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9 Best Crane and Rigging Certifications of 2026
This list is for crane operators, riggers and signalpersons choosing which certification to earn, and for workers comparing prep courses. We compared documented requirements and published prices for nine options: four accredited certification programs from CCO, CIC, OECP and NCCER, a signalperson credential, and three training courses that lead to CCO exams. Scores weigh features at 40 percent and ease of use and value at 30 percent each. Prices were checked on each vendor's own pages in November 2026.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 9 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
Most mobile crane operators should earn the CCO Mobile Crane Operator certification: Crane Tech, ITI and ClickSafety all sell prep for it, it is ANAB accredited, and CCO publishes its fees ($140 Core, $80 per specialty, $70 per practical). Riggers should take CCO Rigger Level I first and Level II for complex lifts, at $105 per written exam and $95 per practical. CIC is a strong alternative for operators who want virtually proctored written exams and a $345 published total, and CCO Signalperson is the quickest add-on for anyone directing lifts. IUOE members can certify through OECP, employers can test crews on site through NCCER, and Crane Tech, ITI and ClickSafety help you prepare.
Top picks
Best overall
CCO Mobile Crane Operator (formerly NCCCO)
8.7 / 10
Mobile crane operators who need an accredited card for construction work
Read the review →Runner-up
CCO Rigger Level I and Level II
8.6 / 10
Riggers who want an accredited, portable rigging credential
Read the review →Also great
CIC Mobile Crane Operator Certification
8.5 / 10
Operators who want online written exams and a lower total fee
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCO Mobile Crane Operator (formerly NCCCO) | Mobile crane operators who need an accredited card for construction work | Core written exam $140, each specialty exam $80, each practical exam $70; proctors may charge separate fees | 8.7 |
| 2 | CCO Rigger Level I and Level II | Riggers who want an accredited, portable rigging credential | $105 per written exam and $95 per practical exam; proctors may charge separate fees | 8.6 |
| 3 | CIC Mobile Crane Operator Certification | Operators who want online written exams and a lower total fee | $255 for the General Knowledge and one Supplemental virtual exam plus $90 practical scoring, $345 total; examiners and sites charge separately | 8.5 |
| 4 | CCO Signalperson | Workers who give hand and voice signals to crane operators | $105 written exam and $95 practical exam; proctors may charge separate fees | 8.4 |
| 5 |  Crane Tech Rigger Level I CCO Certification Course | Beginners who want training and CCO exams in one package | $1,695 for Rigger Level I CCO Certification with Exams at the Wilmington, CA session | 8.0 |
| 6 |  ITI NCCCO Certification Prep | Operators who want classroom prep with exams scheduled at the end | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.9 |
| 7 |  OECP Crane and Signal Person Rigger Certification | IUOE union members certifying as operators or signal person riggers | $210 per written exam; practical exams from $60; the SPR written fee includes the initial practical | 7.8 |
| 8 |  ClickSafety Mobile Crane Operator NCCCO Test Prep | Operators on a budget who want self-paced written exam prep | $195 per learner for the online course | 7.7 |
| 9 |  NCCER Crane Operator, Rigger and Signal Person Certifications | Employers who want to certify their own crews on site | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.6 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
CCO Mobile Crane Operator (formerly NCCCO)
The CCO (formerly NCCCO) credential for mobile crane operators, earned with a Core written exam, a specialty exam and a practical exam.
ccocert.org8.7
out of 10
Best for: Mobile crane operators who need an accredited card for construction work
CCO, the not-for-profit certifier formerly known as NCCCO, has set crane certification standards since 1995, and its Mobile Crane Operator program covers truck-mounted, crawler and wheeled cranes. Candidates take a required Core written exam of 95 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, one specialty exam for each crane type (Lattice Boom, Telescopic Boom Fixed Cab or Telescopic Boom Swing Cab), and a hands-on practical exam with a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor. CCO lists the Core exam at $140, each specialty at $80 and each practical at $70, and warns that proctors may charge separate fees. Written exams can be taken through three testing options (OPT, TCT and EOT), the exams can be passed in either order, and the certification lasts five years. The program is accredited by ANAB and exams are offered in Spanish. The main drawback is cost creep: adding several crane types and paying a test site can push the real total well past the base fees.
