The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all overhead crane operators be certified by a nationally accredited testing organization. Crane operator schools prepare the students to pass the OSHA approved tests. The accrediting agency, using the OSHA codes, sets down the skills and knowledge that must be tested by the school. The school is monitored by the accrediting agency to determine if it stays in compliance by correctly administering testing and training.
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is the accrediting agency that monitors most reputable overhead crane operator schools. It is a non-profit organization and has developed performance standards for overhead crane operators that satisfies the OSHA requirements. It works with schools to keep the training standards abreast of new laws in the industry, new technologies and new skills operators need.
One route to gaining certification to operate an overhead crane it to go through and apprenticeship with the International Union of Operating Engineers. The union runs 95 apprenticeship and training programs at IUOE local unions throughout the United States and Canada. The apprenticeships are on-the-job training that prepares students to take the OSHA-approved certification exams and work in the trade.
When selecting a school, make sure it is accredited. Ask the school if it is accredited by the NCCO. Schools that are will usually have the CCO logo on their advertising material. There are accredited schools in many states. The NCCO does not endorse one school over another, but keeps on its website a list of schools that carry the CCO logo showing they are accredited by the agency.