August 2023

Issue Highlights

CCO has filed legal action against three individuals and a company for a scheme to fraudulently certify individuals. An extensive investigation uncovered falsified exam scoresheets and led to the revocation of credentials and invalidation of nearly 1,000 exams. This decisive action underscores CCO's commitment to integrity, public safety, and the value of certification. Read more

Verify CCO Online (VCO) continues to be an essential tool for employers. With VCO, employers can verify CCO-certified individuals in real-time, ensuring compliance, safety, and adherence to industry standards. The user-friendly platform provides access to certification data including certifications held, expiration dates, and any restrictions. By utilizing VCO, employers can stay informed, and foster a culture of safety and professionalism. Whether you're hiring new operators or managing existing certifications, VCO is your go-to resource for CCO certification verification. Give it a try here.

As CCO prepared to sunset paper/pencil testing at the end of this year, we are keeping an eye on and making continuous improvements to the newest test delivery options. But we also want to hear what our stakeholders are saying.

More than 77% of Event Online Testing (EOT) and Online Proctored Testing (OPT), candidates rate their overall experience as a positive one.

OPT candidates have embraced the flexibility of testing without missing work. In addition, 24/7 access to exams has made certification more accessible and convenient.

Event Online Testing (EOT) has received praise from candidates who value the personal touch of an in-person proctor and the ability to schedule exams quickly.

Across both modalities, candidates rank immediate score reporting as being one of the biggest benefits of the new testing initiatives. Our commitment to innovation and responsiveness to candidate needs continues to shape the future of CCO testing and we invite you to explore these options and benefits for yourself. 

Understanding the difference between qualification and certification is vital. While qualification is often done by the employer and specific to tasks expected to be performed and equipment third-party accredited certification ensures a robust assessment, promoting competence and safety by testing to a known standard. Explore the nuances and discover why certification is the preferred choice. Read more 

83 CCO-Certified Crane Operators Recognized 

The SC&RA 2023 Crane & Rigging Safety Awards honored 83 CCO-certified crane operators for their commitment to safety and excellence. These professionals have demonstrated exceptional skill and adherence to industry standards, reflecting the values and mission of CCO. Read more about the recognized crane operators here. 

CCO-Certified Riggers Earn SC&RA Rigger Safety Awards 

CCO-certified riggers were also celebrated at the SC&RA 2023 Crane & Rigging Safety Awards, receiving well-deserved recognition for their dedication to safety and quality in rigging operations. Their achievements highlight the importance of CCO certification in promoting industry best practices. Learn more about the awarded riggers here. 

2023 CCO Employer Award Winners Recognized in SC&RA Crane & Rigging Safety Awards 

The SC&RA 2023 Crane & Rigging Safety Awards also acknowledged the outstanding contributions of CCO Employer Award winners. These employers have shown a steadfast commitment to safety, training, and the continuous development of their workforce. Discover the recognized employers here. 

In observance of Labor Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th. We honor the contributions of our stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to build and strengthen our great nation.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 5th.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

As a way to say thank you to our CCOnline subscribers, enjoy 10% off all closeout items in our online store!

Use the coupon code AugCCO10

From training materials to CCO gear, grab your essentials today!

We're redesigning our website! As a CCO stakeholder, your opinion and insights are vital. We invite you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our user research survey. Your voice will help us shape our online presence. Click here to take the short survey.

Starting September 1st, we will be reaching out to recertificants with a special survey. This initiative aims to understand what certification means to our community, their experiences with the process, and how certification has helped in their careers. If you recently recertified, keep and eye on your email for this unique opportunity to share your insights.

But that's not all! Each month, we will select one certificant to spotlight on our social media channels to celebrate their achievements and share their story. As a token of appreciation, the spotlighted certificant will receive a $50 CCO store gift card. Stay tuned for this exciting opportunity to connect, share, and celebrate the success of our certified professionals!

In July, on behalf of the NCCCO Foundation, CCO sent a safety survey to all individuals holding at least one active CCO certification. CCO and the Foundation were both pleasantly overwhelmed with the tremendous response received. Thousands of CCO certified operators, inspectors, riggers, signalpersons, and others completed the twenty-question survey to share their thoughts and experiences on safety in the crane industry. The information collected will be used by the NCCCO Foundation to develop new programs and resources to improve the safety of everyone in the industry. The National Safety Council (NSC), working with the NCCCO Foundation on the national safety research, is analyzing the survey results. A subsequent report and a webinar on the current safety concerns in the crane industry will be hosted by the NCCCO Foundation this Fall. CCO and the NCCCO Foundation thanks everyone who took the time to take part in this important national safety survey. 

CCO is advancing into the digital age with flexible testing options and immediate score reporting, in addition to no late application or rescheduling fees, all at 2023's low cost. Starting January 2024, paper-pencil testing (PPT) will be available in very limited situations and discounts will be removed. Curious about the changes and the complete list of 2024 fees? Learn more about the transitions and explore the 2024 fees.

Our biannual fall committee and Commissioner meetings are scheduled for October 16–20, 2023, in Crosby, Texas. This gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with industry professionals, exchange insights, and actively participate in the ongoing evolution of CCO programs. Registration is now open, and we invite you to RSVP to attend. Visit the signup page to register and learn more about meeting logistics.

See you in Crosby! 

The latest ASME B30.5 standard redefines when a qualified rigger is needed and what "qualified" means. CCO's Rigger Level I and II certifications align with these changes, meeting both ASME and OSHA requirements. Learn how CCO Rigger certifications comply with the newest standards here. 

Operator Training: Lifting Skills to New Heights - Crane operator training with CCO certification emphasizes safety, communication, and practical knowledge which fosters skilled operators who are committed to excellence. FINE magazine, August 2023

Beacon Receives ‘Platinum Employer’ Distinction by Crane Operating Organization - Beacon Building Products was named a 2023 Platinum Employer by CCO, reflecting its commitment to safety through free in-house training and certification over the past decade. Roofing Contractor, July 2023

O’Rourke Wrecking Earns Crane Safety Designation - Cincinnati-based O'Rourke Wrecking has received a CCO 2023 Silver Employer Award, recognizing its commitment to safety through CCO certification. Construction & Demolition Recycling, March 2023

5 Key Steps to Kickstart Your Heavy Equipment Operator Training Journey - From researching the profession to obtaining certifications, these 5 steps can kickstart a career as a heavy equipment operator. Film Daily, August 2023

SRS Selected for New ‘CCO Employer’ Award - Recognized with a CCO 2023 Platinum Employer Awardee, SRS Distribution sent the highest volume of candidates through CCO testing in 2022.- Roofing Contractor, April 2023

NCCCO Foundation updates “most similar certifications” - The NCCCO Foundation updated its directory to include new certifications for Fixed and Rotating Telehandler Operators to align with OSHA regulations. AC&T, March 2023

"We have been working very hard at Ford to provide the safest work environment, and CCO certification of our employees is instrumental in achieving those goals." Mary Waskul, Training and Development Leader, Ford Motor Company

In August 2003, CCO certification was recognized by insurance underwriters as an effective risk mitigation tool. This groundbreaking recognition qualified employers of CCO certified operators for premium discounts, marking an industry first. It became one of many incentives for participation in CCO programs, leading to increased preference for independent and legally-defensible certification. 

In August, CCO hit a milestone of 5,000 OPT exams delivered since the introduction of the modality earlier this year!

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