Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) will implement a streamlined fee structure for its certification and recertification exams. For paper/pencil tests (PPT) and practical exams, the new prices will take effect for all test dates on or after Jan. 1, 2020; for computer-based tests (CBT), they take effect for all applications received on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

The size and complexity of NCCCO's expanded certification offerings — now 83 tests across 12 programs — has brought with it a complex fee structure. The current fee structure evolved over time and contains significant inconsistencies, leading to confusion among candidates and employers, which leads to frustration and inefficiency in the application process.

The new fee structure features a single fee for each exam, regardless of which certifications candidates currently hold or the candidates' testing history. Previously some candidates were eligible for discounts in certain situations, which varied from program to program. These discounts are being eliminated to reduce confusion. To understand the impact this would have on candidates, NCCCO analyzed its candidate testing history and determined that fewer than five percent of all candidates were able to take advantage of these discounts.

As a result of this exam fee restructure, NCCCO will now automatically issue a new certification card every time an individual adds a new certification or recertifies. Previously, as a result of the discounts, candidates would have to submit a separate request and pay an additional "updated card" fee. That will no longer be the case as new cards will be issued automatically.

NCCCO certification fees remain inexpensive — much less than many other professional certifications — when factored across the five-year certification period. The cost of an NCCCO crane operator certification will start at $250 or just $50 per year. The cost of an NCCCO rigger or signalperson certification will start at $200 or just $40 per year. Recertification exam fees will also be brought in line with initial certification exam fees, but in nearly all cases recertificants are required to take fewer exams than they did initially, so the cost of recertification remains less than for initial certification.

See the complete NCCCO Exam Fees table, effective Jan. 1, 2020, at nccco.org/2020fees.

For more information, visit www.nccco.org.

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