Crane Institute Certification reports it has expanded its staff and moved to a larger location. From 2011 to 2012, the number of certification tests given by CIC has grown by more than 30%. CIC experienced similar growth from 2010 to 2011. Further growth is expected as the November 2014 deadline approaches for operators to be certified by type and capacity. According to May 2011 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 41,000 mobile and tower crane operators working in the United States.
In January, CIC's Atlanta-based Customer Service and Operational Center moved into new office space for administration and customer support staff, as well as an electronic testing center for certification candidates.
In February, Alex Farmer joined the existing customer service team. She has a bachelor's degree in education and previously worked in business administration. She is responsible for invoicing, setting up practical and written exam sites, and meeting the needs of practical examiners.
In addition, CIC has released a new logo, which provides a distinct identity for the certification organization. The logo also embraces the fact that Crane Institute Certification is more widely known in the industry by its initials.
Price Adjustments for Testing
Since its inception, CIC has promoted the availability of computer-based testing, offering this service at no additional charge to candidates. To further encourage candidates to utilize the service, which provides instant test results, CIC will implement a modest price increase for paper tests in the second quarter of this year. CIC will continue to provide electronic exams for no additional fee.
"The price increase for paper tests reflects the fact that this format requires more steps and greater expense to deliver. In addition, test results take longer to report," said Debbie Dickinson, executive director of CIC.
Electronic testing enables CIC to better serve the growing numbers of operators seeking CIC certification at the lowest cost in the industry. Candidates get test scores instantly and CIC's electronic tests are easy to use. Candidates taking electronic tests may still use paper load charts and hand-held calculators.
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