The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) said last week it will now issue color-coded CCO cards for operators, riggers, signalpersons, crane inspectors, practical examiners, and auditors. This new policy has been adopted in response to the growth in the range of certification programs offered by NCCCO as well as the need to readily identify qualifications in the field.

“CCO cards are nationally accepted as official proof of certification and the new cards have been redesigned to meet all federal OSHA and state requirements,” said Kerry Hulse, NCCCO chairman. “The new cards also will make it easier for employers and government authorities to readily determine the qualifications of those working onsite by including details about the certifications, such as the types of signals in which a signalperson is certified.”

In 1996, when NCCCO launched its original Mobile Crane Operator certification program, only two CCO credentials were available: one for certified operators and one for the practical examiners, who administer the hands-on tests required for certification. Since then, NCCCO has introduced certifications for tower (2004), overhead (2005) and articulating crane operators (2010), and it has also developed certifications for signalpersons (2008), riggers (2009) and crane inspectors (2011). NCCCO auditors, who play a critical role in ensuring the continued integrity of all CCO certification programs, also will receive a new card under the new policy.

“NCCCO’s program growth has led to the decision to provide separate cards to each category of NCCCO-affiliated personnel,” said Graham Brent, NCCCO executive director. “The color coding NCCCO has adopted will ensure fast and effective identification of qualifications on the job site.”

CCO operator certification cards continue to have a black band across the bottom, while signalperson and rigger cards have a green band, and crane Inspector cards have a blue band. A brown band has been selected for practical examiner cards, while auditor cards have a red band. The information on the back of the cards also has been tailored to reflect each program's particular requirements.

Currently NCCCO has nine crane operator designations, three crane inspector designations, two rigger designations and a signalperson designation. New certifications for digger derrick operators and lift directors are currently in development for launch before the end of 2012.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1995 by the industry to develop and administer a nationwide program for the certification of crane operators and related personnel. Since then, NCCCO has administered more than r 625,000 nationally accredited written and practical examinations to more than 170,000 operators in all 50 states.