Our Services
The Hook-up Training and Consulting Group offers a comprehensive range of training programs aligned with National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) standards. They aim to prepare individuals for NCCCO certification exams and promote safe crane and lifting practices. Their offerings cover a broad spectrum of crane and lifting equipment, including mobile cranes, tower cranes, overhead cranes, articulating cranes, and specialized equipment like digger derricks, pile drivers, drill rigs, concrete pumps, and telehandlers. Beyond operator training, they also offer crucial training for support roles such as signalpersons, riggers, crane inspectors, and lift directors. This comprehensive approach addresses all key personnel involved in lifting operations, contributing to a safer work environment.
Signal Person
This program prepares individuals for NCCCO Signalperson (SGP) certification. It covers standard hand signals, voice communication protocols, hazard recognition, crane operations, site considerations, and safety standards. The certification tests consist of a written exam and a computer-based practical exam covering signals for both mobile and tower cranes.
NCCCO Rigger I
This program prepares individuals for NCCCO Rigger certification. Two levels are available: Rigger Level I (RIG-I) and Rigger Level II (RIG-II). Both levels require written and practical exams covering rigging hardware, load calculations, sling configurations, inspection techniques, hitches, connections, and knots.
Mobile Crane Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator certification. It covers the core written exam and specialty exams for Lattice Boom Cranes (LAT), Telescopic Boom Cranes – Swing Cab (TLL), and/or Telescopic Boom Cranes – Fixed Cab (TSS), including Service Truck Cranes (STC) as a subcategory of TSS. Training includes load capacity calculations, pre-operational inspections, lift planning, safe operating procedures, and understanding crane dynamics. The practical exams test real-world skills such as hoisting, booming, swinging, following hand signals, and combined function operations.
Tower Crane Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Tower Crane Operator (TWR) certification. It involves both written and practical exams. The practical exam can be taken on one of three types of tower cranes—hammerhead, luffing jib, or self-erecting—and tests skills such as trolley travel, hoisting, swinging, and combined function operations.
Overhead Crane Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Overhead Crane Operator (OVR) certification. It includes written and practical exams. The practical exam can be taken on either a cab-operated crane or a pendant/remote control-operated crane and tests skills including trolley travel, hoisting, bridge travel, and combined-function operations.
Articulating Crane Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Articulating Crane Operator certification. It offers three designations: Articulating Boom Crane Operator (ABC), Articulating Boom Crane with Winch Operator (ABW), and Articulating Boom Loader Operator (ABL). Candidates choose among three written exams and two practical exams. The practical exam requires the operator to pick and place a test weight as directed, as well as move the crane through a zigzag corridor.
Digger Derrick Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator (DDO) certification. It includes both written and practical exams. The practical exam covers pre-operational inspection, placing a chain in a circle, following hand signals, negotiating a corridor with a test weight, auguring a hole, picking up a pole, and stowing the boom and shutdown procedures.
Dedicated Pile Driver Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Dedicated Pile Driver Operator (DPD) certification. It requires both written and practical exams. The practical exam tasks include lifting, maneuvering, and setting down a pile, as well as demonstrating the actions and equipment settings necessary to begin driving a pile.
Drill Rigger Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Drill Rig Operator (DRO) certification. It offers separate certifications for Foundation Drill Rigs (FDR) and Anchor/Micro-pile Drill Rigs (AMP). Candidates must pass both written and practical exams. Practical exam tasks include pre-operational inspection, safety protocols, pipe pick-up and placement, pipe laydown, drill steel placement, drilling holes, and safe travel.
Concrete Pump Operator
This program prepares candidates for NCCCO Concrete Pump Operator (CPO) certification. Currently, certification is through a written exam; a practical exam is expected to be released soon. The exam covers operation concepts and scenarios, as well as U.S. industry standards, including ASME B30.27. The test covers pre-trip planning, driving the truck, setting up the pump, conducting placement operations, preparing the pump for travel, and end-of-day operations.
Crane Inspector
This program prepares individuals for NCCCO Crane Inspector certification. Separate specialty exams are available for mobile (MCI), tower (TCI), and/or overhead (OCI) cranes. Candidates must have five years of crane-related experience, including two years of inspection activity. The practical exam uses photographs to test inspection knowledge. The Hook-up may also offer training for the Washington State Crane Certifier program, which has similar requirements.
Lift Director
This program prepares individuals for NCCCO Lift Director certification. Separate certifications are available for mobile crane lift directors (MLD) and tower crane lift directors (TLD). Exams cover lift planning, hazard assessment, crane selection, crew management, and complex lift scenarios.