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Exam Overview

MyCompany signup portal-compliant exams that test candidates on what they know, not on how well they take a test.
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Exam Overview

  • Conduct examinations anytime
  • Instant exam results upon submission
  • Exam questions with images, audio, and video
  • No internet required for exam administration
  • Receive feedback on the questions answered incorrectly
  • One classification exam covers all lower classification
  • Test on your knowledge, not on your test-taking abilities

Written Test

The FedMyCompany signup portal standard for the Written portion of our certification exam is as follows:

1926.1427(j) Certification criteria.

“Qualifications and certifications must be based, at a minimum, on a determination through a written test that:

(j)(1)

  1. (i)    The individual knows the information necessary for safe operation of the specific type of equipment the individual will operate, including all of the following:
    1. (A)    The controls and operational/performance characteristics.
    2. (B)    Use of, and the ability to calculate (manually or with a calculator), load/capacity information on a variety of configurations of the equipment.
    3. (C)    Procedures for preventing and responding to power line contact.
    4. (D)    Technical knowledge similar to the subject matter criteria listed in Appendix C of this subpart applicable to the specific type of equipment the individual will operate. Use of the Appendix C criteria meets the requirements of this provision.
    5. (E)    Technical knowledge applicable to:
      1. (1)    The suitability of the supporting ground and surface to handle expected loads.
      2. (2)    Site hazards.
      3. (3)    Site access.
    6. (F)    This subpart, including applicable incorporated materials.
  2. (ii)    The individual is able to read and locate relevant information in the equipment manual and other materials containing information referred to in paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section.”

The Process

  • take tablet
  • sit down
  • begin first test
  • take break?
  • Take next tests
  • Take breaks?
  • Take final test
  • Leave test facility

Our written exams are conducted on tablets. Each candidate, after being checked in by the Written Administrator, is handed a tablet and given instructions in its use, as follows:

  • Written tests are timed, and tablets will show your time remaining:
    • Use your tablet’s touch screen to proceed through the test
    • Questions will be displayed one at a time
    • All questions are multiple-choice
    • Tap the answer you think is correct on the screen then tap the Next question button. If you would like to answer a question but come back to it later, you can bookmark it
  • If you need a bathroom break, tap the Break button, and raise your hand. When the Written Administrator motions you to step forward, do so, leaving your tablet on your desk. You will have to sign in again when you return, and the timer will continue while you’re gone.
  • When you complete a test, you will be prompted to proceed to the next test you select. You can take a break between tests, or if you’ve completed all tests, end your testing session.
  • Leave your tablet on your desk then please leave the testing facility.

Candidates do not need pencils, calculators, or to fill in little circles. Our test is delivered electronically on a tablet with a built-in calculator and note pad.

 

Sample Screens

All Written exam questions are in multiple choice format. This is what the tablet will show for the multiple choice questions for the Written exam:

For the Classification load chart questions, we include both a calculator and the ability to take notes right on the tablet (no separate calculator or pencil/pen/paper is required). We will also provide you separately with the appropriate load chart..

Number of Questions and Time Allowed

Exam
Number of questions
Time Allowed
Core Exam 80 multiple choice questions 80 minutes
Classification Exam(s) (At least one Classification Exam is required for Certification) See below
Telescopic 15 questions 60 minutes
Lattice 25 questions 75 minutes

 

Written Exam Scoring

To pass one of our Written exams, you have to get a score above the pre-determined “cut-off” score for that exam. These are established by the subject matter experts in our Written Exam Committee.

The passing score for each exam has no relation to the performance of other candidates, so you pass based only on your performance.

Exam
Passing Score
Maximum Possible Score
Core 70% 100%
Classification 70% 100%


Written Exam Content Outline


Appendix C to Subpart CC of Part 1926--Operator Certification: Written Examination: Technical Knowledge Criteria
This appendix contains information for employers, accredited testing organizations, auditors and government entities developing criteria for a written examination to test an individual's technical knowledge relating to the operation of .

