20.11.2019

Crane operator Certification Directory

The US based NCCCO Foundation has launched a new web based directory of accredited crane operator certification programmes, designed to help employers navigate OSHA’s rules on crane operator qualifications and clarify the status of the various certification bodies.

The ‘Who’s Accredited? Directory’ is based on the Foundation’s research and education initiatives designed to enhance safety and encourage compliance with federal and state safety rules and regulations.

The simple two page document allows employers to check the accreditation status of any certification organisation at any time. Four certification organisations are currently accredited by one of the two accrediting bodies recognised by OSHA – ANSI and the NCCA - they are:
EICA – Electrical Industry Certifications Association
NCCER – National Center for Construction Education and Research
NCCCO – National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
OECP – Operating Engineers Certification Program

The Directory also provides a detailed listing of each accredited certification programme offered by the accredited certification organisations, as well as a direct link to the listing maintained by ANSI and NCCA.

The importance of using a properly accredited organisation was recently highlighted by the state of Hawaii, https://hmoab.hawaii.gov/2019/08/28/letter-to-crane-employers-july-24-2019/ which warned contractors and employers that certifications by Crane Institute Certification (CIC) are not acceptable as its accreditation lapse in 2018.

The chief executive of the Foundation Graham Brent said: “The Who’s Accredited? Directory is designed to take the guesswork out of determining whether or not a certification organisation’s programmes are accredited by a nationally recognised accrediting body, as OSHA requires in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC. By following the link on the Foundation’s website” Or to go directly www.ncccofoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/List-of-Accredited-Certification-Programs.pdf

“It has become clear from the questions we have been receiving from employers and others in recent months that there is confusion in the industry over which certification bodies have earned accreditation and which have not. That is important because not only is a certification body that has not been accredited not recognised by Federal and State authorities, but neither are the certifications it issues.”

“Accreditation is a rigorous and often protracted process, which usually demands a ‘full court press’ by the applying organisation’s certification team to demonstrate that their certifications comply with the exacting standards established to ensure fair and reliable assessments. Also like certification, accreditation is not a ‘one time’ event. Just as a certification lasts only a certain amount of time, so accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis by the accrediting organisation, usually annually. That means, just like a certification, an accreditation can be suspended, or even removed at any time.”

“And to be clear, just because an organisation may have applied for accreditation does not mean they are accredited. In most cases it takes an accrediting body many months of review and often continuing dialogue with the certification body before accreditation is granted. If a certification organisation is not listed in the Directory, it’s not accredited, it’s that simple.”