Drill Rig Operator
Program Overview
The CCO Drill Rig Operator certification is a nationally recognized and internationally accredited program for specialized drilling machines that use a crane carrier or base to position drilling equipment. Certifications are available for Foundation Drill Rigs (FDR) and Anchor/Micropile Drill Rigs (AMP).
Who Is a Drill Rig Operator?
A drill rig operator safely controls foundation or anchor/micropile drill rigs and demonstrates knowledge of equipment operation, inspections, maintenance and jobsite safety procedures.
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Standard
ASME B30.30
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Exam Format
Written + Practical
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Validity
5 Years
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The Path to Certification
Follow these four steps to earn your CCO Drill Rig Operator certification.
01 Confirm Eligibility
Be at least 18 years old and comply with CCO’s Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics.
02 Apply Online
Submit your application and pay the exam fees through the myCCO portal.
03 Take the Written Exam
Take and pass the written exam. Choose from online proctored, event-based, or test-center testing.
04 Take the Practical Exam
Schedule with a CCO Practical Proctor to complete and pass the hands-on exam at an approved site.
Drill Rig Specialties
FDR
Foundation Drill Rig
AMP
Anchor/Micropile Drill Rig
Written & Practical Exam Content
Written
Written Exam Content
Exam Format
Written Examination (Core + Specialty): Tests knowledge and skills related to the safe operation of drill rigs.
Knowledge Areas
- Pre-Operations & Site Conditions (23%) – Jobsite assessments, hazard identification, ground conditions, utilities, power line hazards, pre-shift inspections, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHA).
- Operations (34%) – Drill rig setup, inspections, stabilization, load charts, attachments, drilling procedures, controlled access zones, emergency procedures, and safe operating practices.
- Technical Knowledge (31%) – Equipment specifications, stability charts, rigging, wire rope, maintenance, inspections, manufacturer manuals, safety standards, and operational aids.
- Tooling (4%) – Tool inspection, installation, and operation of drilling tools, attachments, rotary systems, and Kelly bars.
- Communications (8%) – Industry hand signals, equipment terminology, safety signage, and communication with supervisors and project personnel.
Exam Format
Written Examination: Tests knowledge and skills related to the safe operation of drill rigs.
Knowledge Areas
- Pre-Operations & Site Conditions (23%) – Jobsite assessments, hazard identification, ground conditions, utilities, power line hazards, pre-shift inspections, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHA).
- Operations (34%) – Drill rig setup, inspections, stabilization, load charts, attachments, drilling procedures, controlled access zones, emergency procedures, and safe operating practices.
- Technical Knowledge (31%) – Equipment specifications, stability charts, rigging, wire rope, maintenance, inspections, manufacturer manuals, safety standards, and operational aids.
- Tooling (4%) – Tool inspection, installation, and operation of drilling tools, attachments, rotary systems, and Kelly bars.
- Communications (8%) – Industry hand signals, equipment terminology, safety signage, and communication with supervisors and project personnel.
Exam Format
Written Examination: Tests knowledge and skills related to the safe operation of drill rigs.
Knowledge Areas
- Pre-Operations & Site Conditions (23%) – Jobsite assessments, hazard identification, ground conditions, utilities, power line hazards, pre-shift inspections, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHA).
- Operations (34%) – Drill rig setup, inspections, stabilization, load charts, attachments, drilling procedures, controlled access zones, emergency procedures, and safe operating practices.
- Technical Knowledge (31%) – Equipment specifications, stability charts, rigging, wire rope, maintenance, inspections, manufacturer manuals, safety standards, and operational aids.
- Tooling (4%) – Tool inspection, installation, and operation of drilling tools, attachments, rotary systems, and Kelly bars.
- Communications (8%) – Industry hand signals, equipment terminology, safety signage, and communication with supervisors and project personnel.
