How to Get a Heavy Equipment License

The career outlook for heavy equipment operators is good. The transportation and sanitary systems infrastructure of most cities and states is aging, so rehabilitation is an ongoing activity. As baby boomers who work in this field reach retirement age, there are more job slots than trained employees. This career field is now open to men and women who get the necessary training and get licensed to operate basic and advanced heavy construction equipment like bobcats, bulldozers and diesel front loaders.

Things You'll Need

• High School diploma or GED

Instructions

1. Review the employment prospects and career options for heavy equipment operators at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' website. Use their links to find wage data on various construction jobs and job categories (see Resources below).

2. Review career entry points for construction equipment jobs. Decide which career path fits your needs. This can vary from a few hours for basic equipment handling to hundreds of classroom hours.

3. Get on-the-job training under the supervision of a skilled construction crew boss.

4. Start this career through formal union- or employer-sponsored apprenticeship programs. The average apprenticeship program is at least 3 years, but students are often paid while they learn.

5. Get operator advanced training through technical schools that offer certified construction technology programs. Check private school courses and coursers offered by large construction and engineering companies (see Resources below).

6. Complete the required classroom and field training for your state's Class "A" commercial driver's license license. Get the exam study materials. Pass the knowledge test for the driver’s license. Practice as necessary before taking the skills test for a heavy equipment operator’s license. You must take the skills test on equipment that is similar to that used in construction, not a personal motor vehicle.

Resources

• Review training options for heavy equipment operators.
• Get construction wage and career information.
• Construction trades career outlook.