Standout feature
CCO Mobile Crane Operator is the best choice for mobile crane operators because CCO publishes a $140 Core exam, $80 specialties and a $70 practical for an ANAB-accredited, five-year credential.
Use cases
New operators finishing a crane school
Pass the Core exam and the TLL specialty plus a practical
Outcome: A five-year CCO card for swing cab telescopic cranes
Rental fleet operators running several crane types
Add the LAT and TSS specialty exams at $80 each
Outcome: One certification covering lattice and fixed cab cranes
Key features
- Three specialties: Lattice Boom (LAT), Telescopic Boom Fixed Cab (TSS) and Swing Cab (TLL)
- Core exam of 95 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute limit
- Written exams by OPT, TCT or EOT, plus a practical with a CCO Practical Proctor
- Certification valid for 5 years and accredited by ANAB
- Exams available in Spanish
Pros
- CCO publishes every exam fee on the program page
- Written and practical exams can be passed in either order
- Covers OSHA 1926 Subpart CC and ASME B30.5 content
Cons
- Minimum exam spend is $290 before any proctor or site fees
- Practical proctors may charge their own administration fees
- Each crane type needs its own specialty exam
Rank 2 · Runner-up
CCO Rigger Level I and Level II
CCO's two-level rigging certification, each level earned with one written and one practical exam.
ccocert.org8.6
out of 10
Best for: Riggers who want an accredited, portable rigging credential
CCO Rigger is the rigging counterpart to CCO's crane operator cards, and it comes in two levels. Rigger Level I is for basic rigging where load weight and configuration are known: its written exam weights execution of rigging activity at 42 percent and inspection at 30 percent, and the practical asks candidates to complete four hands-on tasks covering pre-use inspection, rigging hitches, rigging connections and basic knots. Rigger Level II moves into rigging plans, sling tensions, center of gravity, hardware capacities and below-the-hook lifting devices, so it suits riggers on more complex lifts. CCO lists each written exam at $105 and each practical at $95, with a note that proctors may charge separate fees. The certification is valid for five years, accredited by ANAB and built on ASME B30.5, B30.9 and B30.26. The catch is logistics: practical exams depend on a CCO-credentialed proctor and an approved test kit, so most candidates test through a training provider.
Standout feature
CCO Rigger is the best choice for riggers because Level I and Level II each cost $105 written plus $95 practical at CCO's listed fees, with five-year validity.
Use cases
Laborers who attach loads on construction sites
Pass Rigger Level I written and practical exams
Outcome: An accredited card showing basic rigging competence
Lead riggers planning multi-sling picks
Add Rigger Level II
Outcome: A credential that covers rigging plans and sling tension calculations
Key features
- Two levels: Rigger Level I (RIG-I) and Rigger Level II (RIG-II)
- Level I written exam weights Execution of Rigging Activity at 42% and Inspection at 30%
- Level I practical has four hands-on tasks: inspection, hitches, rigging connections and knots
- Level II covers sling tensions, rigging plans and below-the-hook lifting devices
- Valid for 5 years and accredited by ANAB
Pros
- $200 covers one written and one practical exam at CCO's listed fees
- Level II adds load calculations and rigging planning for advanced work
- Built on ASME B30.5, B30.9 and B30.26 standards
Cons
- Proctors may add their own practical exam fees
- Level II requires knowledge of sling tension and center of gravity math
- Practical exams need a CCO-credentialed proctor and test kit
Rank 3 · Also great
CIC Mobile Crane Operator Certification
Crane Institute Certification's ANAB-accredited mobile crane operator credential with virtually proctored written exams.
