National Commission for the
Certification of Crane Operators
Committed to Quality, Integrity, and Fairness in Testing since 1995

CERTIFICATIONS

Telehandler Operator

Written Exam - Exam Outline

The CCO Telehandler Operator written exam tests the following knowledge areas relating to the operation of telehandlers:

Domain 1: Conduct Pre-Operational Inspection
(Approximately 22% of the test)

Domain 2: Evaluate Jobsite Conditions
(Approximately 15% of the test)

Domain 3: Prepare Pre-Lift Preparations
Approximately 25% of the test)

Domain 4: Operate the Telehandler
(Approximately 38% of the test)

DOMAIN 1: CONDUCT PRE-OPERATIONAL INSPECTION

(Approximately 22% of the test)

  1. Complete pre-operational inspection of machine
    1. Identify components
    2. Understand the importance of positioning of all attachments (cylinders)
    3. Recognize when a component is unsafe or unusable; know where it is; know what it does; know if it’s good to go
    4. Ensure all corresponding load charts are with machine
  2. Perform startup procedure
    1. Know the precursors for starting the machine
    2. Check gauges
    3. Check for noises and anything out of the ordinary
  3. Perform function check
    1. Know what each function does and how the controls work
    2. Understand why functions fail to operate (interlocks and what their functions)
  4. Complete pre-inspection form
    1. Know how to properly complete the form (don’t leave anything blank, be sure that it is signed, etc.)

DOMAIN 2: EVALUATE JOBSITE CONDITIONS

(Approximately 15% of the test)

  1. Conduct site inspection
    1. Know what hazards exist
    2. Understand frame leveling
    3. Understand OSHA regulations regarding powerlines
    4. Recognize environmental factors on stability
    5. Observe location of edges of excavations, ramps, or other working edges
    6. Reference operator’s responsibilities from ITSDF B56.6
    7. Identify underground utilities
    8. Identify overhead obstructions
    9. Identify proximity to buildings and other equipment
    10. Identify location of personnel on jobsite (including the public)
    11. Understand when a spotter or ground men are needed
  2. Mitigate site hazards
    1. Know who you need to go to regarding making changes
    2. Understand ground conditions
    3. Know how to operate on rough terrain
    4. Aware of edges of excavations, ramps, or other working edges
    5. Knowledge of power lines and clearances
    6. Know when to put up a barrier (barricade as needed)
    7. Traffic control
  3. Participate in job briefings/safety meetings

DOMAIN 3: PERFORM PRE-LIFT PREPARATIONS

(Approximately 25% of the test)

  1. Develop a lift plan
    1. Know the weight of the load
    2. Know how to read a load chart and make needed calculations
    3. Know the dimensions of the load (center of gravity)
    4. Know the travel path (where is the load going to?)
    5. Know attachment capacity
    6. Refer to site hazards
    7. Basic math skills
  2. Verify legitimacy and capacity of attachments
    1. Select the right attachment
    2. Know the load chart/data plate for the attachment
    3. Verify attachment has been approved by manufacturer or engineer
    4. Properly disconnect attachment and store it when not in use
    5. Knowledge of 1926 subpart CC when using winch
    6. Know B56.6 definition of attachment
  3. Install attachments
    1. Know how to relieve hydraulic pressure; select the right attachment
    2. Know the load chart/data plate for the attachment
    3. Verify proper attachment installation
    4. Verify attachment has been approved by manufacturer or engineer
    5. Properly disconnect attachment and store it when not in use
    6. Knowledge of 1926 subpart CC when using winch
  4. Determine handling configuration
    1. Know to place the C/G between the fork tines
    2. Positioning the hook directly above the C/G
    3. Stabilizing the telehandler
    4. Leveling the frame
    5. Confirm boom length
    6. Verify the correct quadrant(s)
  5. Stabilize the telehandler
    1. Knowledge of indoor cribbing, blocking, ground bearing pressures
    2. Knowledge of telehandler lifting limitations of the chart
  6. Barricade the swing radius
    1. Understand 1926 subpart CC work area control

DOMAIN 4: OPERATE TELEHANDLER

(Approximately 38% of the test)

  1. Perform frame leveling
  2. Ensure load retention/load securement
    1. Know how to use straps for securement
    2. Location of C/G
    3. Rigging techniques
  3. Utilize various steering modes
    1. Knowledge of the effects of steering modes 2, 4 and oblique (crab steering) while roading
    2. Articulating steering
  4. Travel with load
    1. Knowledge of leveling the frame
    2. Knowledge of when and how to use taglines
    3. How to maintain proper speed
    4. Traveling up or down a hill
    5. Boom position
    6. Boom height
    7. Ground conditions
    8. Knowledge of blind spots
    9. Braking
    10. Traveling on public roads
  5. Follow signal communications
    1. Knowledge of signals (voice and hand)
    2. Knowing when a spotter is needed
    3. Communications skills
  6. Lift and place loads
    1. Knowledge of shift/load dynamics
    2. Speed of operation
    3. Knowledge of handling loads on forks versus loads suspended
    4. Knowledge of when and how to use taglines
  7. Conduct critical lifts
    1. Knowledge of the specific lift
    2. Tandem lifts, submerged in water, demolition, high capacity lifts, blind lifts
  8. Conduct personnel lifts
    1. Knowledge of B56.6 and manufacturer’s instructions for conducting personnel lifts
  9. Perform shutdown procedure
    1. Knowledge of differences between shutting down for unattended machines, shutting down for adjustments, and end-of-day shutdown