Telehandler Operator
Program Overview
The CCO Telehandler Operator certification is a nationally recognized and internationally accredited program for operators of rough-terrain forklifts equipped with telescopic booms. Telehandlers are used to lift, move and place materials at varying heights and distances. Certifications are offered for Telehandler – Rotating Cab (THR) and Telehandler – Fixed Cab (THF).
Who Is a Telehandler Operator?
A telehandler operator safely maneuvers the equipment, lifts and places materials and evaluates jobsite hazards. Certified operators demonstrate knowledge of equipment operation, safe work practices and applicable industry requirements.
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Standard
OSHA 1910, 1926
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Exam Format
Written + Practical
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Validity
3 Years
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The Path to Certification
Follow these four steps to earn your CCO Telehandler Operator certification.
01 Confirm Eligibility
Be at least 18 years old and comply with CCO’s Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics.
02 Apply Online
Submit your application and pay the exam fees through the myCCO portal.
03 Take the Written Exam
Take and pass the written exam. Choose from online proctored, event-based, or test-center testing.
04 Take the Practical Exam
Schedule with a CCO Practical Proctor to complete and pass the hands-on exam at an approved site.
Telehandler Specialties
THR
Fixed Telehandler
THF
Rotating Telehandler
Written & Practical Exam Content
Written
Written Exam Content
Written Examination: Tests knowledge and skills related to the safe operation of telehandlers.
Knowledge Areas
- Pre-Operational Inspection (22%) – Machine components, attachments, load charts, startup procedures, controls, safety checks, and inspection documentation.
- Evaluate Jobsite Conditions (15%) – Site hazards, ground conditions, power line safety, environmental factors, traffic control, personnel awareness, and jobsite safety requirements.
- Pre-Lift Preparations (25%) – Lift planning, load charts, load calculations, attachment selection, capacity verification, load configuration, stabilization, and work area control.
- Operate the Telehandler (38%) – Load handling, travel, steering modes, communication, rigging, critical lifts, personnel lifts, load placement, and safe shutdown procedures.
Practical
Practical Exam Content
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency operating a Telehandler. Candidates must complete eight hands-on tasks demonstrating safe equipment operation, pre-operational inspection, load handling, pallet placement, boom control, suspended load maneuvering, and precision operating skills. The practical examination may be completed on either a Fixed Telehandler or Rotating Telehandler, depending on the certification being tested.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection – Demonstrate the ability to conduct a pre-use inspection by identifying designated telehandler components, explaining inspection procedures, and recognizing potential deficiencies.
- Task 2: Elevated Pick & Place – Demonstrate the ability to safely position the telehandler, pick a horizontal pipe from a designated location, place it on elevated posts, and retract the boom while maintaining load control and avoiding obstacles.
- Task 3: Elevated Pick & Return – Demonstrate the ability to retrieve a horizontal pipe from an elevated position and accurately place it in the designated frame while maintaining proper boom control and load stability.
- Task 4: Pick & Stack (DA-1 to DA-2) Reverse – Demonstrate the ability to safely pick, transport, and stack pallets while traveling in reverse through a designated driving course. Candidates must maintain proper fork engagement, avoid obstacles, and accurately interlock pallets within the designated area.
- Task 5: Pick & Return (DA-2 to DA-1) Forward – Demonstrate the ability to retrieve stacked pallets and transport them forward to a designated area while maintaining control of the load, following travel boundaries, and properly placing the pallets.
- Task 6: Pick & Return (DA-1 to DA-2) – Demonstrate the ability to pick and transport a pallet through the designated course and place it accurately into the designated area using controlled boom functions. Rotating telehandler candidates must also demonstrate proper setup and operation with a hook attachment and suspended load.
- Task 7: Zigzag Corridor (Forward) – Demonstrate precision suspended-load handling by maneuvering a test weight and chain through a designated zigzag corridor in the forward direction while maintaining chain control, avoiding obstacles, clearing hurdles, and placing the load within the designated area.
- Task 8: Zigzag Corridor (Reverse) – Demonstrate precision suspended-load handling by maneuvering a test weight and chain through a designated zigzag corridor in reverse while maintaining load control, avoiding obstacles, clearing hurdles, and accurately placing the load within the designated area.
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency operating a Telehandler. Candidates must complete eight hands-on tasks demonstrating safe equipment operation, pre-operational inspection, load handling, pallet placement, boom control, suspended load maneuvering, and precision operating skills. The practical examination may be completed on either a Fixed Telehandler or Rotating Telehandler, depending on the certification being tested.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection – Demonstrate the ability to conduct a pre-use inspection by identifying designated telehandler components, explaining inspection procedures, and recognizing potential deficiencies.
- Task 2: Elevated Pick & Place – Demonstrate the ability to safely position the telehandler, pick a horizontal pipe from a designated location, place it on elevated posts, and retract the boom while maintaining load control and avoiding obstacles.
- Task 3: Elevated Pick & Return – Demonstrate the ability to retrieve a horizontal pipe from an elevated position and accurately place it in the designated frame while maintaining proper boom control and load stability.
- Task 4: Pick & Stack (DA-1 to DA-2) Reverse – Demonstrate the ability to safely pick, transport, and stack pallets while traveling in reverse through a designated driving course. Candidates must maintain proper fork engagement, avoid obstacles, and accurately interlock pallets within the designated area.
- Task 5: Pick & Return (DA-2 to DA-1) Forward – Demonstrate the ability to retrieve stacked pallets and transport them forward to a designated area while maintaining control of the load, following travel boundaries, and properly placing the pallets.
- Task 6: Pick & Return (DA-1 to DA-2) – Demonstrate the ability to pick and transport a pallet through the designated course and place it accurately into the designated area using controlled boom functions. Rotating telehandler candidates must also demonstrate proper setup and operation with a hook attachment and suspended load.
- Task 7: Straight-Line Corridor (Forward) – Demonstrate precision suspended-load handling by lifting and maneuvering the test weight and chain through a designated straight-line corridor in the forward direction. Candidates must clear hurdles, maintain chain contact with the ground between obstacles, and accurately place the test weight within the designated landing area.
- Task 8: Straight-Line Corridor (Reverse) – Demonstrate precision suspended-load handling by maneuvering the test weight and chain through a designated straight-line corridor in reverse. Candidates must maintain control of the load, clear hurdles, keep the chain in contact with the ground between obstacles, and accurately place the test weight within the designated landing area.
What It Costs to Certify
Written Exam
Per written exam, across any modality (OPT, EOT, or TCT).
$105
Practical Exam
Per practical exam, administered by a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor.
$95
Fees are paid through the myCCO portal at the time of application. The Telehandler Operator certification requires both a written and a practical exam.
Prepare to Succeed
Candidate Handbook
Get the official Telehandler Operator candidate handbook which contains the exam outline, program overview, reference list, and policies. View Handbooks →
Training Providers
Find an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) or other providers near you offering Telehandler program training.
Exam Reference Materials
See the reference materials used by Subject Matter Experts to develop exam content for this program.
View Reference Materials →
Exam Prep Materials
Purchase ASME standards to help you prepare for the exam through the CCO Store.
Visit CCO Store →
Ready to Get Certified?
Apply for your certification exam through the myCCO portal today.