cicert.com8.5
out of 10
Best for: Operators who want online written exams and a lower total fee
Crane Institute Certification (CIC) is an independent certifier set up in 2007 and accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board to issue OSHA-compliant crane operator certifications under OSHA 1926.1427. Candidates pass a General Knowledge virtual exam of 50 questions in 90 minutes, a Supplemental exam for each crane certification they want, and a hands-on Practical Exam on a CIC-designed course. CIC's own fee table lists $255 for the General Knowledge and one Supplemental exam plus a $90 practical scoring fee, for a $345 total, and extra supplemental exams cost $95. Written exams run online through virtual proctoring, and CIC says one Practical Exam may cover the practical requirement for several certifications. Certifications last five years, and operators with 1,000 crane hours in that time can recertify for $255 without another practical. The limits: practical administration and site fees are set separately by CIC's examiners, there is no grace period after expiry, and CIC does not certify riggers or signalpersons.
Standout feature
CIC is the best choice for operators who want online exams because its virtual General Knowledge and Supplemental exams plus practical scoring total $345.
Use cases
Operators far from a test center
Take the General Knowledge and Supplemental exams through virtual proctoring
Outcome: Written exams done at home, with only the practical on site
Experienced operators renewing
Recertify with 1,000 documented crane hours
Outcome: A new five-year card for $255 without a practical exam
Key features
- General Knowledge exam of 50 questions in 90 minutes, taken online with virtual proctoring
- One Supplemental exam per crane certification, 25 to 30 questions
- One Practical Exam may satisfy the practical requirement of several certifications
- Certifications and recertifications valid for 5 years
- Recertification for $255 with no practical if you log 1,000 crane hours in five years
Pros
- $345 published total for initial certification
- Written exams can be taken online at any time through virtual proctoring
- Accredited by ANAB as a personnel certification body since its 2007 founding
Cons
- Practical exam administration and site fees are extra and set by examiners
- CIC no longer offers a grace period after certifications expire
- Covers mobile crane operators only, not riggers or signalpersons
Rank 4
CCO Signalperson
CCO's certification for crane signalpersons, earned with a written exam and a 30-scenario practical exam.
ccocert.org8.4
out of 10
Best for: Workers who give hand and voice signals to crane operators
The CCO Signalperson certification is aimed at the person who directs the crane operator with hand and voice signals. The written exam is split into five domains: hand signals at about 31 percent, basic crane operations at about 24 percent, voice commands at about 17 percent, situational awareness at about 15 percent and safety standards at about 13 percent. The practical exam presents 30 scenarios with no time limit, and CCO says candidates typically complete it in about 15 minutes while a Practical Exam Proctor directs them. CCO lists the written exam at $105 and the practical at $95, and proctors may charge their own fees on top. The card is valid for five years, accredited by ANAB and built on ASME B30.5 and B30.3. It is narrow by design: crews who also attach loads should pair it with the Rigger Level I certification.
Standout feature
CCO Signalperson is the best choice for crane signalers because the written exam is $105, the practical is $95 and the practical typically takes about 15 minutes.
Use cases
Ironworkers who signal for tower and mobile cranes
Pass the written exam and the 30-scenario practical
Outcome: A five-year accredited signalperson card
Riggers on small crews
Add Signalperson to a Rigger Level I card
Outcome: One person certified to rig and signal the same lift
Key features
- Written exam covers hand signals (about 31%), crane operations (about 24%) and voice commands (about 17%)
- Practical exam of 30 scenarios with no time limit
- CCO says candidates typically finish the practical in about 15 minutes
- Valid for 5 years and accredited by ANAB
- Based on ASME B30.5 and ASME B30.3
Pros
- $200 total at CCO's listed exam fees
- Short practical exam compared with crane operator tests
- Covers both hand signals and voice commands
Cons
- Proctors may charge separate practical fees
- Covers signaling only, so riggers still need a rigger card
- Requires a CCO-credentialed proctor for the practical
Rank 5
Crane Tech Rigger Level I CCO Certification Course
A two-day Crane Tech course that prepares riggers for CCO Rigger Level I and includes the written and practical exams.
