CERTIFICATIONS

Telehandler Operator

Practical Exams

SKILLS TESTED

CCO Telehandler Operator Practical Examinations are available on two telehandler types:

Rotating: A rough terrain forklift truck with a telescopic boom, that rotates with the chassis, that lifts, transports, and place loads in a horizontal or vertical plane using forks or a variety of other lifting attachments.
Fixed: A rough terrain forklift truck with a telescopic boom, that does not rotate with the chassis, that lifts, transports, and place loads in a horizontal or vertical plane using forks or a variety of other lifting attachments.

Candidates who take and pass the practical exam on a rotating telehandler do not need to take the exam on a fixed telehandler. Candidates who pass the practical exam on the rotating telehandler will also be granted certification on the fixed telehandler.

The practical examination is comprised of nine main tasks that increase progressively in the skill level tested. Skills tested are: inspecting the equipment, elevated placement of a load, pallet use, driving, and combination (multifunction) operations. Telehandler operation with load and without load is required.

So as to standardize testing conditions for all candidates wherever and whenever they may test, CCO has developed a standard Test Site Layout (CAD) for each of the telehandler types.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

The following sections describe the specific tasks you will be performing when taking the practical examinations. It is important that you understand these instructions. If there is anything you do not understand, please request clarification from the Proctor.

TASKS

The practical exam tasks are:

Task 1: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection
Task 2: Elevated Pick & Place
Task 3: Elevated Pick & Return
Task 4: Pick & Stack (DA-1 to DA-2) Reverse
Task 5: Pick & Return (DA-1 to DA-2) Forward
Task 6: Pick & Return (DA1-to Corral to DA-2)
Task 7: Straight-Line/Zigzag Corridor (Forward)
Task 8: Straight-Line/Zigzag Corridor (Reverse)
Task 9: Shutdown

There is also a Pre-Test Familiarization Period and a Pre-Task Familiarization Period (Rotating telehandlers only). You will be required to complete all phases of the test in sequence.

You must report to the test site at the scheduled time. All candidates shall comply with test site requirements concerning personal protective equipment (PPE), which at a minimum shall meet federal OSHA requirements.

The Test Site Coordinator is responsible for setting the testing schedule. If you are familiar with the operation of the test telehandler, you may elect to test first to allow other candidates time to review the operator’s manuals. Otherwise, selection shall be by random drawing or by assignment of the Test Site Coordinator.

During the practical examination, you are under the direction of the Proctor and must follow the Proctor’s directions at all times.

Once you have completed all of the tests you are taking, you must leave the testing area. Only personnel involved in the administration of the test are allowed in the test area.

TIME LIMITS

For Task 2 through Task 8, an optimum time limit has been set for each task. If the task is completed within this time period, you receive no time penalty.

Once you exceed this time limit, however, you will lose points on a gradual basis. If you take one-and-a-half times as long as the optimum time, you will have lost all the points allotted to that particular task. The optimum time for each task is stated as part of the task descriptions. At two times the optimum time the Proctor may end the task and move on to the next task.

PRE-TEST BRIEFING

While candidates are waiting to take their tests, they will have sufficient time to read this description of the tasks to be performed and review the operator’s manual for the telehandler they will operate. In addition, they will be informed of the make and model of the telehandler, the boom length, and the weight of the test load.

Note that:

The telehandler’s LMI system (if so equipped) has been correctly programmed and will not interfere with the proper operation of the telehandler.
None of the target points has been placed at a radius that exceeds the telehandlers’s rated capacity.
None of the target points has been placed at a radius that exceeds the telehandler’s rated capacity.

CIRCUMVENTING THE COURSE

Circumventing the course on CCO Telehandler Operator practical exams is defined as when:

Chain leaves the corridor while on or off the ground and passes more than one pole left still standing on the original string line before re-entering the corridor; you must enter the circles from inside the corridor to avoid this being marked as a deficiency
Chain leapfrogs from one leg of corridor to another with the chain off the ground, outside the corridor
Chain passes four or more poles consecutively with the chain off the ground, inside the corridor
Rotating Telehandlers only: Test weight and chain enters or exits the corridor without vertically clearing the hurdle (i.e., by going around the hurdle)
Test weight goes from one designated area to another designated area without attempting the course (Fixed Telehandlers only)

All points for that task are lost if a circumvention occurs.

