NCCCO Overhead Crane study plan

Map each control lever, pedal, and switch to its motion (hoist, boom, swing, travel) and write a one-page control legend from memory

Sequence a complete lift in ten ordered steps, from pre-lift walkdown through load set-down and hook release

Explain the causes of load swing and describe at least three operator techniques for controlling it

List the conditions that require an operator to stop a lift immediately, including personnel under load, two-blocking, limit alarms, and loss of signal

Describe how radius changes as the boom is raised, lowered, or swung, and why that matters during a lift

Distinguish structural limits from stability limits and state which governs at short versus long radius

Read a load chart correctly by locating capacity for a given boom length, radius, and quadrant, and applying all required deductions

Compute net lifting capacity from gross capacity minus rigging, hook block, and jib deductions

Calculate the effect on capacity when radius increases and explain the swing-radius measurement method

Identify the chart notes and warnings that change capacity, such as quadrant, outrigger configuration, and travel allowances

Build a pre-shift inspection checklist covering wire rope, hook and latch, brakes, limit switches, horns and alarms, and fluid and hydraulic leaks

State pass/fail criteria for common rope and hook defects, including broken wires, kinks, heat damage, and throat opening

Describe setup steps for leveling the crane, extending and pinning outriggers, and verifying ground bearing capacity

Explain how to verify that the chart in use matches the machine configuration actually set up

Identify when a setup change requires re-checking the load chart before the next lift

Determine load weight from volume and material density for at least five common loads, including concrete, steel, and timber

Estimate the weight of rigging and hardware and add it to the load weight used for chart lookup

Identify sling types and hitch configurations and explain how hitch type changes capacity

Calculate tension in two-leg and bridle slings at a given sling angle

Locate the center of gravity of an asymmetric load and explain how an off-center pick affects sling tension and load stability

Identify ground condition hazards, including soft fill, utility voids, slopes, and unshored excavations, and state the operator response to each

State the applicable minimum approach distance rule for power lines and describe the required actions when the crane cannot maintain it

Explain how wind, ice, heat, and visibility change lift planning and when to suspend operations

Describe pedestrian and traffic control for a lift area, including barricades, exclusion zones, and blind-lift procedures

Recognize interference hazards from other trades, adjacent structures, and tail swing

Demonstrate and name each standard hand signal used for hoist, lower, stop, boom, swing, and travel, and identify the emergency stop signal

Describe radio communication protocol, including signalperson identification, repeated-back signals, and loss-of-signal shutdown

Explain the operator's response to an unclear, ambiguous, or conflicting signal from any source

Sequence the shutdown and securing procedure, including landing the load, stowing the hook, and setting controls and brakes

Describe out-of-service procedures, including lockout/tagout, securing for high wind, and required documentation

Re-test the two lowest-scoring domains from earlier weeks and correct every missed item

Complete two timed 25-question mixed sets under exam conditions without notes

Redo load-chart problems at a pace of three minutes per problem

Rewrite personal error notes into a one-page quick-reference sheet for the heaviest domains

Complete two full-length timed practice exams spanning all seven domains and score each

Review every missed item across all domains and identify the underlying rule that was missed

Verify hand signals and out-of-service procedures one final time

Confirm readiness by scoring at or above the target threshold on the final practice exam