cranetech.com8.0
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want training and CCO exams in one package
Crane Tech is a crane and rigging training company that runs CCO preparation courses for mobile cranes, articulating cranes, overhead cranes, riggers and signalpersons. Its Rigger Level I CCO Certification course is a two-day program: one day of classroom instruction and written exam preparation, then one day of hands-on training and testing, with the CCO written and practical exams included and administered through Crane Tech. Students work on selecting slings and hardware, calculating load weights, inspecting gear and tying hitches, mapped to OSHA 1926.251 and ASME B30.9 and B30.26. Crane Tech says it manages training, applications and exam administration, which removes most of the paperwork for first-time candidates. A November 2026 session in Wilmington, California, run with CERTEX USA, lists $1,695 with exams, and a 3.5% processing fee applies. That is a large premium over the CCO exam fees alone, so it fits people who need instruction, not experienced riggers who only need to test.
Standout feature
Crane Tech is the best choice for first-time riggers because its two-day Rigger Level I course includes the CCO written and practical exams for $1,695.
Use cases
Construction laborers with no rigging card
Take the two-day course and sit both CCO exams on site
Outcome: CCO Rigger Level I certification at the end of the course
Employers training a crew
Book the course at their own facility
Outcome: Training and testing on the company's own rigging gear
Key features
- Two-day program: one classroom day and one hands-on training and testing day
- CCO Rigger Level I written and practical exams included and administered by Crane Tech
- Crane Tech manages training, applications and exam administration
- Topics include OSHA 1926.251, ASME B30.9 and ASME B30.26 hardware rules
- Also offers CCO prep for mobile crane, Rigger Level II and Signalperson
Pros
- Exams are bundled into the course price
- Hands-on practice with real rigging gear before the practical
- Can be delivered at your own facility on request
Cons
- $1,695 is far more than the $200 CCO charges for the exams alone
- A 3.5% processing fee is listed at registration
- Public dates and locations are limited
Rank 6
ITI NCCCO Certification Prep
Industrial Training International's instructor-led and online prep courses for NCCCO crane, rigger and signalperson exams.
iti.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: Operators who want classroom prep with exams scheduled at the end
Industrial Training International (ITI), now an Interplay Learning company, is a crane and rigging trainer that sells NCCCO preparation in several formats. The instructor-led Mobile Crane Operator course runs five days at ITI Training Centers: three days of classroom prep on load charts, setup and operations, the Core and specialty written exams on day four, and practical exams on day five, with exam fees charged on top. Completing the three-day prep earns 2.25 CEUs and a certificate of completion. For riggers, ITI offers a six-hour online NCCCO Rigger Level I and II test prep with quizzes, an end-of-course test and 365 days of access. ITI also sells VR crane simulators and on-site training for employers. The weak spot is transparency: the course pages do not show prices, so you have to request a quote or check out to see the cost.
Standout feature
ITI is the best choice for classroom learners because its 5-day mobile crane course puts NCCCO written exams on day 4 and practicals on day 5.