Practical
Practical Exam Content
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency operating a Foundation Drill Rig. Candidates must pass both the written (Core + Foundation Drill Rig Specialty) and corresponding practical examination within a 12-month period to earn certification.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection – Demonstrate a pre-use inspection by identifying inspection items and explaining potential deficiencies.
- Task 2: Site Safety Protocols – Establish an exclusion zone around the drill rig and describe proper safety measures for protecting exposed holes and surrounding personnel.
- Task 3: Operational Controls Identification – Identify the correct controls for designated drill rig functions and demonstrate knowledge of their operation.
- Task 4: Tool Positioning – Position and adjust the drill tool using voice commands while demonstrating accurate boom and tool control.
- Task 5: Pipe Pickup and Placement – Safely lift, transport, and position drill pipe while maintaining control and avoiding contact with obstacles or the drill rig.
- Task 6: Pipe Laydown – Return the drill pipe to the designated corridor and target area using controlled placement techniques.
- Task 7: Drilling – Position the drill tool, complete drilling operations, manage spoil removal, and safely return the tool to the starting position.
- Task 8: Safe Shutdown and Securing Procedures – Properly shut down and secure the drill rig and explain end-of-day equipment securing procedures.
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency operating an Anchor/Micropile Drill Rig. Candidates must complete seven hands-on tasks demonstrating safe drill rig operation, pre-operational inspection, equipment movement, drill steel handling, precision positioning, and shutdown procedures.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection – Demonstrate the ability to conduct a pre-use inspection by identifying designated drill rig components, explaining inspection procedures, and identifying potential deficiencies.
- Task 2: Forward Travel – Demonstrate the ability to safely maneuver the drill rig through a designated course while maintaining the mast in the travel position, avoiding obstacles, staying within boundaries, and positioning the rig accurately at the drilling steel frame.
- Task 3: Vertical Drill Steel Joint – Demonstrate the ability to raise the mast, align and connect with vertically positioned drilling steel, fully engage the connection, and safely lift the drill steel from its holder without disturbing surrounding equipment.
- Task 4: Angled Drill Steel Placement – Demonstrate the ability to position drilling steel at a designated angle, place it into the holder, safely unthread the rod, and maintain control throughout the disconnect process.
- Task 5: Vertical Drill Steel Placement – Demonstrate the ability to reconnect drilling steel, remove it from the angled holder, and accurately place it into the vertical holder while maintaining proper alignment and equipment control.
- Task 6: Reverse Travel – Demonstrate the ability to safely lower the mast into the travel position, maneuver the drill rig in reverse, return the equipment to the designated starting area, and avoid obstacles while maintaining safe travel procedures.
- Task 7: Safe Shutdown and Securing Procedures – Demonstrate proper drill rig shutdown procedures and explain end-of-day securing requirements to ensure the equipment is safely prepared for the next operation or storage.
What It Costs to Certify
The written exam has two parts: a required Core Exam, plus one Specialty Exam matching the rig type you’ll operate.
| WRITTEN EXAM – EOT, OPT & TCT FEES | |
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| Core Exam REQUIRED | $140 |
| Foundation Drill Rig Specialty Exam CHOOSE ONE | $80 |
| Anchor/Micropile Specialty Exam CHOOSE ONE | $80 |
Practical Exam
Per practical exam, administered by a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor.
$70
Fees are paid through the myCCO portal at the time of application. The Drill Rig Operator certification requires both a written and a practical exam.
Prepare to Succeed
Candidate Handbook
Get the official Drill Rig Operator candidate handbook which contains the exam outline, program overview, reference list, and policies. Download Handbook →
Training Providers
Find an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) or other providers near you offering Drill Rig program training.Find a Provider →
Exam Reference Materials
See the reference materials used by Subject Matter Experts to develop exam content for this program.View Reference Materials →
Exam Prep Materials
Purchase ASME standards to help you prepare for the exam through the CCO Store.Visit CCO Store →
Ready to Get Certified?
Apply for your Articulating Crane Operator exam through the myCCO portal today.