UNSAFE ACT

If at any time during the Pre-Test Familiarization Period or during the test, you commit an unsafe act, you will be disqualified from continuing with the test. Unsafe acts include but are not limited to the following:

Dropping the load (including pallets and horizontal pipe)
Lifting the goal post with the forks
Uncontrolled or reckless operation (must be sufficient to cause safety concern to personnel or equipment)
Contacting obstruction with telehandler or test weight
Contacting the telehandler with test weight
Not using seatbelt or restraining device

The Proctor has the authority to stop the test at any time for reasons of safety. Please ask the Proctor if you have any questions.

If you are disqualified due to an unsafe act, you will not be permitted to test on any practical exam until the next day.

CANDIDATE ID AND SIGNATURE

Prior to beginning the examination, the Proctor will ask you for a photo identification, such as a driver’s license.

The Proctor will ask you if you have read the Candidate Information and Instructions and will answer any questions you may have. The Proctor will review the weather conditions and ask the candidates to sign indicating that they understand the instructions for the test and that they agree with the Proctor’s assessment of the weather conditions.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS

The Proctor will use an anemometer to check the wind speed and then will record the weather conditions on the score sheet.

The Proctor has the responsibility to determine if weather conditions or equipment problems are such that a test needs to be suspended. If the test is interrupted due to weather conditions or equipment problems, the procedure for restarting is as follows:

You will resume the test at the beginning of the task you were performing at the time of the interruption, except for Task 7, when you will go back to the beginning of the Task 7 or Task 8, as appropriate.
You will be entitled to a Pre-Test Familiarization or Pre-Task Familiarization (rotating telehandlers only) period before resuming the test.
If testing resumes on a different machine, you must start the test over from the beginning. The first score sheet will be marked as “VOID” with an explanation and returned to CCO.
If the testing is delayed to a different day, the test must be restarted from the beginning.

PRE-TEST FAMILIARIZATION PERIOD

You are allowed up to 15 minutes to get used to operating the equipment.
You may run the equipment through any of its functions and set any functions to your specifications.
Do not interfere with the course or the test weight; do not shadow the zigzag/straight-line corridor.
When you are ready, move the telehandler into the corral with the boom fully retracted and the fork tips on the ground.
I will let you know when there are 10, 5, and 1 minute(s) remaining.
If at any point you feel like you are not ready to test, you may disqualify yourself and you will be required to sign to that effect on the score sheet.
Do you understand these instructions?

TASK 1: PRE-OPERATIONAL (SHIFT) INSPECTION

You will be asked to identify five items regarding the equipment that are part of the pre-operational inspection. One at a time, you will describe how you would inspect it and what deficiencies you would look for.
You have approximately one minute per item.
Points will be deducted for each incorrectly identified inspection item.

TASK 2: ELEVATED PICK & PLACE

Optimum time: 2:45; maximum time: 5:30

For all tasks, the driving range marked by the soccer cones designate a building. At no time during the exam should you cross the boarder marked by the soccer cones.
At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, travel so that the front plane of the tires is at the denotation line located in front of the “goal post” and prepare for lifting. Do not pass the denotation line with the front plane of the tires. Do not extend the outriggers.
Pick the horizontal pipe from its starting position and place the pipe on top of the elevated posts.
Once the forks are clear of the pipe, fully retract the boom.
The Proctor will give you a stop signal once the boom has been fully retracted and the fork tips are on the ground.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Touching anything but the pipe
2. Traveling outside the driving range (soccer cones)
3. Tires past the denotation line
4. Knocking poles over (including those around the corral)
5. Knocking balls of the poles (including those around the corral)
6. Exceeding the optimum time

TASK 3: ELEVATED PICK & RETURN

Optimum time: 1:45; maximum time: 3:30

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, lift the horizontal pipe from the elevated posts and place the pipe between the two front poles on the frame.
Once the forks are clear of the pipe, fully retract the boom and lower fork tips to the ground.
The Proctor will give you a stop signal once the boom has been fully retracted and fork tips are on the ground.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Touching anything but the pipe
2. Knocking poles over (including those around the corral)
3. Knocking balls of the poles (including those around the corral)
4. Exceeding the optimum time

