CIC Mobile Crane
Operator Certification Examination
Preparation

Exam Content Domains

Site Evaluation & Crane Setup

Roles and responsibilities of all persons involved with the lift
• Factors that impact the lift such as tail swing, load path and clearances
• Impact of various weather conditions
• How to deal with unstable ground and setup on soft surfaces
• Hazards such as overhead obstructions, power lines and underground hazards

Standards and guidelines regarding various risks and hazards
• ASME standards and OSHA regulations
• Requirements of crane setup such as radii, clearances, crane dimensions and load dimensions
• Crane setup procedures such as use of outriggers, lifting on rubber and leveling the crane
• Site requirements for blocking

Technical Information

Crane inspection procedures
Crane components including the following:
- Engine, air, electrical & hydraulic systems
- Chassis & running gear components
- Outriggers and counterweights
- Boom components
- Hoisting systems
- Operating controls
- Operational aids
- Basic load rigging procedures
Knowledge of sling and hardware capacity
Impact of deformities in slings and hardware

Load Charts

Using/Interpreting capacity charts
Arithmetic skills without the use of calculators
Determining lifting capacity, including:
- Configuration of crane mounting
- Areas of operation for different types of mobile cranes
- Boom length and boom angle
- Load radius
- Gross capacity and net capacity
- Capacity deductions
- Parts of line
Conditions that reduce capacities, including:
- Crane not to specification
- Crane condition
- Crane level
- Wind
- Side loading
- Increase in load radius
- Dynamic loading
- Shock loading
- Eccentric reeving
- Duty cycle operations

Crane Operation

How to enter and exit the cab of the crane in a safe manner
Procedures for setup and usage of operational aids
Hand signals or voice signals used to direct crane operator
Handling loads out of operator’s sight (operating in the blind)
How to handle loads submerged in water
How to move loads from an elevated position
Duty cycle considerations (i.e., steel erection, concrete bucket operations)
Traveling the crane
Heavy lift operations, procedures and types of heavy lifting attachments
Attachments for luffing jibs
Hoisting procedures and personnel hoisting equipment
Procedures for securing the crane under standard and emergency conditions

Minimum Qualifications
for Crane Operator

Candidate Responsibilities - Preparing for Live Virtually Proctored Exams

Schedule Exam(s) Well in Advance(See Scheduling for more information about the exam scheduling process). Once the candidate’s eligibility application is approved, CIC will notify the candidate by email to confirm eligibility and provide instructions about scheduling their exams. Candidates should schedule exams well in advance to 1) ensure the availability of desired exam dates and times, 2) allow adequate time to identify and arrange their chosen testing location, and 3) to check their computer system for minimum technical requirements and troubleshoot any possible technical issues.
Choose the Testing Location. Candidates must choose an exam location that meets testing area requirements (see Test Area Requirements section below). Examples of allowable testing locations include, but are not limited to, a quiet, private room at the candidate’s residence, an office at the candidate’s place of employment, or a reserved private room at a local library.
Internet Connection. The PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer must either be connected to the internet via WIFI, or directly connected to the internet through cable, DSL or broadband. Direct internet connections are optimal, but not required.
Download the Virtual Proctoring Browser. Candidates are responsible for downloading ProctorU’s Guardian Browser on their computers in advance of their exam(s). This browser will be used exclusively for the virtual proctoring component of the exam. Click “How to Download the Guardian Browser” for step-by-step instructions about how to download the
browser on your PC or Mac.
Check Computer Equipment in Advance. To ensure your computer system meets the minimum requirements for taking your online exam(s), click on ProctorU Equipment Requirements to review the list on the page. Please note: Chromebooks and tablets (of any brand) are not compatible with the virtually proctored testing system and may not be used for testing. PC or Mac desktop or laptop computers compatible with Windows 10 and higher must be used. Anything operating system older than Windows 10 will not be compatible.
To do a system check to confirm your computer meets minimum technical requirements, log on to the CIC Test Portal on the CIC website at cicert.com, and click on “Test Your Equipment,” Do this at least one week before your scheduled exam(s) to allow enough time to troubleshoot any issues. Be sure to test your equipment in a similar environment to the one in which you will be testing (same location, time of day, bandwidth usage, etc.).
Important: If any of your equipment does not pass, click the live chat feature on the “Test Your Equipment” page to connect with a ProctorU support representative to resolve the issues prior to exam day.
Test Computer Equipment Again within 24 hours of Taking Exam. This will ensure that any automatic updates on your computer have not impeded its testing functionality.
Shut Down and Restart Your Computer Before Logging onto the CIC Test Portal to Take Your Exams. All other programs and windows must be closed before logging into the proctored testing environment and must stay closed throughout the exam.
Confirm Sufficient Bandwidth in Your Testing Location. Bandwidth can be negatively impacted if others sharing the network you are using to take your exam are simultaneously using heavy bandwidth by streaming videos or gaming, etc. We advise communicating with others with whom you share an internet connection in advance of your exam to minimum excess demand and prevent any issues.
Bring Your Valid (non-expired), Government-Issued Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID). You must bring your ID to your chosen test location on exam day. Without it, you will not be able to proceed with your exam. Your live virtual proctor will verify your identity as a part of the exam setup process. Note: The exam setup process does not count against your allotted exam time.

