NACB helps launch new US mobile crane certification programme

The not-for-profit National Centre for Construction Education and Research, affiliated with the University of Florida, has organised the scheme with training organisation North American Crane Bureau.

The highest-profile certification scheme in the industry is organised by the National Commisssion for the Certification of Crane Operators, which certifies mobile, tower and overhead crane operators, and is launching rigger and signaller certification in 2007.

The mobile crane certification program will consist of four written exams and thirteen practical exams. Each written exam focuses heavily on load charts per make and model of crane. The practical exams will test, not only hook maneuvering, but also carrier maneuvering and setting outriggers as well.

One of the major selling points of this exam will be the on demand nature of the testing. According to Richard Nickel of Orangeburg, SC-based Carolina Bridge Inc. “NCCER has structured their certification so a crane operator can take both the written and practical components, and receive the results back the same day.” Written exams will be administered by accredited NCCER test sites and the practical exams will be administered by NACB-certified practical examiners. Practical Examiner certification workshops will be offered nationwide.

The certification is based on the ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1910 standards.