Only about one-third of U.S. states require crane operators to be certified. From 1996 to 2005, the Fairfax, Va.-based National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators was the only game in town. It was the first test agency for crane workers that was accredited to meet the same psychometrics standards that apply to medical and teaching exams.
Today, is it one of three options available, and more are on the way. Since NCCCO began testing operators, several states and cities have recognized its independently audited, accreditation process and incorporated it into their licensing. For example, New York City on Oct. 6 scrapped its allegedly corrupt operator testing for small cranes in favor of NCCCO’s nationally accredited tests.