Overhead Crane Certified Operator (OCCO)
The CICC offers a certification and the Overhead Certified Crane Operator (OCCO) designation to those candidates who meet the standards set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction and OSHA 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes.
The OCCO program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely work in overhead crane operations in the United States and Canada. The OCCO designation indicates competence in the following areas:
- Properly identify potential hazards when operating the crane
- Properly inspect all components of an overhead crane (e.g., load lines, drums, control functions)
- Properly operate the crane through all functions without excessive swinging or shock loading
- Properly identify and follow all OSHA/ANSI voice and hand signals
- Know where to locate load capacity information in or on the crane
- Identify conditions that creates a critical lift
- Properly identify and understand the function of all crane components
- Properly locate and identify the main crane disconnect
- Properly conduct stop and shutdown procedures when required
- Understand and apply all the applicable standards, rules, and regulations related to crane operations
Click here to view the OCCO Candidate Information Brochure.
Click here to view the OCCO Exam Summary Report.
Eligibility Criteria
To become an OCCO, a candidate must be a UBC member and must successfully complete a knowledge-based written examination and a hands-on practical skills assessment. By passing these examinations, a candidate demonstrates competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform safely and effectively as an OCCO.
Prerequisites
In order to qualify to sit for the OCCO assessments, a candidate must possess their Certified Rigger and Signaler (CRS) designation and have a current medical verification as specified by ASME B30.5-3.1.2 (a) (Click here to get a downloadable version of the Medical Verification Form). Please refer to the OCCO Candidate Information Brochure for additional information on the training requirements.
What is the format of the OCCO written examination?
Candidates are allotted three (3) hours to complete the OCCO written examination. The content of the examination follows the plan (detailed below), which was derived from an in-depth practice analysis validation effort that was completed in 2019.
The written examination has a total of 100 questions, which includes 20 experimental items throughout. These experimental items do not count for or against a candidate's exam score and are included to collect information on questions that may be incorporated into future test forms.
| Dimension & Sub-Dimension | Number of Items on Exam |
|---|---|
| Pre-Job Inspections | 20 |
| Daily Inspection | 18 |
| Periodic Inspection | 2 |
| Crane Operations | 21 |
| Lift | 17 |
| Post-Lift | 4 |
| Crane Components | 24 |
| Crane Types | 4 |
| Parts of Crane | 15 |
| Hoist Assembly | 5 |
| General Safety & Operating Practices | 15 |
| Communication | 5 |
| Site Conditions | 2 |
| Emergency Stop & Shutdown | 3 |
| Rules & Regulations | 5 |
| TOTAL | 80 |
OCCO Practice Analysis Report
Click here to view the OCCO Practice Analysis Report
What does it take to pass the OCCO written examination?
The pass point for the OCCO written test is 500, based on a scaled scoring system. To allow for consistency and ease of interpretation, candidates' scores are changed from their raw score (i.e., number correct) to a scaled score. Specifically, the raw scores are changed to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800, where 500 is the pass point. Therefore, regardless of how the test difficulty changes over time, the way the scores are interpreted will always remain the same. That is, a score from 500 to 800 will always indicate a passing score and a score from 200 to 499 will always indicate a failing score.
What is the format of the OCCO practical test?
The practical assessment is organized into the following two exercises:
- Make a 1-point rollover hoist of the prop.
- Move load through a diagonal course.
All candidates should bring a hard hat, safety glasses, long pants, and work boots to the practical test.
What does it take to pass the OCCO practical test?
The practical assessment includes 7 tasks. The scores are combined across both exercises for the candidate's total score. Candidates who do not meet the standard for the practical assessment will not achieve certification.
How can I prepare for the OCCO written examination?
The following reference list provides suggested materials that could assist you in preparing for the OCCO written examination. This is not an open book examination; candidates are not allowed to bring reference materials into the test administration site.
- OSHA 1910.179 – Overhead and Gantry Cranes
- OSHA 1926, Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction
- OSHA 1910.184 – Slings
- ASME B30.2 (2011) – Overhead and Gantry Crane
- ASME B30.10 (2014) - Hooks
- ASME B30.16 (2017) Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists
- ASME B30.17 (2015) – Cranes and Monorails (With Underhung Trolley and Bridge)
- Bob's Overhead Crane and Rigging Handbook
- IPT Crane and Rigging Manual
How Many Individuals Currently Hold the OCCO Designation?
At this time, there are 41 OCCO Certificants.