Online Proctored Testing Change

In response to feedback received during the initial launch of CCO’s new Online Proctored Testing (OPT) option, it will change the materials permitted during the exam.

As of April 1, candidates will be allowed to use a small physical whiteboard or dry erase board in addition to the on-screen whiteboard.

The physical whiteboard or dry erase board will assist in the transition away from scratch paper. This change is anticipated to help ensure the best possible testing experience and will be applicable to both OPT and Event Online Testing (EOT).

“This change came about because CCO listens to our stakeholders,” said Thom Sicklesteel, CEO.

“We heard from the front lines and appreciate their input.”

The allowed physical whiteboards may be up to 8.5 in. x 11 in., the same size as a standard sheet of paper. Upon check-in, if the candidate is using a physical whiteboard, the proctor will ask the candidate to show both sides of the board and ensure there isn’t writing on either side. If there is, everything will need to be erased.

At the conclusion of testing, the candidate will be required to show both sides of the whiteboard and, once again, will ensure any information on the whiteboard is erased.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (CCO) was formed by industry in 1995 as an independent, non-profit organization to develop and administer a nationwide program for the certification of load handling equipment operators and related personnel. Since then, CCO has administered over 1.5 million written and practical examinations and issued more than 726,000 ANSI-accredited and OSHA-compliant certifications.

In scenarios where the candidate either refuses to erase the board or leaves the session before the proctor can confirm that it has been erased, it will generate an incident report to be reviewed by CCO. A dry erase marker must be used; candidates who mistakenly use a pen or permanent marker will have their exams invalidated.

• Candidates, as always, must remain within the camera frame.

“CCO aspires to continue improvement of the candidate experience. We are thrilled to be able to add this enhancement so quickly while maintaining test security and integrity,” said senior director of innovation, Joel Oliva.