Exam Retake Policy
What is the CCO policy relating to retaking exams?
Candidates who do not pass a written exam and need to retake the same exam to certify or recertify must wait four weeks to retake the same exam. However, if an alternate form of the exam is available, candidates may retest within that four-week window.
What does “alternate form” of the exam mean?
An “alternate form” of an exam is a test that is equivalent to the initial test form in content and difficulty, but with different questions.
Why can’t I retest right away?
It is important that each candidate be tested fairly. This policy prevents candidates who are retesting from having an unfair advantage on an exam because they are already familiar with the content. Requiring a waiting period after a failed exam is best practice in the certification industry and utilized by most certification bodies that hold a professional accreditation.
How do I apply to take an alternate form of an exam?
Simply submit an application! When the application is processed, we will see that the alternate form is required and process it as such. If no alternate form is available, scheduling is not available until after the four weeks have passed.
Am I impacted if I pass the written exam?
No, most candidates that take CCO exams pass them at the first attempt and are not affected by this policy change. Only those who don’t pass exams and need to retake that exam will be required to wait four weeks before retesting.
What about the practical exams?
This policy has no impact on candidates who need to retake the practical exam.
Which exams have alternate forms?
CCO Exam Management Committees are working on creating alternate forms for all written exams. Priority has been given to certification exams that are required by OSHA and as determined by volume. Currently, the following exams have alternate forms:
Program
|
Alternate Form?
|
Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Crane (ABC)
|
|
Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Crane (ABC) [Spanish language exam]
|
|
Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Crane with Winch (ABW)
|
|
| Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Crane with Winch (ABW) [Spanish language exam] |
|
Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Loader (ABL)
|
|
| Articulating Crane Operator—Articulating Boom Loader (ABL) [Spanish language exam] |
|
Crane Inspector—Core Exam
|
|
| Crane Inspector—Articulating Crane Specialty (ACI) |
|
Crane Inspector—Mobile Crane Specialty (MCI)
|
|
Crane Inspector—Overhead Crane Comprehensive (OCI)
|
|
Crane Inspector—Tower Crane Specialty (TCI)
|
|
Dedicated Pile Driver Operator (DPD)
|
|
Digger Derrick Operator (DDO)
|
|
Drill Rig Operator—Core Exam
|
|
Drill Rig Operator—Anchor/Micropile (AMP)
|
|
Drill Rig Operator—Foundation Drill Rig (FDR)
|
|
Lift Director—Core Exam
|
|
Lift Director—Mobile Crane Specialty (MLD)
|
|
Lift Director—Tower Crane Specialty (TLD)
|
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Core Exam
|
YES
|
| Mobile Crane Operator—Core Exam [Spanish language exam] |
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Lattice Boom (LAT)
|
YES
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Lattice Boom (LAT) [Spanish language exam]
|
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Telescopic Boom Cranes – Fixed Cab (TSS)
|
YES
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Telescopic Boom Cranes – Fixed Cab (TSS) [Spanish language exam]
|
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Telescopic Boom Cranes – Swing Cab (TLL)
|
YES
|
Mobile Crane Operator—Telescopic Boom Cranes – Swing Cab (TLL) [Spanish language exam]
|
|
Overhead Crane Operator (OVR)
|
YES
|
Rigger Level I (RIG-I)
|
|
Rigger Level II (RIG-II)
|
|
Signalperson (SGP)
|
|
Telehandler Operator (THF, THR)
|
|
Tower Crane Operator (TWR)
|
|
This list will be updated as additional alternate exams are released.
Next FAQ topic: Certification Cards
Back to FAQ menu