How to Become a Crane Operator

A crane operator is an essential part of any large-scale construction operation, and the skills you need to possess remain in high demand throughout the workforce. To become a crane operator, all you'll need is a desire to learn and an aptitude for working with machines! Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Become a Crane Operator

1. Complete your secondary school diploma. It is a wise idea to take as many math, shop and tech classes as you possibly can. A crane operator needs a wide variety of skills at his disposal at all times.

2. Sign up with a training provider who will teach you the skills you'll need to take your certification exam. You can easily locate these by inquiring with the trade schools, vocational institutes and community colleges in your area to see which ones offer crane operator training. Call the school and ask questions about its standing in the professional community if you have doubts about its accreditation status.

3. Keep in mind that there are several specializations available to people who want to become crane operators. You may need to complete a different training course, depending on whether you want to operate a mobile crane, tower crane or overhead crane as your profession.

4. Complete your in-class training, and supplement it with on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program. Your educational institute may provide resources to help you find an apprenticeship, or you can apply directly with construction contractors that operate crane equipment. You should expect any apprenticeship you secure to pay low wages or none at all.

5. Take your written certification examination to complete your training as a crane operator. Specific information on the exam requirements can be found through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (see Resources below). They are also a valuable source of information on vocational schools, training programs and the professional requirements of crane operation.

6. Continue your education even after you receive your certification. This will put you ahead of the game should you be required to recertify yourself at a later date. Because technology evolves more rapidly now than ever before, recertification has become commonplace to ensure that crane operators possess a comprehensive and current skill set.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect that you will be required to regularly update your professional credentials through recertification to reflect the changing technologies used in the construction industry.

Resources

• Further information at the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)