  1. (a)    General technical information.
    1. (1)    The functions and limitations of the and attachments.
    2. (2)    Wire rope:
      1. (i)    Background information necessary to understand the inspection and removal from service criteria in § 1926.1413 and § 1926.1414.
      2. (ii)    Capacity and when multi-part rope is needed.
      3. (iii)    Relationship between line pull and safe working load.
      4. (iv)    How to determine the manufacturer's recommended rope for the .
    3. (3)    Rigging devices and their use, such as:
      1. (i)    Slings.
      2. (ii)    Spreaders.
      3. (iii)    Lifting beams.
      4. (iv)    Wire rope fittings, such as clips, shackles and wedge sockets.
      5. (v)    Saddles (softeners).
      6. (vi)    Clamps (beams).
    4. (4)    The technical limitations of protective measures against electrical hazards:
      1. (i)    Grounding.
      2. (ii)    Proximity warning devices.
      3. (iii)    Insulated links.
      4. (iv)    Boom cages.
      5. (v)    Proximity to electric power lines, radii, and microwave structures.
    5. (5)    The effects of load share and load transfer in multi- lifts.
    6. (6)    Basic terms.
    7. (7)    The basics of machine power flow systems.
      1. (i)    Mechanical.
      2. (ii)    Electrical.
      3. (iii)    Pneumatic.
      4. (iv)    Hydraulic.
      5. (v)    Combination.
    8. (8)    The significance of the instruments and gauge readings.
    9. (9)    The effects of thermal expansion and contraction in hydraulic cylinders.
    10. (10)    Background information necessary to understand the requirements of pre-operation and inspection.
    11. (11)    How to use the safety devices and operational aids required under § 1926.1415 and § 1926.1416.
    12. (12)    The difference between duty-cycle and lifting operations.
    13. (13)    How to calculate net capacity for every possible configuration of the equipment using the manufacturer's load chart.
    14. (14)    How to use manufacturer-approved attachments and their effect on the equipment.
    15. (15)    How to obtain dimensions, weight, and center of gravity of the load.
    16. (16)    The effects of dynamic loading from:
      1. (i)    Wind.
      2. (ii)    Stopping and starting.
      3. (iii)    Impact loading.
      4. (iv)    Moving with the load.
    17. (17)    The effect of side loading.
    18. (18)    The principles of backward stability.
  2. (b) Site information.
    1. (1) How to identify the suitability of the supporting ground/surface to support the expected loads of the operation. Elements include:
      1. (i) Weaknesses below the surface (such as voids, tanks, loose fill).
      2. (ii) Weaknesses on the surface (such as retaining walls, slopes, excavations, depressions).
    2. (2) Proper use of mats, blocking/cribbing, outriggers, stabilizers, or crawlers.
    3. (3) Identification of site hazards such as power lines, piping, and traffic.
    4. (4) How to review operation plans with supervisors and other workers (such as the signal person), including how to determine working height, boom length, load radius, and travel clearance.
    5. (5) How to determine if there is adequate room for extension of crawlers or outriggers/stabilizers and counterweights.
  3. (c) Operations.
    1. (1) How to pick, carry, swing and place the load smoothly and safely on rubber tires and on outriggers/stabilizers or crawlers (where applicable).
    2. (2) How to communicate at the site with supervisors, the crew and the signal person.
    3. (3) Proper procedures and methods of reeving wire ropes and methods of reeving multiple-part lines and selecting the proper load block and/or ball.
    4. (4) How to react to changes in conditions that affect the safe operation of the equipment.
    5. (5) How to shut down and secure the equipment properly when leaving it unattended.
    6. (6) Know how to apply the manufacturer's specifications for operating in various weather conditions, and understand how environmental conditions affect the safe operation of the equipment.
    7. (7) How to properly level the equipment.
    8. (8) How to verify the weight of the load and rigging prior to initiating the lift.
    9. (9) How to determine where the load is to be picked up and placed and how to verify the radii.
    10. (10) Know basic rigging procedures.
    11. (11) How to carry out the shift inspection required in this subpart.
    12. (12) Know that the following operations require specific procedures and skill levels:
      1. (i) Multi- lifts.
      2. (ii) Hoisting personnel.
      3. (iii) Clamshell/dragline operations.
      4. (iv) Pile driving and extracting.
      5. (v) Concrete operations, including poured-in-place and tilt-up.
      6. (vi) Demolition operations.
      7. (vii) Operations on water.
      8. (viii) Magnet operations.
      9. (ix) Multi-drum operations.
    13. (13) Know the proper procedures for operating safely under the following conditions:
      1. (i) Traveling with suspended loads.
      2. (ii) Approaching a two-block condition.
      3. (iii) Operating near power lines.
      4. (iv) Hoisting personnel.
      5. (v) Using other than full outrigger/crawler or stabilizer extensions.
      6. (vi) Lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water.
      7. (vii) Using various approved counterweight configurations.
      8. (viii) Handling loads out of the operator's vision ("operating in the blind").
      9. (ix) Using electronic communication systems for signal communication.
    14. (14) Know the proper procedures for load control and the use of hand-held tag lines.
    15. (15) Know the emergency response procedure for:
      1. (i) Fires.
      2. (ii) Power line contact.
      3. (iii) Loss of stability.
      4. (iv) Control malfunction.
      5. (v) Two-blocking.
      6. (vi) Overload.
      7. (vii) Carrier or travel malfunction.
    16. (16) Know how to properly use outriggers and stabilizers in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  4. (d) Use of load charts.
    1. (1) Know the terminology necessary to use load charts.
    2. (2) Know how to ensure that the load chart is the appropriate chart for the equipment in its particular configuration and application.
    3. (3) Know how to use load charts. This includes knowing:
      1. (i) The operational limitations of load charts and footnotes.
      2. (ii) How to relate the chart to the configuration of the , crawlers, or outriggers/stabilizers extended or retracted, jib erected or offset, and various counterweight configurations.
      3. (iii) The difference between structural capacity and capacity limited by stability.
      4. (iv) What is included in capacity ratings.
      5. (v) The range diagram and its relationship to the load chart.
      6. (vi) The work area chart and its relationship to the load chart.
      7. (vii) Where to find and how to use the "parts-of-line" information.
    4. (4) Know how to use the load chart together with the load indicators and/or load moment devices.

