Training Resource | Crane Operator Training

How To Pass The Crane Operator Certification Practical Exam

The crane operator certification practical exam (hands on) consists of 4 tasks
1. Place overhead ball in stop circle (optimum time 1:30)

2. Follow hand signals (not timed)

3. Place overhead ball in two barrels (optimum time 3:30)

4-A. Negotiate zigzag corridor with test weight in forward fashion
4-B. Negotiate zigzag corridor with test weight in reverse fashion

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

(optimum time 3:00 each way swing cab telescopic boom crane)
(optimum time 4:00 each way fixed cab telescopic boom crane)

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Videos

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Crane Selection

Before taking the exam it is important to select the right type of crane, for the category in which you choose to be certified on. The national crane operator certification test breaks these categories down into two categories: 1. Fixed cab telescopic boom crane (previously referred to as less than 17.5 tons)

2. Swing cab telescopic boom crane (previously referred to as more than 17.5 tons)
(there is no minimum or maximum tonnage regarding crane operator certification) The way in which the crane is set up in reference to the test course can make a significant difference. There are many factors that are taken into consideration in the layout process by the testing company, but the most important one is the maximum boom length of the crane. Typically the layout of the course is based on 70%-75% of the boom length on the crane being used. The course is laid out based on the boom angles of the crane, so the longer the maximum the boom length on the crane the more difficult the test will be. This is one of the unique circumstances when “bigger or newer is not necessarily better.” When selecting a crane that you wish to take your practical exam on it is assumed that you would like to keep it as simple as possible. If that were the case an older crane with less capacity would most likely be the best bet. The older cranes might not run as smoothly but generally they had shorter boom lengths than the newer ones which would mean the test course and the 55 gallon barrels would be much closer to you than on a newer crane of the same capacity. The older cranes also seemed to be built a lot stouter; this would mean that the booms would have a little less deflection in them (less shaky) than the newer cranes of similar capacity with longer booms. Your last consideration would probably be to select which type of crane to do your test on.

California Crane School has conducted thousands of practical tests on many types of cranes and the best luck for the fixed cab telescopic boom crane has always been on the boom truck as opposed to a carrydeck (table crane). As far as the swing cab crane, a truck crane or a rough terrain crane is concerned, we have not found there to be a significant difference in testing results.

California Crane School uses many cranes in our training and testing process, which are all Cal OSHA, certified. These cranes are used exclusively for the training and testing for crane operator certification.

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Test weight selection

When the cad drawings are designed for how a crane is to be set up in reference to the test course, another important factor is the diameter of the test weight. The test weight diameter can range anywhere from 2’-4’ diameter. In this case as well, bigger is definitely not better. The course size is adjusted based on the diameter of the test weight and the course is designed to give you two feet on each side of the test weight between the poles to maneuver through the test course. The size of the start and stop circle, however, always remains the same 6’ diameter, which makes landing a 2’ diameter test weight into the circle much easier than landing a 4’ diameter test weight into that circle. The weight in the test weight ranges between 20%-30% of the single line pull of the crane, but nothing can be done about this. California Crane School only uses 2’ diameter test weights for crane operator certification training and testing.

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Tennis balls on poles

Although not that important but slightly helpful is the option of the testing company allowing practical examiners to use a 12’ nylon string to attach the ball onto the pole so a lazy examiner or proctor does not have to fetch the tennis balls when they fall off of the cones. This practice makes it more convenient for the practical examiner or proctor. However, this is not advantageous to the candidate that is being tested. When the cone is starting to lay over and the ball falls off the pole, that impact is sometimes enough to knock the pole completely over, resulting in a much more significant point loss than just knocking down a tennis ball.

California Crane School does not use the services of lazy practical examiners and proctors we make them chase the tennis balls.

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Before you start your crane practical exam

Your practical exam begins the minute you sign your score sheet. You will be given a 15-minute familiarization period, where you are not allowed to shadow the zigzag corridor or barrels with the headache ball. This is just a time where you must stay in a designated area and familiarize yourself with the functions on the crane excluding telescoping.

You will also get another 5-minute familiarization period with the test weight in a designated area before you start task 4: Negotiate zigzag corridor with test weight. Keep in mind you can practice as much as you want with the crane, the test weight and the test course before you sign your score sheet or before your test begins. This can also help you achieve positive results on your crane practical exam.

California Crane School offers extra practice time with cranes and an instructor at a rate of $100 per hour.

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Most common excuses you should avoid using

1. The crane is too shaky.
That crane was standing perfectly still before you got on it.

2. We always use taglines at work. Why can’t we use taglines on the test weight during the test?
This test is not designed for tagline operator certification, but a crane operator certification.

3. We only use a crane from time to time. Why do we have to go through all this crane operator certification?
Because Cal-OSHA says you do. 5006.1 (Cal- OSHA 5006.1 Questions & Answers) 5006.1 enforcement

4. Why is there a time limit on the crane test when at work we can go as slow as we want just as long as we operate the crane safely?
Sure we would all like to sit around and wait for the load to stop swinging every time you perform a function but you are not at work. You are performing a test that is designed to assess your abilities as a crane operator.
Crane Video 2

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Frequently Asked Questions (Crane Practical Exam)

1. If I take my crane operator certification practical exam on a little Grove 18 ton rough terrain crane am I certified to operate a 1,200 ton crane?

Yes! California Crane School does not set the standards. We are simply the ones that get you to meet them. Once you are certified you have met the minimum requirement. However, this does not mean that you are a super duper crane operator.

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2. Is it better to knock more balls off the poles and do the crane practical exam test course fast, or is it better to take my time and not knock over anything?

This is a difficult question to answer. We have seen crane operators knock over a lot of things with fast times and pass. We have also seen crane operators not knock anything over but take too long and fail. There is a balance. The best thing to do is stay within the time limits (try not to knock anything over).

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3. What is the best way to practice if I want to pass the crane operator certification practical test.

Most candidates just want to practice playing with the practical exam test course or putting the headache ball into the barrels. This could help you if you have already mastered the 5-gallon bucket of water trick. But if you haven’t learned how to control the load this is a waste of time.
For fastest results this is it:

Step 1
Get a 5-gallon bucket

Step 2
Hang the bucket on the hook (the crane should be reeved with a single part line)

Step 3
Fill the bucket almost to the top with water.

Step 4
Practice swinging the crane left and right until you can use half throttle and the swing function or lever is fully engaged. Then bring it to a complete stop without spilling the water or setting it on the down.

Step 5
Practice lowering and raising the boom until you can use half throttle and the swing function or lever is fully engaged. Then bring it to a complete stop without spilling the water or setting it on the down.

Step 6
Combine step 4 and 5 until you can use both of the functions simultaneously without spilling the water.

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4. What if the load starts to swing into a circular motion?
If the load starts to go into a circular motion stop one movement at a time;
first the side to side motion, second it will only swing in and out, then you can stop the back and forth motion by lowering and raising the boom.

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5. How would I practice if I did not have access to a crane, or what can I do to learn the concepts of how a crane operates before I get into the seat?

(Poor Man's Crane Training)



Step 1
Get a pole approximately 8’ long

Step 2
Tie a string approximately 4’ long to the end of the pole

Step 3
Tie a heavy nut or bolt at the end of the string.

Step 5
Put the end of the pole on the ground and practice swinging it around until you learn the concept of how a crane operates and controlling the load .

This may sound strange and you might look stupid doing it so don’t let anyone see you they might laugh at you. But it works.

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