How to Become a Certified Crane Operator

25 August, 2016

How to Become a Certified Crane Operator

The construction industry is booming globally. Many markets have revealed a shortage of properly certified crane operators which could potentially stall many building projects. This is the main reason to explain why each day more people asks themselves how to become a certified crane operator. They look for information related to crane operator requirements, crane operator licence or schools to learn how to become a crane operator, among other issues. Access to the working market is not easy and a lot of people choose to reinvent themselves. Positioning one’s self to be an invaluable asset within the construction industry is definitely a smart move.

Becoming a certified crane operator will not only place you in demand within a rapidly growing industry. It also provides an array of employment opportunities around the world. It is important to remember that not all countries have the same laws and you need to prepare differently to being a crane operator to work abroad. Specialist training is the best way to achieve official crane operator status.

Certified Crane operators are also known as dragline crane operators, hoist operators, bridge crane operators and tower crane operators, among other occupational titles. Crane operator training and certification consists of classroom in some different schools and field based instruction with many companies offering apprenticeships to ensure that all elements of health and safety have been properly instilled according to their own procedures and practices. 

What Does it Take to be a Crane Operator?

Obtaining a crane license is not simple. There are a number of technical training colleges, specialising in training operators of heavy industrial equipment, including cranes. The actual course duration can vary from a few weeks for the basic level and up to a year or more for advanced levels. However, although it is possible to become a certified operator after just two weeks, many companies may prefer to employ a candidate with some experience or on the trainee/apprenticeship level which tends to last for up to two years. During the apprenticeship level the candidate is taught about the various types of cranes and crane erection in addition to subjects such as maths, English, communication, drug and alcohol awareness, health and safety, and appointed person lifting procedures.

There are no strict prerequisites for embarking on crane operation apprenticeships or training courses, although an operational level of maths and English would be desirable as would an understanding of technology. It would also be expected that any potential candidate would possess physical fitness enough to manage reasonable to heavy lifting safely. A fear of heights may prohibit the operation of larger machinery so those suffering from acrophobia may want to reconsider their career choice.