When you hire a crew to rig and install heavy industrial equipment, you need to know they are qualified to operate cranes safely and competently. NCCCO certification is the national standard that proves it. Here is what NCCCO certification means, why it matters for your installation project, and what to look for when hiring an installation contractor.
What Is NCCCO?
NCCCO stands for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. It is the leading accredited certification program for crane operators and riggers in the United States. NCCCO certifications are:
- Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Recognized by OSHA as meeting employer obligations for crane operator qualification
- Required by many general contractors, facility owners, and government agencies
- Valid for 5 years with recertification requirements
NCCCO Certifications That Matter for Installation Projects
Mobile Crane Operator
This certification covers the operation of mobile cranes — the most common crane type used in industrial equipment installation. Mobile cranes are used to lift and set robots, production machinery, air handling units, structural steel, and other heavy equipment. Certification levels correspond to crane capacity ratings.
Rigger Level 1 and Level 2
Rigger certification covers the planning and execution of lifts — selecting slings, calculating load weights, determining rigging configurations, and directing crane operators during lifts. Level 2 riggers are qualified for complex lifts including multi-crane operations and engineered lift plans.
Why NCCCO Certification Matters for Your Project
Safety
Crane incidents are among the most severe workplace accidents in construction and industrial settings. An uncertified operator does not have independently verified knowledge of load charts, crane stability, rigging configurations, and safe operating procedures. NCCCO certification means the operator has passed written and practical exams testing these competencies.
OSHA Compliance
OSHA requires employers to ensure crane operators are qualified. NCCCO certification is the most widely accepted method of meeting this requirement. If your facility requires OSHA compliance documentation from contractors (and most do), NCCCO cards provide clear evidence.
Insurance and Liability
Many insurance carriers and facility owners require NCCCO certification for crane operations on their premises. Using uncertified operators can void coverage and create liability exposure for the project owner.
Quality of Work
Certified operators understand load dynamics, which means equipment is placed more precisely and safely. Precision placement matters when you are setting a robot on a pedestal to layout drawing tolerances or lifting a 20-ton air handling unit onto a rooftop.
What to Ask Your Installation Contractor
- “Do your crane operators hold current NCCCO certification?” — Ask to see the cards. They should be current (not expired).
- “What level rigger certification do your crews hold?” — Level 2 riggers are qualified for the complex lifts typical of industrial installations.
- “Do you develop written lift plans?” — Any competent rigging operation starts with a plan. Ask if they provide PE-stamped engineered lift plans when required.
- “Do you carry your own crane or rent?” — Both approaches work, but the crew operating the crane should be NCCCO-certified regardless of crane ownership.
NCCCO at iMi
Our crane operators hold NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator certification for cranes up to 75 tons. Our riggers hold NCCCO Rigger Level 2 certification. Every lift on every project starts with a written lift plan. When required, we provide PE-stamped engineered lift plans.
Rigging is not an add-on for us — it is a core trade capability integrated into every installation we perform. When we install a robotic cell, set a paint booth air handling unit, or place production machinery, our own certified crews handle the lifts.
Need NCCCO-certified installation crews? Contact iMi or call 502.627.0646.
