ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS - RECERTIFICATION

The recertification process is designed to measure the continued competence of certificants. Requirements for recertification are addressed on page 4 of the OECP Crane Operator Candidate Manual. They include the following:

·        Be a member in good standing with any Local of the International Union of Operating Engineers with dues paid through the current month.

·        Possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), or a state issued Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Medical Card/Certificate.

·        Comply with the OECP’s substance abuse policy.

·        Pass recertification written examination(s).

·        Pass practical examination(s), if applicable.

Note: Operators with at least 1,000 hours of documented safe operating experience on the specific type of crane for which recertification is sought, during the immediately preceding certification period, are initially exempt from having to take the practical examination(s) to obtain recertification. All experience in the recertification period must be with a signatory contractor/employer.

Recertification of candidates who possess equivalent accredited crane operator certifications other than OECP is possible if they meet the eligibility requirements for the desired crane type. More information can be found on the “About Us” tab under “FAQ” on this website, and on page 39 of the OECP Crane Operator Candidate Manual.

Operators should strive to complete a scheduled recertification examination no later than six (6) months prior to their certification expiration date. This will reduce the risk of last minute delays which could prevent the completion of the examination process prior to the expiration of any current certifications.

Operators may recertify anytime within twelve (12) months of the expiration date without affecting the current expiration date.

For example:

If the current expiration date on the card is November 15, 2017 and the operator completes the required recertification examinations on December 10, 2016, a new certification card will be issued with an expiration date of November 15, 2022.

ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION

The OECP Certification Director is responsible for determining an applicant’s conformity to the program’s published eligibility requirements. Appeals from rejected applicants should be directed to the OECP Board of Directors at the address listed on page 6 of the OECP Crane Operator Candidate Manual. The Board of Directors will make the final decision on any issue of eligibility determination.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must meet the physical requirements as contained in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.5 standard or the U.S. DOT physical requirements contained in 49 CFR Sections 391.41-391.49.

Evidence of the above physical condition is indicated by the candidate’s possession of a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card/Certificate, or a state issued Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Medical Card/Certificate.

Medical Cards must be renewed every two (2) years. The OECP certification is only valid when accompanied by a current DOT or DMV Medical Card/Certificate.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

It is the policy of the OECP that crane operators who apply for certification, or recertification, shall not use prescribed, over-the-counter, or illegal substances which may impair their ability to safely operate a crane.

This includes, but is not limited to, illegal drugs, controlled substances, designer drugs, or any other substance which has an effect on the human body of being a narcotic, depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogen.

An exception is that an operator may use a drug if it is prescribed by a licensed physician who is familiar with the operator’s medical history and all assigned duties, and who has advised the operator that the prescribed drug will not adversely affect the operator’s ability to safely operate a crane.

In addition to this policy, all candidates must comply with the substance abuse testing rules as specified in ASME B30.5.

ASME B30.5 states: “Operator . . . shall meet the following . . . a negative result for a substance abuse test. The level of testing will be determined by the standard practice for the industry where the crane is employed and this test shall be confirmed by a recognized laboratory service."

A "recognized" laboratory should be one that is certified to meet federally mandated standards.

Candidates applying for either initial certification, or recertification, must submit proof of a negative substance abuse test from a recognized laboratory or medical review officer conducted within 90 days of application receipt by the OECP.

Please read the entire Candidate Manual for further information.