Practical Test

The FedMyCompany signup portal standard for the Practical portion of our certification exam is as follows:

1926.1427(j) Certification criteria.

“Qualifications and certifications must be based, at a minimum, on a determination through a practical test that the individual has the skills necessary for safe operation of the equipment, including the following:

  1. (i)    Ability to recognize, from visual and auditory observation, the items listed in § 1926.1412(d) (shift inspection).
  2. (ii)    Operational and maneuvering skills.
  3. (iii)    Application of load chart information.
  4. (iv)    Application of safe shut-down and securing procedures.”

The Process

Although each has it's own unique load chart and set of shutdown procedures, the Practical Exam course that we use is the same for every .

You can take the Practical exam on any as long as the boom length is between 45’ and 70’. If the boom length is less than 45’, then you will have a Short Boom restriction, not permitting you to operate a with a boom longer than 45’.

  • Follow instructions
  • Begin testing
  • Load chart
  • Shift inspection
  • Shutdown & securing
  • Familiarization
  • Hand signals
  • ballast in barrels
  • circle course
  • Leave test facility

Our Practical exams are conducted by Practical Examiners using tablets. Each candidate, after being checked in by the Practical Examiner, follows these instructions:

  • Listen to the Practical Examiner's instructions throughout the test.
  • At any point during the test, you can decide not to proceed, by e-signing to that effect on the Practical Examiner’s tablet.
  • The Practical Examiner will guide you through a series of tasks, and will tell you which tasks will be timed.
  • Load Chart: The Examiner’s tablet will show items to be identified on the load chart. On the scrollable load chart on the tablet, select where each item is located.
  • Shift Inspection: The Examiner’s tablet will show a list of possible inspection items. Select which ones apply for pre- and post-start inspection.
  • Safe Shut-Down and Securing: The Examiner’s tablet will show a list of possible safe shut-down and securing procedures. Select which procedures apply for safe shut-down and securing of the .
  • Familiarization: You will be given 20 minutes to familiarize yourself with the .
  • Hand Signals: The examiner will give you hand signals. On the , follow the hand signals.
  • Weight in Barrels: The Examiner will explain the weight in barrels task. Proceed according to the Examiner’s instructions.
  • Circle Course: The Examiner will explain the circle course task. Proceed according to the Examiner’s instructions.
  • Once you've completed the test, you will be asked to please leave the testing facility.