Use cases
Operators who learn best in a classroom
Take the 5-day mobile crane course with exams on days 4 and 5
Outcome: Prep and NCCCO testing completed in one week
Riggers studying around shift work
Use the 6-hour online Rigger Level I and II prep
Outcome: Self-paced review before booking CCO exams
Key features
- 5-day Mobile Crane Operator course: 3 days of prep, written exams on day 4, practical exams on day 5
- 2.25 CEUs and a certificate of completion for the 3-day prep
- 6-hour online NCCCO Rigger Level I and II test prep with 365 days of access
- Prep for LAT, TLL and TSS mobile crane specialties
- VR crane simulators and on-site training at your location
Pros
- Exams can be taken right after the prep at ITI Training Centers
- Online rigger prep includes quizzes and an end-of-course test
- Training can be delivered at the client's site
Cons
- Written and practical exam fees are extra
- Course prices are not shown on the course pages
- Online courses expire 365 days after assignment
Rank 7
OECP Crane and Signal Person Rigger Certification
The Operating Engineers Certification Program, the IUOE's accredited certifier for crane operators and signal person riggers.
oecp.org7.8
out of 10
Best for: IUOE union members certifying as operators or signal person riggers
The Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) is a non-profit certifier set up by the International Union of Operating Engineers. It certifies mobile, overhead and tower crane operators plus a combined Signal Person Rigger (SPR) credential. Its fee schedule, effective November 1, 2025, lists $210 for each written exam and $60 for one practical, falling to $95 for two and $130 for three taken the same day, and the SPR written fee includes the initial practical. Contract test sites add $65 per written exam. The eligibility rules are the real filter: candidates must be IUOE members in good standing, crane candidates need 1,000 hours of crane experience or training in the last five years plus a DOT or DMV medical card, and SPR candidates need 500 hours and a certificate from an IUOE-recognized training course. For members, OECP is efficient and affordable. Everyone else should look at CCO or CIC.
Standout feature
OECP is the best choice for IUOE members because its $210 Signal Person Rigger written exam includes the initial practical.
Use cases
IUOE apprentices finishing a signal person rigger course
Take the SPR written exam with the included practical
Outcome: One credential covering signaling and rigging
Union crane operators running several machines
Take two or three practical exams on one day
Outcome: Several crane types certified for $95 or $130 in practical fees
Key features
- Written exams for mobile, overhead and tower cranes and Signal Person Rigger (SPR)
- Practical exams: $60 for one, $95 for two, $130 for three on the same day
- Initial SPR practical included in the SPR written exam fee
- Ask OECP digital certification card with expiration dates
- Accredited by NCCA
Pros
- One SPR certification covers both signaling and rigging
- Same-day practical bundles lower the per-exam cost
- Built by and for operating engineers
Cons
- Open only to IUOE members in good standing
- Crane candidates need 1,000 hours of crane experience or training in five years
- Contract test sites add $65 per written exam
Rank 8
ClickSafety Mobile Crane Operator NCCCO Test Prep
A self-paced online course that prepares operators for the NCCCO Core and crane-specific written exams.
clicksafety.com7.7
out of 10
Best for: Operators on a budget who want self-paced written exam prep
ClickSafety is an online safety training company, and its Mobile Crane Operator NCCCO Test Prep is the cheapest way in this list to study for the written side of crane certification. The intermediate-level course is listed at 16 hours, and ClickSafety says participants usually complete it at their own pace in about 12 hours. It covers general crane knowledge, technical information, load chart components, crane site and setup, operations and specialty crane load charts, with supplemental workbooks. ClickSafety lists it at $195, and related courses include Signaling for Mobile and Overhead Cranes for $95 and Overhead Crane Operator for $145. Be clear about what you are buying: this is study material, not a certification. You still have to register and pay for the CCO or another accredited certifier's written and practical exams, and the course does not prepare you for the hands-on practical.
Standout feature
ClickSafety is the best choice for budget written exam prep because its self-paced NCCCO course costs $195.
