Signalperson
Program Overview
The CCO Signalperson certification is a nationally recognized and internationally accredited program developed by experts from industries that rely on safe crane and lifting operations.
Who Is a Signalperson?
A signalperson provides hand and voice signals during crane operations, helping maintain clear and effective communication between the crane operator and other personnel involved in the lift.
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Standard
ASME B30.5 · ASME B30.3
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Exam Format
Written + Practical
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Validity
5 Years
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Accredited by
ANAB
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The Path to Certification
Follow these four steps to earn your CCO Signalperson credential.
01 Confirm Eligibility
Be at least 18 years old, meet medical fitness requirements, and review the candidate handbook for full eligibility details.
02 Apply Online
Submit your application through the myCCO portal. Pay the exam fees and upload required documentation.
03 Take the Written Exam
Choose from online proctored, event-based, or test-center testing. Pass with the required score to advance.
04 Take the Practical Exam
Coordinate with a CCO Practical Proctor to complete the hands-on operating exam at an approved site.
Written & Practical Exam Content
Written
Written Exam Content
Exam Format
Written examination for the Signalperson Certification consisting of knowledge areas related to crane signaling, communication methods, crane operations, jobsite awareness, and applicable safety standards and regulations.
Skills Tested
- Domain 1: Hand Signals (Approximately 31%) – Demonstrate knowledge of standard hand signals for mobile and tower cranes. Understand proper signaling practices, including maintaining visibility with the operator, providing clear and continuous signals, maintaining signals until completed, and taking appropriate action when signals are not followed correctly.
- Domain 2: Voice Commands (Approximately 17%) – Demonstrate knowledge of effective voice communication practices, including proper use and limitations of communication equipment, overcoming communication barriers, verifying equipment readiness, maintaining clear communication with the operator, and applying the three elements of voice signals: function and direction, distance and/or speed, and stop.
- Domain 3: Basic Knowledge of Crane Operations (Approximately 24%) – Demonstrate knowledge of crane terminology, limitations, and definitions. Understand load characteristics, including size, shape, weight, and center of gravity. Identify the effects of boom deflection, load movement, drift, side loading, and two-blocking. Maintain proper hoist line alignment and ensure safe load movement practices.
- Domain 4: Situational Awareness (Site-Specific Considerations) (Approximately 15%) – Demonstrate the ability to assess lift requirements, communicate with supervisors and operators, identify hazards and obstacles, recognize weather impacts, select appropriate signaling methods, apply emergency procedures, and understand the use of technology and multiple load line operations.
- Domain 5: Safety Standards and Regulations (Approximately 13%) – Demonstrate knowledge of applicable OSHA and ASME standards and regulations. Identify requirements related to power line hazards, personnel platforms, and multiple crane lifts.
Practical
Practical Exam Content
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency as a Signalperson. The examination consists of 30 scenarios with no time limit. Candidates typically complete the exam in approximately 15 minutes. Candidates must perform hand and voice signals based on displayed scenarios while following the direction of the Practical Exam Proctor.
Skills Tested
- Hand Signal Recognition and Execution – Demonstrate the ability to correctly provide standard crane hand signals in accordance with OSHA 1926 Subpart CC requirements and applicable ASME B30.5 and ASME B30.3 standards when OSHA does not address a specific signal.
- Voice Signal Communication – Demonstrate the ability to correctly provide clear and effective voice commands, including proper signal sequence, direction, movement, speed, and stop commands when communicating crane operations.
- Signal Accuracy and Clarity – Demonstrate the ability to provide one clear and precise signal at a time, maintain proper signaling technique, and correctly execute commands such as slow movement and emergency stop signals.
- Crane Operation Communication – Demonstrate the ability to communicate instructions effectively to a crane operator by matching signals to specific crane movements and operating scenarios.
- Standards Compliance – Demonstrate knowledge and application of required signaling standards, including OSHA and applicable ASME requirements for crane hand and voice signals.
- Situational Understanding – Demonstrate the ability to understand scenario instructions, ask questions when needed, and provide the correct signal based on the assigned lifting situation.
What It Costs to Certify
Written Exam
Per written exam, across any modality (OPT, EOT, or TCT).
$105
Practical Exam
Per practical exam, administered by a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor.
$95
Fees are paid through the myCCO portal at the time of application. The Signalperson certification requires both a written and a practical exam.
Prepare to Succeed
Candidate Handbook
The official Articulating Crane Operator candidate handbook — eligibility, exam blueprint, application steps, and policies.
Download Handbook →
Training Providers
Find an accredited training partner near you offering Articulating Crane Operator exam preparation.
Find a Provider →
Exam Reference Materials
The reference materials used by Subject Matter Experts to develop exam content for this program.
View Reference Materials →
Exam Prep Materials
Study guides, handbooks, and other prep resources available through the CCO Store.
Visit CCO Store →
Ready to Get Certified?
Apply for your Articulating Crane Operator exam through the myCCO portal today.