The steps
- Meet the basics. You must be at least 18 for NCCCO operator certification. Many employers also require a drug screen, and some want a CDL for driving cranes on the road.
- Pick a crane type. Telescopic boom (swing cab) cranes are common on Gulf Coast plant and construction sites. Boom trucks are another common starting point.
- Get training and seat time. Through a crane school, an apprenticeship or union program, or supervised time as an operator-in-training with an employer.
- Pass the written exams. The Core exam plus a specialty exam for your crane type.
- Pass the practical exam. On the matching crane type.
- Get evaluated by your employer. OSHA requires it, on the equipment you'll be running.
- Recertify every five years.
A common way in: rigging and signaling
Many operators start as riggers, signalpersons or oilers. It gets you onto crane crews, teaches you how lifts work, and those certifications are useful on their own. See rigger and signalperson training.
Questions to ask any training program
- How much actual time on the crane is included?
- Are the written and practical exams included, or extra?
- Which crane types will I be tested on?
- What happens if I don't pass on the first try?