Certification
Digger Derrick Operator
National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
Median earnings
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Cost
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Duration
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Completion
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Welcome to the CCO Digger Derrick Operator certification program. The NCCCO Digger Derrick Task Force that developed this certification program was made up of experts from all aspects of the digger derrick industry—operators, users, trainers, safety supervisors, manufacturers—who together represent many thousands of hours of digger derrick–related experience.
Skills taught
Evaluate supporting‑surface conditions to identify subsurface and surface weaknesses that could compromise crane stabilityIdentify site hazards to assess risks involving utilities, transportation clearances, traffic control, and job‑site accessApply power‑line safety practices to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain safe working distances during site setupReview lift requirements with site supervision to confirm alignment between lift plans, travel clearances, and ground‑support needsEnforce personnel restrictions to ensure that only qualified workers access the lift area and unauthorized individuals remain excludedInspect crane systems and equipment to evaluate controls, safety devices, warning systems, rigging, load lines, and structural components before operationPlan job requirements to select appropriate load charts, determine approach distances, assign signal personnel, and choose proper riggingSet up the digger derrick to ensure proper vehicle positioning, outrigger deployment, slope considerations, and cribbing use in varied ground conditionsApply PPE and barricading requirements to maintain operator safety and secure the work area in accordance with regulationsPrepare the digger derrick for transport to safely load, unload, and secure the equipment for over‑the‑road travelApply federal regulations and industry standards to ensure safe digger‑derrick operation consistent with ANSI/ASSE A10.31 and OSHA requirementsOperate lifting and material‑handling systems to swing, position, and place loads smoothly while verifying capacity, rigging requirements, and load pathUse signaling methods to communicate through standard hand, voice, and special signals during lifting operationsRespond to emergency and abnormal conditions to address power‑line contact, loss of stability, malfunction, or personnel hazards in the fall zoneControl loads safely to prevent unwanted swing, manage dynamic forces, and use tag lines and insulated tools when necessaryPerform multi‑part line and winch operations to ensure proper reeving and safe use of lifting equipment under specialized conditionsOperate under special conditions to safely travel near power lines, use personnel platforms, and lift embedded or underwater loadsInterpret digger‑derrick terminology and system functions to understand operational capabilities and limitations of machine components and attachmentsMaintain wire‑rope and synthetic load lines to meet construction, inspection, lubrication, and replacement criteria for safe hoisting operationsApply rigging knowledge to select and use slings, spreaders, lifting beams, hooks, and softeners appropriatelyUse instruments and gauges to monitor load share, load transfer, and power‑system conditions during multi‑derrick operationsPerform inspection and maintenance procedures to comply with shift, periodic, and annual requirements and maintain proper recordsOperate attachments and accessories to ensure safe performance of jibs, augers, pole pullers, anchor adaptors, and phase‑lifting equipmentApply fall‑protection and access requirements to safely enter, exit, and work from platforms or elevated positionsUse winch systems to perform safe hoisting operations in compliance with operational and manufacturer requirementsInterpret load‑chart terminology to understand operational limits, stability factors, structural capacity, and required footnotesVerify correct chart selection to match the digger‑derrick configuration and application for every planned liftApply capacity‑chart information to determine allowable loads, working‑area restrictions, range diagrams, and parts‑of‑line requirementsCalculate net lifting capacity to account for rigging deductions, attachments, and hoist‑line load limitsUse load‑weighing and overload‑protection devices to ensure lifting operations remain within manufacturer‑approved parameters