TASK 4: PICK & STACK (DA-1 TO DA-2) REVERSE

Optimum time: 4:30; maximum time: 9:00

For all pallet tasks, the pallet must rest against the back stop or fork tips must be extended outside of the pallet prior to traveling.
At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, travel to DA-1, pick the pallet from DA-1, and travel to DA-2 in reverse travel until you have reached the end of the driving range.
Do not cross the border of the driving range marked by the soccer cones until you have cleared the final cone. Once you have cleared the final cone, you may travel in any direction.
Place the pallet on the top of the pallet located in DA-2 from side A and interlock the pallets.
Once the forks are clear of the pallet, fully retract the boom and lower fork tips to the ground at which time the Proctor will give you a stop signal.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Pallet touching ground outside of the DA
2. Traveling outside the driving range (soccer cones)
3. Soccer cones passed while outside of driving range
4. Forks not properly/fully engaged during travel (traveling is defined as movement of the wheels)
5. Knocking poles over (including those around the corral)
6. Knocking balls of the poles (including those around the corral)
7. Pallet not interlocked (3 out of 4 corners)
8. Exceeding the optimum time

TASK 5: PICK & RETURN (DA-2 TO DA-1) FORWARD

Fixed Telehandler optimum time: 2:00; maximum time: 4:00
Rotating Telehandler optimum time: 2:30; maximum time: 5:00

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, pick the bottom pallet and travel to DA-1 in forward travel. Do not cross the border of the driving range marked by the soccer cones.
Place the stacked pallets fully within DA-1.
Once the forks are clear of the pallet, fully retract the boom and lower fork tips to the ground, at which time the Proctor will give you a stop signal.
Points will be deducted for the following:

TASK 6: PICK & RETURN (DA-1 TO CORRAL TO DA-2)

Fixed Telehandler optimum time: 1:45; maximum time: 3:30
Rotating Telehandler optimum time: 2:00; maximum time: 4:00

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, pick the top pallet from DA-1 and travel to the corral (start point). Using boom functions, place the pallet into DA-2 through side B (from the corral side). The pallet must be fully within the designated area.
Once the forks are clear of the pallet, fully retract the boom and lower fork tips to the ground, at which time the Proctor will give you a stop signal.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Pallet touching ground outside of the DA
2. Traveling outside the driving range (soccer cones)
3. Soccer cones passed while outside of driving range
4. Forks not properly/fully engaged during travel (traveling is defined as movement of the wheels)
5. Knocking poles over (including those around the corral)
6. Knocking balls of the poles (including those around the corral)
7. Exceeding the optimum time

The Proctor will direct you to deploy the outriggers/stabilizers, assist in disconnecting the fork assembly (if applicable), and connect the hook attachment. You will then be directed to DA-3 and the test weight will be connected.

FOR ROTATING TELEHANDLERS ONLY

PRE-TASK FAMILIARIZATION PERIOD

This part of the test is not scored.

You are allowed up to five minutes to get used to operating the equipment with a suspended load.
You may use all functions, but do not interfere with or shadow the course.
When ready, place the test weight in DA-3.
The Proctor will let you know when you have one minute remaining.

TASK 7: ZIGZAG CORRIDOR (FORWARD)

Optimum time: 4:00; maximum time: 8:00

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, lift the test weight and chain over the hurdle. Once the hurdle is cleared, lower the weight until the chain makes contact with the ground before the denotation line.
Continue to guide the weight through the corridor. Avoid contacting anything and keep the chain on the ground until the chain passes the denotation line located before designated area 4.
Once the chain has passed the denotation line, raise the test weight and chain over the hurdle and place the test weight in designated area 4, at which time the Proctor will give you a stop signal.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Knocking balls off poles
2. Moving pole bases off line
3. Knocking poles over
4. Knocking down hurdle
5. Chain leaving ground before denotation line
6. Passing poles with chain off ground
7. Test Weight touching ground outside of designated area 4
8. Exceeding optimum time

TASK 8: ZIGZAG CORRIDOR (REVERSE)

