The Multi-Color Offset Sheetfed and Web Press Operator Certification Programs

Registering for the National Council Certification Examination

Candidates may take the Sheetfed or Web Litho Multi-Color Press Operating Certification Examination on a date convenient to their company production operations and work schedule. Applications must be received a minimum of 10 work days prior to the testing date requested, allowing the Council office time to review and confirm applications for eligibility, and to arrange for proctoring the requested examinations within the company's facilities.

Examination Administration, Location

The multiple-choice, three-hour written examination can be administered by the candidate's company sponsor, a supervisor or administrative staff member, following the Proctor's Guide in PDF format (also available in MS Word format). Please download the Guide for instructions on administering the examination. The Council strongly recommends a quiet room away from the production environment when administering the examination. If several operators [from the same shift] are registered to take the exam, all should take the examination at the same time, in one group, preventing possible ‘coaching' of those operators taking the examination at a later time.

Preparatory Study Resources

HR personnel, managers and candidates may download the [FREE] National Council Sheetfed and Web Press Operator's Guide to Credentialing. The Guide contains sample test questions, with answers [that may or may not be included in the examinations].

The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) Sheet and Web Offset Press Training Programs are excellent preparatory study materials for candidates seeking Council certification. For information on GATF Training Programs/materials, workshops, contact:

Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
200 Deer Run Road
Sewickley, PA 15143
Phone: 866-855-4283
E-mail: cs@softrac.com
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Special Notice: The new 6th edition GATF Web Offset Press Training Curriculum is now available from GATF. New contents includes added information on web pres orientation, web tension, ink/water balance, color theory and makeready. All 33 instructional modules contain suggestions and examples on how to teach relevant troubleshooting skills. The curriculum package also contains CDs with all new contents and over 130 movie clips, close-up shots, diagrams and illustrations to help the instructor bring lessons to life. The review quizzes have been completely revised and updated, and dozens of additional questions added.

Web press operators who complete the GATF web curriculum and achieve certification from GATF are well prepared for the National Council's Web Offset Press Operator Multi-Color Certification Examination. Those successfully completing the National Council examination receive National Council Certified Operator (NCCO) status, a certificate suitable for framing, a 4-color process embroidered uniform insignia, and personal letter of commendation from the National Council Executive Director. GATF is the parent organization of the National Council for Skill Standards.

Registration Fees	USA:	Canada:
Up to/including three registrants:	$210/ea	$235/ea.
All up to/including seven registrants:	$195/ea.	$225/ea.
All up to eight and additional registrants:	$185/ea.	$200/ea.

(National Council certification examinations are available in the English language only).

How to Register

The following information sheets are a part of the registration procedure:
- Application Process Overview
- Instructions for Filling Out Registration Forms
- Examination Eligibility Checklist (experience requirement for taking an examination)

To register for the examination the candidate, with his/her sponsor must complete and submit the:
- Registration Form
- Sponsor's Documentation Form (completed by candidate's company sponsor), and
- Checklist for Application (also completed by the company sponsor).
An optional Biographical Questionnaire may be completed to accompany the above forms.

Please follow these steps to register:

1.     Click here to download the required forms for submission.

2.     Print out the REGISTRATION FORM. Carefully complete the required information using a black ballpoint pen, then ask your sponsor to sign in the space provided, and sign your name and date.

3.     Print out the SPONSOR'S DOCUMENTATION FORM. Ask your supervisor to complete the required information.

4.     Print out the CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION and give it to your sponsor for completion.

5.     We require a letter from your supervisor on your Company letterhead confirming your eligibility (see Eligibility Requirements in the Guide to Credentialing).

6.     Send the following information and required [completed] forms to the National Council, to arrive a minimum of 10 work days prior to your stipulated testing date:

·      Registration Form
·      Sponsor's Documentation Form
·      Sponsor Letter on Company letterhead
·      Biographical Questionnaire (optional)
·      Checklist for Application
·      Check in the appropriate amount

Clip the above listed forms and check together – please do not staple – and send to:

Registration Department
The National Council for Skill Standards
Harry V. Quadracci Education & Technology Center
800 Main Street - Building Q
Pewaukee, WI 53072

PLEASE NOTE: We will inform you (by letter or e-mail) of the status of your registration when your forms are received [a minimum of] 10 days prior to the exam date requested.

Please direct questions pertaining to the examination and registration procedures to the Council: 262-695-6252. Contact the Council Coordinator, Mary Ellen Aspenson at maspenson@piw.org.