Crane Operator Certification in California – National Safety Partners
Crane Operator Certification Overview
National Safety Partners’ Crane Operator Certification program tailored specifically for professionals in California. Our program aligns with NCCCO standards, offering crane operator certification and crane operator training that meet California’s specific requirements. This program is designed to help you achieve your CCO certification while ensuring safe and efficient crane operation across the state.
National Safety Partners works with experts from the crane industry—operators, trainers, safety supervisors, and manufacturers—bringing together their experience to enhance the safety of professionals in California who work with cranes and lifting equipment.
Eligibility for Crane Operator Certification in California
To be eligible for the CCO certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy.
- Pass the Written Core Examination and at least one Specialty Examination.
- Pass the Practical Examination within 12 months of passing the written examination.
- Adhere to the CCO Code of Ethics.
For detailed instructions and exam applications, refer to the Candidate Handbook available for California-specific requirements.
Written Examinations for Crane Operator Certification in California
The CCO Written Examinations for California crane operators consist of a Core Examination and up to three crane Specialty Examinations:
All candidates must pass the Core Examination, which includes 90 multiple-choice questions, along with one or more Specialty Examinations, each with 26 multiple-choice questions. California candidates are required to register for both the Core and at least one Specialty Examination.
Exams can be taken via Online Proctored Testing (OPT), Test Center Testing (TCT), or Event Online Testing (EOT). For more information, visit our Crane Operator Certification Preparation.
Practical Examinations for Crane Operator Certification in California
The CCO Practical Examinations for California crane operators are available for three crane types:
- Lattice Boom Cranes (LAT)
- Telescopic Boom Cranes—Swing Cab (TLL)
- Telescopic Boom Cranes—Fixed Cab (TSS)
Candidates in California must pass both the Written Core and at least one Specialty Examination, as well as the corresponding Practical Exam, to be certified for a five-year period.
CCO Certification Timeline in California
California candidates must complete all examinations within 12 months of passing their first exam, either Written or Practical. This ensures that all certifications and specializations maintain the same expiration date. If additional designations are added within the final 24 months of the certification period, recertification for the new designation may be deferred until the next certification cycle.
Crane Safety Training Programs for California
National Safety Partners offers a range of crane safety training programs tailored to the needs of California crane operators. These programs include:
Mobile Crane Operator Safety Training
This training covers operator requirements, hand and verbal signals, crane setup, site inspections, power line safety, understanding load charts, and more. It meets the guidelines for 29 CFR 1926.1427 and is essential for safe crane operation.
NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification Preparation
This California-focused course prepares candidates to pass the NCCCO certification exams, covering all the necessary topics including rigging and signal person training.
Overhead & Gantry Crane Operator Safety Training
This program provides training on safe operating practices and inspection processes for overhead cranes, ensuring compliance with 29 CFR 1910.179(A)(35),(B)(8) and ASME B30.2 standards.
Recertification Requirements
The CCO certification for California operators is valid for five years. Recertification candidates must meet all recertification requirements during the 12 months before their certification expires. In California, candidates can also add new Specialties during recertification by completing the full examination in that Specialty.
For more information on recertification requirements, please visit our Recertification page.
Certification Policies
The following policies apply to all CCO certification programs:
- NCCCO Code of Ethics
- Disciplinary Policy
- Substance Abuse Policy
- Testing Accommodations Policy
- Change of Address Policy
- Appeals Policy and Procedures
- Information Release Policy
- Administrative Complaints Policy
These policies are detailed in the Candidate Handbooks for each program.
Certification Cards
Certified operators in California receive a laminated photo ID card at no cost upon certification, adding a designation, or recertifying. Replacement cards can be obtained from CCO for $25.
Please note that operators in California with Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab (TSS) certification also receive the Service Truck Crane (STC) certification designation.
Contact Us
For more information on crane operator certification or crane operator training in California, or to schedule a training session, please contact us. National Safety Partners is committed to helping you achieve certification and maintain safety standards across California.
