Major Changes in Store for the ACPA Operator Certification Program

Elimination of the Recertification Test

Currently, an operator takes the certification test when certifying for the first time and then takes the recertification test within two years to renew. The recertification test is a condensed version of the entire certification test; however, problems continually arise because the recertification test contains questions applicable to all areas of equipment operation. Many of the questions don’t necessarily apply to an operator who is only certified in specific areas of equipment expertise. This can cause the operator to fail the test since he has no prior knowledge or experience in these other areas. Although the recertification test is believed to be shorter with respect to the number of questions, in actuality most operators end up answering the same number of questions as they did originally on the certification test.

“Every question contained within the certification test is of significant importance,” says Christi Collins, ACPA executive director. If an operator was able to pass the test the first time through the certification process, he should not have any problems passing the test again. The real issue is not just about the operator receiving a laminated card, but rather that every operator knows and understands the correct answer to each question.” In addition, the administrative task of having to return recertification tests due to expired operators will save tremendously on processing and administration time. Instead of holding up processing, all tests will now be eligible for grading— even for expired operators. However, an additional $25 processing fee will be applied if the operator’s certification has expired. The additional fee can easily be avoided as long as a company or operator stays current with their certification.

Operational Evaluation for First Time Certification

An operational evaluation will need to be conducted by an authorized company representative (ACR) as a prerequisite to certification testing for operators who are taking the certification test for the first time. The ACR must witness the operator completing various tasks associated with operating a pump such as properly setting outriggers, unfolding the boom and use of the equipment’s controls. A signed affidavit attesting to the operator’s ability to perform these tasks to a satisfactory level must accompany the operator’s certification test, along with the affidavit of completion included with the Operator Safety Presentation program.

Randomized Testing

The ACPA Certification Task Force Committee is also conducting a thorough review of the current certification test and will make quite a few substantial changes to each certification class section with the addition and elimination of certain questions, as well as moving questions into more appropriate areas of classification. When the review is completed, the finished product will consist of three certification tests—identical in content—but with randomized questions within each section. This will seek to eliminate any sharing of answers between operators and provide a greater level of assurance that each operator has answered a question on the basis of his or her own understanding.

New Software Program Will improve Efficiency

Phase I of the new certification software grading program is in its final stages of completion and will not only significantly help reduce processing time but also give members greater control over their operators’ certification records.

After the final processing of a company’s certification tests, an email alert will be sent to download the operator’s test results. The National Office will continue to send laminated certification cards, but the company can also immediately download a copy of the operator’s certification or safety card. The test results and a copy of the certification card will be stored in the operator’s permanent record for two years.

Using an operator’s unique identification number, a search can be performed on the ACPA website which will show the operator’s renewal dates and certification classifications. This will allow verification of an operator’s certification status as well as encourage an operator to maintain current certification. Contact information for the operator will not be stored and the operator’s employer will not be shared.

More in Store for 2014

The procedural changes will take effect along with the software completion of Phase I sometime in late fall. Phase II of the program will feature an online safety training program as well as a certification testing program with immediate grading results and should be completed after the first of the year.