Testing Area Requirements

The live virtual proctor monitors both the integrity of the test session and the testing area itself. Any deviation from CIC test area requirements will be flagged for review by ProctorU and CIC exam administrators and may result in invalidation of the candidate’s test scores or other consequences at the discretion of the CIC Governing Council

Candidates must choose an exam testing area that meets all the following requirements:

Test in an Uninterrupted, Quiet, Enclosed Room. The testing environment must be in a quiet, private, uninterrupted room with four walls and a door that can be closed during testing. No television or radio should be playing in the background. No third parties should be in the room unless permitted by a CIC approved specific testing accommodation.
Indoors. All testing must take place indoors (not, for example, in an outdoor park, sports venue, coffee shop, beach, etc.).
Desk or Table. Sit in a chair at a clean desk or table (not on a bed, couch, or floor). The desk or table should be clear of all other materials.
Lighting. Test area lighting should be well lit and bright enough for the candidate and the testing area to be clearly visible. If overhead lighting is not possible, the light source should not be behind the candidate.
Camera View must be free from any obstruction or distraction that limits or inhibits the virtual proctor’s view of the candidate’s exam session.
Permitted Resources. The only resources or other items allowed in the testing room with CIC certification candidates are two sharpened pencils, 2 pieces of blank paper (blank front and back as confirmed by the virtual proctor), and a cell phone or mirror for the proctor to perform a 360-room scan of the test environment, or, if necessary, for communication with ProctorU. Once the test area scan is complete, the cell phone or mirror must be put out of reach. Important Note: A basic calculator and all applicable load charts will be available on the testing computer for candidate use.
No Written Material should be visible on the desk, table, walls, floors, ceiling or anywhere in the room.
No Virtual Machines. Virtual machines can be detected through the pre-exam system check and are not permitted.
One Monitor – One Computer. Only one monitor attached to one computer is allowed to be in the test area during the exam.
No Watches of any kind may be worn during the testing period or in the testing environment.
No Audio Devices. Headsets, ear plugs, Bluetooth ear buds (or similar audio devices) are not permitted.