Optimum time: 4:00; maximum time: 8:00

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, lift the test weight and chain over the hurdle. Once the hurdle is cleared, lower the weight until the chain makes contact with the ground before the denotation line.
Continue to guide the weight through the corridor. Avoid contacting anything and keep the chain on the ground until the chain passes the denotation line located before designated area 3.
Once the chain has passed the denotation line, raise the test weight and chain over the hurdle and place the test weight in designated area 3, at which time the Proctor will give you a stop signal.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Knocking balls off poles
2. Moving pole bases off line
3. Knocking poles over
4. Knocking down hurdle
5. Chain leaving ground before denotation line
6. Passing poles with chain off ground
7. Test weight touching ground outside of designated area 3
8. Exceeding optimum time

POST-TASK

At the Proctor’s direction, swing the boom to the hook attachment area in preparation for the next candidate.
The Proctor will assist in disconnecting the hook assembly and install the fork assembly (if applicable).
Once the fork assembly has been installed, fully retract the boom and place the fork tips on the ground.

FOR FIXED TELEHANDLERS ONLY

PRE-TASK SET UP

This part of the test is not scored.

At the Proctor’s indication to start, travel to the hook attachment area and prepare to connect the hook attachment.
Once connected, travel to the denotation line located in front of designated area 3. The Proctor will indicate when you have reached the denotation line. Alignment of the telehandler to the corridor is at your discretion. The Proctor will only indicate to you when you have reached the line.
Once you indicate you are in position, deploy the outriggers/stabilizers (if equipped). You will not be permitted to move the telehandler once the outriggers have been deployed or after the Proctor has attached the test weight.
The Proctor will then attach the test weight. You may lift and reposition the weight within the designated area; you may not lift the weight outside of the designated area or move the telehandler.
You are allowed up to 5 minutes to position the telehandler and the weight.

TASK 7: STRAIGHT-LIINE CORRIDOR (FORWARD)

Optimum time: 3:00; maximum time: 6:00

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, lift the test weight and chain over the hurdle. Once the hurdle is cleared, lower the weight until the chain makes contact with the ground between each hurdle.
You will repeat this process until you land the weight within designated area 4.
The Proctor will give you a stop signal once the weight is placed within the designated area.
Points will be deducted for the following:

TASK 8: STRAIGHT-LINE CORRIDOR (REVERSE)

Optimum time: 3:00; maximum time: 6:00

You may reposition the boom tip but may not lift the test weight.

At the Proctor’s indication to start, at which point timing will begin, lift the test weight and chain over the hurdle. Once the hurdle is cleared, lower the weight until the chain makes contact with the ground between each hurdle.
You will repeat this process until you land the weight within designated area 3.
The Proctor will give you a stop signal once the weight is placed within the designated area.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Knocking balls off poles
2. Knocking poles over
3. Knocking down hurdle
4. Chain not touching the ground in between the hurdles
5. Test weight touching ground outside of designated area 4
6. Circumventing the course
7. Exceeding optimum time

POST-TASK

At the Proctor’s direction, travel to the hook attachment area and prepare to disconnect the hook attachment..
The Proctor will assist in disconnecting the hook assembly and will install the fork assembly (if applicable).
Once the hook assembly has been disconnected, travel to the corral.
Ensure the boom is fully retracted and the fork tips are on the ground outside the corral in front of DA-2.

TASK 9: SHUTDOWN (ROTATING & FIXED)

Before leaving the operator station, please apply safe shutdown procedures to the equipment in preparation for the next candidate.
Once complete, please leave the operator station.
Describe the procedures you would follow to secure the equipment at the end of the workday.

PRACTICAL SCORE REPORTING

All candidates receive score reports of their performance. The free myCCO app for Apple and Android devices provides the fastest way to access score reports; get the app at www.nccco.org/myCCO. Examination results are emailed to candidates approximately 12 business days after the receipt of practical examination score sheets by CCO.

Please note that while Practical Exam Proctors are encouraged to expedite score sheets after each test administration, they may batch score sheets from several test administrations over a number of days. This means that candidates may receive their score reports from CCO more than three weeks after their test administration.

Both the practical examination and the scoring system have been validated and verified by CCO’s pilot testing program. A raw score of 75 represents the minimum passing score for telehandler operator practical examinations.