CCO Certification - Written Exam Outline

• Domain 1: Site (Approximately 20% of the test- 16 Questions)
• Domain 2: Operations (Approximately 26% of the test- 21 Questions)
• Domain 3: Technical Knowledge (Approximately 28% of the test- 22 Questions )
• Domain 4: Manufacturers' Load Charts (Approximately 26% of the test- 21 Questions)

• Lattice Boom Truck Cranes
• Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes
• Large Telescopic Boom Cranes (above 17.5 Tons)
• Small Telescopic Boom Cranes (up to 17.5 Tons)

• Domain 1: Site (Approximately 12% of the test – 3 Questions)
• Domain 2: Operations (Approximately 30% of the test – 8 Questions)
• Domain 3: TechnIcal Knowledge (Approximately 23% of the test –6 Questions)
• Domain 4: Manufacturers' Load Charts (Approximately 35% of the test – 9 Questions)

DOMAIN 1: SITE

(Approximately 20% of the test- 16 Questions)

1. Know the ability 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 ability of 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 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- 21 Questions)

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 manufacturer’s recommendations in both normal and emergency conditions.
7. Know the manufacturer’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 placed and how to verify the radii.
10. Know basic load rigging procedures.
11. Know how to perform daily maintenance and inspection
12. Know how to use the following operator aids:

(a) LMI,
(b) anti-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 platform,
    (e) lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water,
    (f) using various approved counterweight configurations,
    (g) handling loads out of the operator's 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.
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 the load,
    (e) traveling with load (pick and carry).
20. Know the effect of side loading.

DOMAIN 3: TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

(Approximately 28% of the test- 22 Questions )

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,
   (b) inspection procedures,
   (c) replacement criteria and procedures,
   (d) capacity and when multi-part rope is needed,
   (e) maintenance and lubrication,
   (f) 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 systems.
8. Know the requirements of pre-operational inspections 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 manufacturer's load chart.
11. Know how to use 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- 21 Questions)

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.

SPECIALTY EXAMINATION

DOMAIN 1: SITE

(Approximately 12% of the test – 3 Questions)

1. Know the proper use of mats, blocking or cribbing and outriggers or crawlers as they affect the suitability of supporting surfaces to handle the expected loads of the operation.
2. Know the limitations of machine clearances, extension of crawlers or outriggers/stabilizers and counterweights.

(Approximately 30% of the test – 8 Questions)

1. Know how to inspect the crane for unsafe conditions, complete required records and communicate the unsafe conditions to the proper authority.
2. Know how to pick, carry, swing and place the load smoothly and safely on rubber tires and on outriggers/stabilizers or crawlers (where applicable).
3. Know proper boom assembly and disassembly techniques:
   (a) lattice booms,
   (b) extension and retraction of “power pinned” and/or manual boom “extension”,
   (c) erection and dismantling of lattice extension jibs.
4. Know how to react to changes in conditions that affect the safe operation of the crane.
5. Know how to shut down and secure the crane properly when leaving it unattended.
6. Know how to prepare the crane for transportation by loading or unloading on trailers and be familiar with the differences between rail and barge loading.
7. Know how to move the crane (no load) safely under its own power:
   (a) between job sites.
   (b) within job sites.
   (c) loading and unloading on trailers.
8. Know the manufacturer’s specifications for operating in various weather conditions and understand how environmental conditions affect the safe operation of the crane.
9. Know how to properly level the crane.
10. Know how to perform daily maintenance and inspection.
11. Know how to use the following operator aids:
    (a) wind indicator,
    (b) anti-two block device,
    (c) boom angle indicator,
    (d) boom angle device,
    (e) boom length indicators,
    (f) drum rotation indicators.
12. 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) using other than full outrigger/crawler extensions.
    (f) lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water.
    (g) using various approved counterweight configurations.
    (h) handling loads out of the operator’s vision (operating in the blind).
    (i) using electronic communication techniques, such as radios.
13. Know emergency response procedures for:
    (a) fire control,
    (b) electric power line contact,
    (c) loss of stability,
    (d) control malfunction,
    (e) two-blocking,
    (f) overload,
    (g) Carrier or travel malfunction.

DOMAIN 3: TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

(Approximately 23% of the test –6 Questions)

1. Know the functions and limitations of the crane and attachments.
2. Know basic crane terms.
3. Know the basics of machine power flow systems:
   (a) mechanical,
   (b) electrical,
   (c) pneumatic,
   (d) hydraulic,
   (e) combination.
4. Know how the boom hoist and load hoist(s) are driven and engaged to the power source.
5. Know the requirements of standard and optional controls.
6. Know the requirements of pre-operation inspection and maintenance.
7. Know how to use operational assist devices which include:
   (a) anti-two block,
   (b) load moment indicators and rated load indicators,
   (c)outrigger position indicators,
   (d) mechanical levels,
   (e) boom angle indicators,
   (f) load indicating devices,
   (g) boom stops and boom hoist disconnect,
   (h) radius indicators,
   (i) drum rotation indicators boom length indicators,
8. Know how to use manufacturer approved attachments and their effect on the crane.
9. Know the function and safe use of crawler position (extended or retracted), outriggers, and /or stabilizers.
10. Know how to assemble and disassemble boom sections, extensions and jib.

DOMAIN 4: MANUFACTURERS' LOAD CHARTS

(Approximately 35% of the test – 9 Questions)

1. Know the terminology necessary to use load charts.
2. Know how to use load charts. For example:
   (a) the operational limitations of load charts and footnotes.
   (b) how to relate the chart to the configuration of the crane, crawlers or outriggers extended or retracted, jib erected or offset, and various counterweight configurations.
   (c) the difference between structural capacity and capacity limited by stability.
   (d) what is included in load chart capacity.
   (e) the range diagram and its relationship to the load chart.
   (f) the work area chart and its relationship to the load chart.
   (g) where to find and how to use the “parts-of-line” information.
3. Know how to calculate net capacity for allowable configurations of the crane using the manufacturer’s load chart.