 

Practical Exam Site Layout

Our Practical Exam course is set up to test candidate’s hands-on skills.

 

Tasks/Questions and Time Allowed

Task
Number of questions
Time Allowed
Load chart 4 10 minutes
Identification of items in shift inspection 4 10 minutes
Safe shut down & securing procedures 4 10 minutes
Familiarization N/A 20 minutes
Hand signals 4 Not timed
Weight in barrels N/A 3 minutes maximum
Circle course N/A 4:30 minutes maximum

 

Testing Safety

The examiner has the authority to disqualify a candidate for performing any unsafe acts. This includes (but isn’t limited to) the following:

  • Reckless or uncontrolled operation
  • Not responding to a stop signal
  • Making contact with any part of the or the load, including hitting the
  • Making contact with the load with any part of your body
  • Any action that the examiner judges could endanger test site personnel or equipment
 

Wind Speed / Weather / Equipment Problems

In the event of bad weather, the examiner, in conjunction with the candidate, will determine if it is safe to proceed with the test.

If precipitation is strong enough to obstruct the candidate’s ability to see the course clearly, the exam must be stopped until all objects in the course are visible.

In all cases, the examiner judges whether equipment conditions or weather require that an exam be suspended. If so, to resume the candidate either re-starts where they left off, or if they are testing on a different , they can also take the entire exam over again. If the exam is rescheduled for a different day, they will be required to re-take the entire exam, at no additional cost.

Retesting
 
Retesting

Practical Exam Scoring

During a Practical exam, all of the candidate’s results will be recorded on the tablet.

In the load chart, inspection and procedural sections of the exam, points will be deducted for answering the questions incorrectly. In the maneuvering skills sections, points will be deducted if the candidate moves or knocks over obstacles in the test course, or because they exceed the established time limits.

The MyCompany signup portal Compliance subject matter experts in our Practical Exam Committee determined what questions and tasks were best suited to measuring candidates’ abilities, and setting optimal time limits for doing so.

What to Bring on the Day of the Exam

On the day of the exam, candidates should bring a government-issued photo ID to the designated testing site at or before their scheduled time.

Candidates will not be allowed to take anything into the test site, including books, papers, dictionaries, other reference materials, bags, coats, hats, phones, or other electronic devices.

All materials necessary for the exam will be provided.

What to Bring on the Day of the Exam

Retesting

If a candidate does not pass an exam, they can apply for a retest with their Test Coordinator.
Candidates can take both the Written and Practical exams as many times as they need to in order to pass.
They have to wait 24 hours to re-take the Written exam.

Retesting

Exam Development

Our certification process begins with a "job task analysis", modeled directly on the Federal MyCompany signup portal standard, listing what candidates need to know in order to become certified.

  • Written: MyCompany signup portal 1926.1427(j)(1)
  • Practical: MyCompany signup portal 1926.1427(j)(2)

Based on these job task analyses, our Written and Practical Exam Committees wrote and fine-tuned the written and practical exams for reliability, validity, and effectiveness. Our Exam Committees include a diverse group of operators and industry subject matter experts, as well as psychometric experts skilled in exam development.

We have teamed up with Tablet Based Testing™ to deliver our secure exams. Their platform enables us to:

  • Make sure we covered all Federal MyCompany signup portal requirements.
  • Set and maintain psychometric parameters.
  • Develop a valid and reliable scoring process.
  • Standardize and automate a secure testing environment.

Each one of our exams contains a unique combination of questions from the question bank we developed, to make sure they provide a fair and objective assessment of the skills needed to be certified.

 

Download public reports below to read about
our exam content, items, and how scoring was developed.

Written Exams Public Report

Practical Exam Public Report