Testing
What is the timeframe for passing all of my exams for certification?
Most CCO certification programs require successful completion of both written and corresponding practical exams (if applicable), to be completed within 12 months of each other (but can be taken in any order).
Candidates who do not take and pass all exams within the 12-month timeframe will be required to start the certification process again from the beginning. However, any tests passed within the previous 12 months will still count towards certification. For example, if a candidate passes the Written Core Exam in January 2018 and the practical exam in June 2018 but has not passed the corresponding written specialty by January 2019, then the candidate would need to retake the Written Core exam, but the practical exam would be good until June 2019. Because of the number and intensity of the Lift Director Certification exams, candidates are permitted 24-months to pass the required exams to earn Lift Director certification.
How much do exams cost?
It depends on the exam, as shown on the Exam Fees page. A list of fees can also be found on each certification program’s web page.
How far ahead can I apply to take a test?
For paper/pencil test administrations, candidate applications must be received by NCCCO no later than two weeks prior to the test date. Any candidate application received within two weeks of the test date is subject to a $50 late fee. However, there is an absolute cut-off date of four business days prior to the test, after which no applications can be processed. Deadlines are significantly shorter for computer-based testing, however candidates must submit their applications no later than five business days prior to the preferred exam date. More information on CBT, including policies specific to computer testing, can be found in the CBT FAQs.
What is the exam cancellation policy?
Should a candidate be unable to sit for the examination for any reason, CCO must receive email notification at candidate@nccco.org no later than seven business days prior to the examination date. Candidates will receive a refund of exam fees paid within 30 days of the cancellation, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Candidates wishing to cancel after the deadline or not sitting for the examination will forfeit all application fees and will NOT receive a refund.
What if I need to cancel unexpectedly?
Only the following situations will be accepted as grounds for cancelling after the deadline (seven business days before scheduled exam):
- Called to work—supporting documentation required: letter from employer
- Candidate illness—supporting documentation required: doctor’s note
- Family death—supporting documentation required: death certificate or obituary notice
Emergency-related requests require submission of a letter describing the situation. Full name, address, and Candidate ID/CCO Certification number must be included along with the scheduled test date, written test administration number, and supporting documentation indicated above. Submissions should be sent to: candidate@nccco.org.
CCO MUST receive written notification and supporting documentation within seven business days after the scheduled examination date or all application fees will be forfeited.
If the request is approved, candidates will receive a refund of exam fees paid within 30 days of the approval, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Next FAQ topic: Calculators
Back to FAQ menu