Certified Telehandler Operator

Certified Telehandler Operator classesDid you know that the CCO Certified Telehandler Operator (THO) certification is the first to meet important safety rules from OSHA and ANSI? More and more forklift operators are getting it too.

Looking for certified telehandler training and testing classes near you? Crane U is close by and we can come to you!
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855-9CRANEU (855-927-2638)

There are two types of telehandlers in this program: fixed and rotating.

Fixed telehandlers have a boom that can lift and extend materials for placement. Rotating telehandlers can lift, extend, and swing. This gives them extra abilities like a crane, so they often need certification.

Certified Telehandler Operator Information

The CCO Telehandler Task Force made this certification program. They are experts from different parts of the telehandler industry, like operators, trainers, safety supervisors, and manufacturers. They worked together to make everyone safer when using telehandlers and other lifting equipment.

Next, we’ll talk about how to get certified. Crane U provides all the steps necessary to apply for and take the CCO certification exams as outlined in the Telehandler Operator Candidate Handbook.

Eligibility Requirements – Ready for the certification? If so, you’ll need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Follow CCO’s Substance Abuse Policy.
  • Pass a written test.
  • Pass a practical test.
  • Follow the CCO Code of Ethics.

THO Written Exam – You need to pass a written exam and a practical exam to be certified for three years. You can take either exam first. The written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions and you have 60 minutes to finish it. There are three ways to take the written exam: Online Proctored Testing or OPT, Test Center Testing or TCT, and Event Online Testing or EOT, for short.

Telehandler Practical Exam – The practical exam tests how well you can operate the forklift/ telehandler. There are two types of telehandlers for the practical exam; fixed and rotating.

You’ll have to pass both the written exam and the practical exam to be certified for three years. If you pass the Rotating Telehandler practical exam, you don’t need to take the Fixed Telehandler practical exam.

CCO Telehandler Certification Timetable

To be certified for three years, you need to pass both the written and practical exams. You can take them in any order. You have 12 months from passing the first exam to pass the second one.

For example, if you pass the written exam in March 2024 but fail the practical exam in June 2024, you have until February 2025 to pass the practical exam.

If you need more time, you can always ask for an extension. The governing body will decide if you get more time. To be honest, this is usually only granted in special cases where a hardship is involved. In the event they say no, you can appeal it.

Crane U provides CCO Telehandler training and certification classes for forklift operators located in the United States and Canada. Crane U is a short drive from cities like Birmingham, Mobile, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Pensacola, Charlotte, and Columbus MS.

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