5-Day NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Training Program

Comprehensive Certification & Safety Training – 3P Safety

Program Overview

The 5-Day NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Training Program is an intensive course designed to prepare crane operators for NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) certification in Telescopic Boom Cranes – Fixed Cab (TSS) and Swing Cab (TLL).

The program blends classroom instruction, hands-on operation, safety training, and exam preparation to ensure candidates meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 qualification requirements. By the end of this course, trainees will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to operate mobile cranes safely, perform pre-operational inspections, read and interpret load charts, and pass the NCCCO written and practical exams.

Duration: 5 Days (Approximately 50–60 Contact Hours)
Class Size: 4–8 Students (Ideal for hands-on instruction)
Prerequisites:

• Minimum 18 years old

• Physically capable of operating a crane

• Basic understanding of construction terminology and safety principles

Training Goals

Upon completion of this 5-day program, trainees will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of mobile crane components, terminology, and functions.

2. Perform pre-operational inspections and recognize unsafe conditions.

3. Understand and comply with OSHA and ASME/ANSI standards for crane operations.

4. Calculate load weights, center of gravity, and apply load chart data correctly.

5. Execute safe lifting operations, including rigging and signaling.

6. Successfully pass the NCCCO written and practical exams for TSS and TLL certifications.

Day 1: Safety, Regulations, and Crane Fundamentals

Classroom (8 Hours)

Morning Session (Safety & Regulations)

• Introduction to NCCCO and certification requirements

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1400 Subpart CC overview

• Power line safety and minimum approach distances

• Site hazard identification and lift planning

• PPE requirements and safe work practices

Afternoon Session (Crane Fundamentals)

• Introduction to mobile crane types: TSS vs. TLL

• Basic crane components and functions:

  • Carrier, upperworks, boom, jib, counterweights

  • Wire rope, blocks, hooks, and sheaves

  • Load Moment Indicator (LMI) and anti-two-block devices

• Crane terminology and load dynamics (center of gravity, radius, tipping axis)

Hands-On Activity:

• Walk-around inspection of a mobile crane, identifying components and safety devices

• Review of safety decals, warning labels, and operator’s manual

End-of-Day Assessment: 15-question quiz on safety and crane components

Day 2: Rigging & Signal Person Training

Classroom & Field (8 Hours)

Morning Session (Rigging Fundamentals)

• Sling types and inspection (wire rope, chain, synthetic)

• Hitch types: vertical, choker, basket

• Rigging hardware: shackles, hooks, eyebolts, master links

• Load weight calculation and center of gravity determination

• OSHA and ASME B30.9 rigging safety standards

Afternoon Session (Signal Person Training)

• Standard hand signals (per ASME B30.5)

• Voice and radio communication protocols

• Blind lift coordination and signaler/operator teamwork

• OSHA Subpart CC signal person qualification requirements

Hands-On Activity:

• Rigging and lifting a test load using proper hardware and signals

• Practicing hand signals and radio calls with the operator in simulated scenarios

End-of-Day Assessment: Practical evaluation of sling selection and hand signaling

Day 3: Load Charts, Pre-Operational Inspections & Setup

Classroom & Field (8–10 Hours)

Morning Session (Load Charts & Capacity Calculations)

• How to read a mobile crane load chart

• Fixed cab vs. swing cab chart differences

• Calculating rated capacities based on:

  • Boom length and angle

  • Radius and outrigger configuration

  • Multi-part line reeving and deductions for blocks & rigging

• Capacity reduction factors: side loading, wind, and pick-and-carry operations

Afternoon Session (Pre-Operational Inspections & Setup)

• Daily and shift inspections:

  • Hydraulic systems, wire rope, sheaves, hooks, electrical components

  • Safety devices: LMI, RCI, anti-two-block, outrigger interlocks

• Crane setup procedures:

  • Outrigger placement, cribbing, and ground bearing calculations

  • Leveling and lift area barricading

  • Pre-lift meeting and communication plan

Hands-On Activity:

• Perform a full pre-operation inspection of the training crane

• Practice proper outrigger setup and machine leveling

End-of-Day Assessment: Written exercise on load chart problem-solving

Day 4: Mobile Crane Operations & Practical Exam Preparation

Field-Focused (10 Hours)

Morning Session (Basic Operations)

• Smooth startup and shutdown procedures

• Booming up/down, telescoping, and swinging the load

• Hoisting and lowering loads with controlled movements

• Traveling with a load (TLL cranes only)

Afternoon Session (Advanced Operations & NCCCO Practical Prep)

• Simulated NCCCO practical exam course:

  • Zig-zag corridor travel

  • Precision load pick, swing, and placement

  • Stop, hold, and control exercises

• Evaluation of operator accuracy, smoothness, and safety compliance

Hands-On Activity:

• Each trainee performs a series of practical exercises under instructor supervision

• Feedback and correction of unsafe practices or test errors

Day 5: Review, Written Exam Simulation & Final Practical

Classroom & Field (8–10 Hours)

Morning Session (Written Exam Preparation)

• Core exam review:

  • Safety, site hazards, load dynamics

  • Crane components & operational aids

• Specialty exam review (TSS & TLL):

  • Load chart interpretation and capacity calculation problems

  • Deduction exercises for rigging, blocks, and jibs

• Timed practice written exam with instructor feedback

Afternoon Session (Final Practical & Evaluation)

• Mock NCCCO practical exam using official course layout

• Evaluation on:

  • Pre-operation inspection

  • Smooth operation and control

  • Accuracy of load placement and obstacle navigation

• Instructor debrief and individual readiness assessment

Completion Requirements:

• Passing score on internal written and practical assessments

• Demonstrated competency in safe mobile crane operation

• Recommendation for NCCCO Written & Practical Exams

Program Completion & Certification Path

Upon completing this 4 to 5-day program, trainees will receive a 3P Safety Mobile Crane Operator Training Certificate acknowledging OSHA-compliant training.

Next steps for certification:

1. Schedule and take the NCCCO written exam (Core + TSS/TLL Specialty).

2. Complete the NCCCO practical exam on the appropriate crane type.

3. Maintain compliance with NCCCO recertification (every 5 years).