The National Center for Construction Education and Research, NCCER, is a nonprofit education foundation that began in 1996. NCCER was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and academic leaders who united to revolutionize the construction industry. Together, these leaders created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry.

Specifically, NCCER was set up to provide heavy machinery operators with certifications for the equipment they use daily. Due to a shortage in heavy machinery operators and no standardized way to test current workers, the industry needed a standard operating practice that would let employers know they have the best skilled workers on their crew. This is where national certification came in, and today, the leading construction companies in the world recognize that NCCER is at the forefront of providing heavy equipment safety training.

NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Learners who complete NCCER training are equipped to meet the labor demands of employers around the world, making them more employable and more trustworthy. This is a benefit not only to entry-level employees, but also to experienced workers.

For entry-level employees, NCCER offers a complete series of written assessments as part of its National Craft Assessment and Certification Program (NCACP). Assessments evaluating the competence of experienced workers do so by documenting knowledge and verifying skills. NCCER also offers management assessments for experienced foremen and supervisors and a series of academic tests for secondary career and technical education, which assist states in implementing statewide accountability systems.

National certification is one of the most important aspects of the heavy equipment industry today. As a leader in workforce development for the construction industry, NCCER sets and maintains the global standard in construction training and certification. NCCER also ensures training is consistent through a process of program accreditation, instructor certification, standardized curriculum, national registry assessment and certification. Both the maintenance of this standard and the consistency of training are essential benefits that NCCER offers the industry.