basis. A representative sample of practitioners
was then surveyed to identify which
tasks, knowledge and skills are most important
for a certified individual to know and
be able to perform. Survey data was used
to determine what knowledge and skills to
test for on certification assessments, and
how much weight is to be applied to each
content area. The information compiled
was then used to define the target content
for certification exams, both written
and practical. This process ensured that
the new certification is fair, valid, reliable
and defensible.
To become NCCCO certified for a fiveyear
period, operators must meet eligibility
requirements, pass a multiple-choice
written examination and pass a practical
examination that tests their real-world
skills using a dedicated pile driving rig.
The NCCCO website (www.nccco.org)
has detailed instructions for locating and
applying for written and practical exams,
but the basic process is as follows:
1. Learn about the certification by
reviewing the dedicated pile driver
operator area of the NCCCO website
(www.nccco.org/DPD) and/or downloading
the Dedicated Pile Driver
Operator Candidate Handbook (www.
nccco.org/DPDch), which includes
detailed exam contents.
2. Prepare for your exams on your own
or attend training. While some experienced
operators may be able to pass
the certification exams without formal
training, training will benefit most and
improve their likelihood of passing the
exams on their first attempt. Because
of its third-party status as an independent
provider of certification, NCCCO
is not able to endorse any particular
training company or training program;
however, in an effort to facilitate
selection of an appropriate training
vendor, NCCCO maintains a directory
of training providers that have indicated
they offer preparatory training
for certification exams. Some classes
are scheduled at the trainer’s location;
for larger groups, some trainers will
provide training at a client’s location.
Access this directory online at www.
nccco.org/training.
3. Apply and schedule your written
exam via either paper/pencil testing
(PPT) or computer-based testing
(CBT). Upcoming open PPT exam
administrations are listed on the
NCCCO website. CBT exams may be
taken at approximately 400 PSI test
centers across the country. Get complete
details on how to find and apply
for written exams at www.nccco.org/
how-to-written.
4. Find a practical test site and schedule
your practical exam(s). Either
find an open practical test site or
SAFETY
hire a practical examiner. Get complete
details on how to do this at
www.nccco.org/how-to-practical.
5. Once you have passed your written
and practical exams, NCCCO
will mail your certification card.
Certification status can also be verified
using the Verify CCO Online system
at www.verifycco.org.
Photo courtesy of Pile Drivers, Inc.
Vibration Control Specialists
Project Types
• Blasting
• Pile Driving
• Heavy Highway
• Marine Construction
Services
• Pre-Construction Surveys
• Post-Construction Surveys
• Monitoring Plans
• Vibration/Instrumentation Monitoring
• Damage Claim Support
• Expert Testimony
dba SSI, INC in NC and NJ
seismicsurveys.com
Florida: 727.200.6519 Maryland: 301.663.6630 New Jersey: 609.241.8714
www.piledrivers.org PILEDRIVER | 89
/(www.nccco.org)
/DPD)
/DPDch)
/training
/
/how-to-practical
/www.verifycco.org
/seismicsurveys.com
/www.piledrivers.org
