readings and machine power system.
8. Know the requirements of pre-operation and inspection and maintenance.
9. Know the uses and limitations of all operational devices/aids.
10. Know how to calculate net capacity for the crane configuration using the applicable manufacture's load chart.
11. Know how to use the manufacturer-approved attachments and their effect on the cranes operation.
12. Know the principles of backward stability.

DOMAIN 4: MANUFACTURERS' LOAD CHARTS (Approximately 26% of the test)

1. Know the terminology necessary to use load charts.
2. Know how to ensure that the load chart is the appropriate chart for the machine in its particular application.
3. Know how to use capacity load charts. This includes knowing:

(a) the operational limitations of load charts and footnotes

(b) the difference between structural capacity and capacity limited by stability

(c) what is included in load chart capacity

(d) the range diagram and its relationship to the load chart

(e) the work area chart and its relationship to the load chart

(f) where to find and how to use the "parts-of-line" information

(g) the safe working load of hoist line

4. Know how to use the load chart together with the load indicators.

Information from:

http://www.nccco.org/certification/coreexam.html