Candidate Behavior and Exam Security Violations

Dress as if you are in a public setting. Do not wear hoodies, oversized jackets, hats, visors, or scarves (unless dictated by religious practices) are permitted. Candidates may not wear sunglasses during the exam. Candidates must also plan ahead to leave purses, bags, briefcases, or other storage items in a safe place other than the testing room.
Bring Valid Government ID for Verification of Identification. All candidates must present their valid (and current) photo ID to confirm the candidate’s identity. This is a critical aspect of exam security to help prevent testing fraud, and no one will be able to proceed with their exam if they do not present their ID, if it is expired or appears to be a forged document, or if there are discrepancies between the candidate and their ID card photo or information in any way.
Stay Put. Expect to take all restroom and refreshment breaks before testing starts. Once testing starts, you may not leave the computer station until testing is complete and your exam is submitted.
No Talking. Unless the candidate has a CIC approved special testing accommodation permitting someone to be in the room to assist them, talking or whispering aloud during the exam is not permitted.
Eyes on the Screen. Unless the candidate is using scratch paper to work out questions about loads, their eyes should stay on the screen at all times while testing. AI software supports the proctoring process by flagging suspicious facial and physical patterns consistent with cheating.
No Third Parties Permitted in Testing Location While Testing. Candidate may not have anyone else in their testing location during testing without a previously approved special testing accommodation.
Unpermitted Resources During the Exam. The only exam-related resources provided for CIC Knowledge-based Written Exams include two online resources: a basic calculator, and load charts specific to the certification being sought. Candidates may bring two sharpened pencils and 2 blank sheets of paper for working out exam questions as needed. During the onboarding time before the exam starts, the virtual proctor will ask the candidate to show the front and back of each sheet of paper before the exam, and at the end of the exam, will ask the candidate to shred and dispose of both sheets as the proctor observes.
Copying Test Materials. Copying test materials, including photographs, screenshots, cutting and pasting content, writing down questions, intentional memorization of questions or any other means of reproducing test materials is strictly prohibited, and will be considered cheating and theft of intellectual property (a felony offense). While in most cases, the proctoring system will not allow copying and pasting of any exam content, the proctoring system will capture all instances of copying and pasting that do occur, and flag them as test anomalies for further investigation. Candidates using a Mac demonstrating such behavior may have their keyboard screenshot hotkeys turned off by their proctor.
During and After the Exam - Dealing with Written Exam Policy Violations
Flagging, Reporting of Violations. Any testing anomalies identified by the virtual proctor or system will be flagged at the time on the video the event(s) occurred, and an incident report will be filed by ProctorU. CIC test administrators will be notified that the report and the exam session video are available for review within 24-48 hours of testing.
Review, Response, Records. If after reviewing the incident report and exam session video, the administrator determines the candidate’s actions were clearly not indicative of cheating or other exam security violation, no further action will be taken other than to log the incident and file the report under the candidate’s name and candidate ID number.
However, if after the review, questions remain, the exam administrator will forward the incident report and the video link to the Governing Council for further review. The Governing Council will review and make their determination , and the candidate will be notified of the Governing Council’s decision and any related consequences. Information detailing the violation, incident report and the final disposition will be kept in the candidate’s file for future reference.
Consequences for exam policy violations may result in minor consequences ranging from immediate correction by the proctor to more serious consequences such as invalidation of test results, suspension of credentials or potential civil legal action.
Candidate Appeals. Candidates may appeal exam results in writing within 30 days through CIC Policy #22: Appeals Policy and Procedures

Candidate Responsibilities

Finding and Hiring a Practical Examiner. Candidates or their designees are responsible for identifying and hiring an Authorized CIC Practical Examiner directly from a listing on the CIC website and/or CIC Test Portal. Some employers which are designated as Authorized Practical Exam Sites and an Authorized Practical Examiner will handle registering, scheduling, and exam administration internally.
Ensuring Scheduling of Exam at Desired Date/Time and Location. While the Candidate does not handle the scheduling directly, it is their responsibility to work with the Practical Examiner and Exam Site to ensure desired dates and arrangements are secured and confirmed.
Paying Practical Examiner & Exam Fees. CIC Practical Examiners are not employed by CIC and set their own exam administration rates. Likewise, Exam Sites may charge a site fee which the Candidate is responsible for paying. Prices often vary.
If employed by a company serving as an Authorized CIC Practical Exam Site, the company’s designated Site Coordinator and/or Practical Examiner will coordinate all aspects of the candidate’s exams.
Be Prepared. Seek out quality training in advance, practice your skills, and review course preparation materials on the CIC Website.

Practical Examiner and Exam Site Responsibilities

Scheduling the Practical Exam. The Practical Examiner, in concert with the Site Coordinator, is responsible for scheduling the Practical Exam via the CIC Test Portal, working with the Candidate to confirm all arrangements.

Securing, Preparing, and Inspecting the Exam Site according to CIC Requirements. These requirements for Practical Exam Administration and Exam Site setup are detailed in the Practical Examiner Handbook and Site Coordinator Handbook, and include five key areas:
- The Candidate Waiting Area. Is the waiting area supplied with the proper materials for candidates and is it located out of sight of the exam course.
- Site Setup. Is the exam area level and properly located?
- Shift Inspection – Is the crane ready to be operated?
- Crane Setup. Is the crane level, and is the boom at the appropriate length and angle?
- Course Layout. Is the exam course correctly laid out?
Collecting any Exam Administration and Exam Site Fees. Fees may be paid by the candidate’s employer or directly by the candidate.
Confirming Needed Personnel. The Site Coordinator, in collaboration with the Practical Examiner (Practical Examiner may play both roles) ensure that an Assistant Practical Examiner and any needed support staff are confirmed for the day of the exam. The Site Coordinator or their designee must be onsite for the duration of the exams scheduled on a particular day.

