National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

Digger Derrick Operator

Credential: Digger Derrick Operator  ANSI resource
Credentialing Agency: National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

Renewal Period: 5 years

Digger Derrick Operator is an entry-level certification for operators who are trained and who currently work in digger derrick operation. This equipment is frequently used by utilities and electrical contractors and is typically equipped with a digging auger and devices used to lift and stabilize a pole during installation. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, meet medical requirements, comply wtih NCCCO's Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics, and pass a written and practical exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Digger Derrick Operator

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 5 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

2750 Prosperity Ave.
Suite 505
Fairfax, VA  22031

Phone: (703) 560-2391

Fax: (703) 560-2392
Email: info@nccco.org

Other REQUIREMENTS

The Digger Derrick Operator credential has the following other requirements:

  • Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Candidate must meet medical requirements.

Written Exam

The Digger Derrick Operator Written Examination has 75 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the written examination.

  • Domain 1: Site (11%)
    • Know the ability of supporting surfaces to handle the expected loads
    • Know electric power line hazards, corresponding regulations, and safety practices
    • Know how to identify and evaluate hazards associated with access to the job site; site hazards such as underground utilities; transportation clearances; traffic control
    • Know how to review lift requirements with site supervision
    • Know site restrictions regarding personnel
  • Domain 2: Pre-Operation (17%)
    • Know and perform various inspections. Additional information available from the certifying agency. See Digger Derrick Operator on the Exam Preparation tab.
    • Know the requirements for personal protective equipment
    • Know how to plan the job, including load charts; clearance/minimum approach distances; rigging; signalperson
    • Know the requirements for grounding and/or barricading
    • Know and understand the proper setup of digger derricks
    • Know the purpose of decals and placards
    • Know the requirements for operating in various weather conditions and understand how environmental conditions affect the safe operation of the digger derrick
    • Understand the operation of all controls and components
    • Have general knowledge of booms, platforms, liners
    • Know how to prepare the digger derrick for transportation
  • Domain 3: Operation (36%)
    • Know which federal regulations and industry standards affect safe operations of digger derricks, including, but not limited to ANSI/ASSE A10.31; OSHA 1910.180; OSHA 1926 Subpart CC
    • Have specific knowledge of dielectric protection and safety
    • Know the proper use of material handling and phase lifting equipment
    • Know how to identify unsafe equipment conditions/deficiencies and when to notify supervision
    • Know how to swing and place the load smoothly and safely
    • Know proper procedures for multiple–part line reeving
    • Know standard method signals as specified in OSHA 1926 Subpart CC
    • Know how to shut down and secure the digger derrick properly when leaving it unattended
    • Know how to verify the capacity of the digger derrick, weight of the load, rigging, and path prior to initiating the lift
    • Know basic load rigging procedures
    • Know how to use and understand the requirements for safety devices, including digger derrick level indicator; hydraulic outrigger holding/check valve devices; horn
    • Know and understand the requirements for operational aids and temporary alternative measures for load weight indicating device (LMI, LML, rated load indicator); anti two-block device; boom angle indicator; outrigger position sensors/monitors
    • Know the proper procedure for operating safely under various conditions. Additional information available from the certifying agency. See Digger Derrick Operator on the Exam Preparation tab.
    • Know proper procedures for load control, including the use of insulated tools/PPE; tag lines
    • Know how to react to emergency conditions
    • Know the effects of dynamic loading from wind and weather; stopping and starting; impact loading; moving the load
    • Know the effect of side loading
    • Know the operator’s authority to stop operations
    • Platform work
    • Know the requirements of stowing/unstowing boom; stowing/unstowing auger; storing/unstoring equipment
    • Know the requirements for various operations. Additional information available from the certifying agency. See Digger Derrick Operator on the Exam Preparation tab.
  • Domain 4: Technical Knowledge (19%)
    • Know basic digger derrick terminology and definitions
    • Know functions and limitations of the digger derrick
    • Know load line (wire and synthetic)
    • Know rigging devices
    • Know the limitations of protective measures against electrical hazards
    • Know the effects of the load share and load transfer in multi-digger derrick lifts
    • Know the significance of the instruments and gauge readings
    • Know the requirements for inspections and maintenance
    • Know how to use attachments/accessories and their effect on the digger derrick’s operations
    • Know requirements for fall protection
    • Know requirements for access and egress
    • Know the general requirements that apply to assembly/disassembly operations
    • Know the requirements of operator qualification/certification
    • Know the operations and requirements for the use of winches
  • Domain 5: Manufacturers' Load Charts (19%)
    • Know the terminology necessary to use load charts
    • Know how to ensure that the load chart is the appropriate chart for the machine in its particular application
    • Know how to use capacity load charts
    • Know how to use the load chart with hydraulic overload protection gauge; load weighing devices
    • Know how to calculate net capacity for the digger derrick configuration using the applicable manufacturer’s load charts

Practical Exam

The Digger Derrick Operator Practical Exam demonstrates derrick digger operation proficiency. It consists of seven main tasks that increase progressively in the skill level tested.

  • Task 1: Pre-operational Inspection
  • Task 2: Place Chain in Circle
  • Task 3: Follow Hand Signals
  • Task 4: Negotiate Corridor with Test Weight
  • Task 5: Auger a Hole
  • Task 6: Pick up a Pole
  • Task 7: Stow Boom and Shut-down Procedures

RECERTIFICATION

Digger Derrick Operator

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Digger Derrick Operator credential has the following recertification information:

To recertify, the following requirements must be met:

  • Passing the Recertification Written and/or Practical Examination(s)
  • Continuing to meet medical requirements
  • Compliance with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy
  • Compliance with the Code of Ethics

Candidates who can attest to at least 500 hours of actual operating experience on digger derricks during their period of certification do not need to take a Practical Exam to recertify.

Additional considerations for the Digger Derrick Operator include:

  • Although there are no education or experience requirements, CCO certification exams are designed for operators who are trained and who currently work in digger derrick operation.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.

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Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click 'Complete Voucher and Apply' at the top of any page.

CG Bucks

Coming Soon - Coast Guard policy regarding service member eligibility requirements to participate in the Voluntary Credentialing Program is under review with a projected release date of first quarter FY20.

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 and Above

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

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ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: mimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

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NKO e-learning

Credential preparation courses are provided at no cost through Navy e-Learning. Click for external link to the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) web site, then select the “Navy e-Learning” link within the “Learning” tab to proceed to Navy e-Learning.

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
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Updated: October 16, 2019
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