Use cases
Experienced operators renewing a card
Refresh load chart skills before the Core exam
Outcome: Self-paced review for $195
Safety managers
Assign the course to several operators before a test date
Outcome: Consistent written exam prep across a crew
Key features
- Self-paced online course listed at 16 hours, which ClickSafety says most finish in about 12
- Covers general crane knowledge, load chart components, site setup and operations
- Supplemental workbooks reinforce each topic
- Aimed at OSHA 1926.1400 certification requirements
- Related courses include Signaling for Mobile and Overhead Cranes for $95
Pros
- $195 is the lowest published price in this list
- Study from any device at your own pace
- Includes specialty crane load chart practice
Cons
- Training only: no CCO certification or exam is included
- No hands-on practical preparation
- Intermediate level, so beginners may need classroom time
Rank 9
NCCER Crane Operator, Rigger and Signal Person Certifications
NCCER's crane operator, rigger, advanced rigger and signal person certifications, delivered through accredited assessment programs.
nccer.org7.6
out of 10
Best for: Employers who want to certify their own crews on site
NCCER, a nonprofit education foundation created in 1996, offers a full set of crane operator, rigger, advanced rigger and signal person certifications. Its Crane Operator Certification Program meets ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926 Subpart CC and is accredited by ANAB, and the rigger and signal person programs follow ASME B30 standards. The model is built for employers: certifications are offered only through NCCER Endorsed Accredited Assessment Programs, which can test their own employees, members or the public using their own equipment on site, and results can be checked through NCCER's online credential service. For operators seeking a Pennsylvania license, NCCER requires an extra math assessment. Individuals have a harder time, because NCCER does not publish a candidate fee and tells candidates to contact a listed provider for dates, locations and cost. If your employer or school is already an NCCER program, it is a convenient route; otherwise CCO is easier to book.
Standout feature
NCCER is the best choice for employers testing their own crews because its accredited programs can run crane, rigger and signal person assessments on site with company equipment.
Use cases
Industrial contractors with large crane fleets
Become an Endorsed Accredited Assessment Program
Outcome: Certify operators and riggers on site with company equipment
Trade school students in NCCER programs
Test for Rigger and Signal Person through the school
Outcome: Certifications earned alongside craft training
Key features
- Crane Operator, Rigger, Advanced Rigger and Signal Person certifications
- Crane Operator program accredited by ANAB
- Assessments and practicals can run on site using the employer's own equipment
- Online credential verification
- Pennsylvania licensure candidates take an additional math assessment
Pros
- One organization covers operators, riggers and signal persons
- On-site testing reduces downtime for employers
- Content aligned with ASME B30 and OSHA 1926 Subpart CC
Cons
- Only offered through NCCER Endorsed Accredited Assessment Programs
- No public candidate fee; providers set their own prices
- Individuals must find a public provider to test
Frequently asked questions
+Which crane certification is best?
CCO Mobile Crane Operator, formerly NCCCO, is the best crane certification for most operators. It is ANAB accredited, valid for five years and costs $140 for the Core exam, $80 per specialty and $70 per practical at CCO's listed fees, before any proctor charges.
+What is the best rigging certification?
CCO Rigger Level I is the best rigging certification for most riggers, with Rigger Level II for complex lifts. CCO lists $105 per written exam and $95 per practical exam, and the card is valid for five years.
+Is NCCCO the same as CCO?
Yes. CCO describes itself as CCO Certification (NCCCO Certification), a not-for-profit certifier formerly known as NCCCO that has issued crane certifications since 1995.
+How much does crane operator certification cost?
CCO's published fees start at $290 for one Core exam, one specialty and one practical, and CIC lists $345 for its virtual exams plus practical scoring. Both certifiers say practical proctors or examiners may charge additional fees.
+Can I take crane certification exams online?
Yes, for the written part. CIC runs its General Knowledge and Supplemental exams through virtual proctoring, and CCO offers three written testing options (OPT, TCT and EOT). Practical exams still happen in person on a crane.
+How long does a crane certification last?
Five years for CCO and CIC certifications. CIC operators with at least 1,000 crane hours in that period can recertify for $255 without taking another practical exam.
+Can union operators certify through the IUOE?
Yes. The Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) certifies IUOE members in good standing as crane operators and signal person riggers, with written exams at $210 each and practical exams from $60.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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