Candidate Responsibilities

Bring Valid, Non-Expired Government Issued Photo ID for Identify Authentication. A driver’s license, passport, military ID are acceptable. Candidates who do not present their identification, whose photo ID does not match their appearance will not be permitted to take their practical examination and will be responsible for any associated fees.
Arrive at the Exam Site Promptly. Candidate should arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time.
Dress Appropriately. Candidate should dress as they would on a job site (boots, jeans or other comfortable pants, hard hat, reflective vest). CIC recommends leaving any personal items at home or out of sight in their locked vehicle.
Check in and Review Exam Related Information in Candidate Waiting Area. The Practical Examiner will come to the Waiting Area to bring the next Candidate to the Exam Course.
Do Not Observe Other Candidates Taking Practical Exams. To prevent any unfair testing advantage or potential exam security issue, no candidate is permitted to observe exams in process, but must wait in the designated waiting area until the Examiner comes to notify them that it is time for their Practical Exam.
Photos or other Images of the Exam Course or any Exam Materials are not Permitted. Exam materials are copyrighted and are protected under intellectual property rights. Copying exam materials will subject a candidate to potential legal action and revocation of certification.
Respect Exam Security. Candidates are responsible for passing or failing their exams on their own merits and should not, under any circumstance, violate exam security by seeking prior knowledge of exam content, course layout or any other aspects of the Practical Exam, or by sharing confidential knowledge about exams after the fact.

Practical Examiner/Exam Site Coordinator Responsibilities

Authenticate Candidate Identity. Use current/valid government-issued photo id to verify candidate identity. No candidate may take the Practical Exam if their identity is not verified.
Schedule candidates for the exams on the CIC Test platform and record the name of each person participating in the Practical Exam (Examiner, Assistant, Candidate, and any other person involved). Note: The Practical Examiner is the only person authorized to administer the Practical Exam.
Train the Assistant Practical Examiner. Examiner must go over the training with Assistant Examiner prior to exam administration even if the Assistant has been through the training before.
Practical Examiner Administers the Exam. The Examiner administers the exam to the candidate following a carefully scripted process. Both the Examiner and the Assistant capture the candidate’s performance on detailed Observation Forms simultaneously as the Examiner directs the candidate through four specific challenges: 1) Accuracy and Depth Perception, 2) Recognizing and Responding to Hand Signals, 3) Ability to Control a Load, and 4) Exiting the Crane Safely. Immediately after the candidate completes the skills course, the Examiner gives final instructions to the Candidate who must leave the premises immediately.
The Examiner and the Assistant compare their respective observations, discuss any areas of difference, and come to an agreement regarding their observations of the Candidate. The Practical Examiner makes any final decisions The Examiner’s Observation Sheets serve as the “master” document and any adjustments are indicated on it. The Examiner submits the Master Observation Sheets digitally through the CIC Test Portal within 24 hours of the exam and the Exam is automatically scored. Candidates will receive notification via email within 24-48 hours of Observation Sheets being logged into the system and graded.

Exam Security

All candidates are expected to answer the exam questions independently. Information sharing, teamwork, or any other collaborative relationship with another candidate during the exam is prohibited. Any violation of this policy is misconduct/cheating. Any candidate engaged in this behavior may be subject to score cancellation and not be allowed to sit for future administrations of the exam.

No exam questions are to be discussed during or after the exam administration. Any infraction of these terms is a violation of your ethical responsibilities and subject to the disciplinary policy. It is also a violation of exam security.

Any attempt to reproduce all or part of any CIC exam is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to removing materials from the testing room; aiding others by any means in reconstructing any portion of the exam; posting content on any discussion forum or web site; and selling, distributing, receiving, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of the exam. Alleged copyright violations will be investigated and, if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It should be noted that examination scores may become invalid in the event of this type of suspected breach. Permanent revocation of certification may occur if allegations are substantiated.

Irregularities observed during testing, including, but not limited to creating a disturbance, givinggiving, or receiving unauthorized information or aid to or from other persons, or attempting to remove test materials or notes from the testing area, may be sufficient cause to terminate candidate participation in the examination administration or to invalidate scores. Irregularities may also be evidenced by subsequent statistical analysis of testing materials. When testing irregularities occur, they are fully investigated by CIC in collaboration with CIC Governing Council and any appropriate courses of action will be taken to address the issue.

CIC Mobile Crane Operator Certification Examination Preparation

Exam Content Domains

Minimum Qualifications for Crane Operator

Exam Security

CIC Mobile Crane
Operator Certification Examination
Preparation

Minimum Qualifications
for Crane Operator