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Best crane operator certifications
The best certifications for a crane operator are Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and Mobile Crane Operator Certification.
Crane operator certifications demonstrate your competency as a crane operator to employers. However, not all crane operator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best crane operator certifications. Obtaining a crane operator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
17 best certifications for crane operators
| Rank | Crane operator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 3 | Mobile Crane Operator Certification | NCCER |
| 4 | Managing Crane Safety (OCSI) | CIC |
| 5 | Telescopic Boom Cranes - Swing Cab (TLL) | NCCCO |
| 6 | Overhead Crane | IUOE |
| 7 | Operator Certification | CSDA |
| 8 | Overhead Crane Operator | NCCCO |
| 9 | Certified Crane Operator - Lattice Boom Crawler Crane (CCO) | NCCCO |
| 10 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 11 | Certified Operator Class IV | ABC |
| 12 | Rigger and Signal Person Certification | NCCER |
| 13 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 14 | Lift Director | NCCCO |
| 15 | Aboveground Storage Tanks Inspector Certification (API) | API |
| 16 | Chemical Process Operator Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 17 | Mobile Crane Operator (MCO) | CIC |
17 best crane operator certifications
1. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
2. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Mobile Crane Operator Certification
NCCER and NACB have collaborated to develop the Crane Operator Certification Program. The program consists of written assessments and practical exams that meet or exceed current ASME/ANSI B30.5 consensus safety standards for mobile crane operators. Use our 'Find a Training or Assessment Center' locator tool to start the process of becoming certified.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Managing Crane Safety (OCSI)
For operators, inspectors and other personnel who require a thorough knowledge of overhead and gantry cranes, monorail systems and hoists. This program enables companies to perform their own in-house crane inspections, which include the OSHA required Monthly and Periodic Inspections. Training and certification also ensure that operators and inspectors meet the OSHA and ASME competency and qualification requirements.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Telescopic Boom Cranes - Swing Cab (TLL)
This Specialty Examination for the CCO certification program test the following knowledge areas relating to the operation of Telescopic Boom Cranes - Swing Cab (TLL)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Overhead Crane
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Overhead Crane Operator
The purpose of CCO is to set standards for measuring the knowledge and proficiency required for the safe operation of cranes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Crane Operator - Lattice Boom Crawler Crane (CCO)
This Specialty Examination for the CCO certification program tests knowledge areas relating to the operation of Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes. (LBC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
10. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
11. Certified Operator Class IV
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Rigger and Signal Person Certification
NCCER's Rigger and Signal Person Certification Program consists of assessments and practical examinations that meet or exceed current ASME B30 consensus safety standards and OSHA 29 CFR part 1926 subpart CC.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
13. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
14. Lift Director
NCCCO certification exams are designed for lift directors who have been trained and/or have extensive knowledge due to their experience in the crane industry. These exams are intended for candidates desiring to be lift directors.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. Aboveground Storage Tanks Inspector Certification (API)
The American Petroleum Institute (API) initiated an Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification Program with the issuance of Supplement 1 to API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction. This program promotes safe storage and material handling of petroleum products in a manner that protects employees, the public, and the environment. The program was developed with the participation of storage tank owner/users, and establishes a uniform national program that will assist state and local governments in aboveground storage tank regulations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
16. Chemical Process Operator Certificate
The Chemical Process Operator Certificate program is designed for those current employees involved in process operations. Both curriculum and course content focus specifically on job relevancy in chemical plant and petroleum refining environments. Students are required to pass eight courses to earn a Chemical Process Operator Certificate.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
17. Mobile Crane Operator (MCO)
Ideal for operators, supervisors, riggers and other personnel who require a thorough knowledge of mobile crane safety. An excellent training program to prepare operators taking state licensing and other certification exams.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a crane operator?
The best crane operator certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Commercial Driver License (CDL) is awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this crane operator certification:
- To become a certified Commercial Driver License (CDL), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for crane operators?
The most in-demand crane operator certification is Overhead Crane based on all active job postings. Having this crane operator certification will give you access to more crane operator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a crane operator career and salary?
The Commercial Driver License certification will help you to secure a driver position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A driver's average salary is $29,560 whereas crane operators make an average salary of $54,275.
The most common combination of crane operator certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and Mobile Crane Operator Certification.
Online courses for crane operators to earn certifications
1. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment
Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
2. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)
Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...
3. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
4. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.
OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...
5. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics
A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...
6. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management
A Workplace Safety Management Course for Current and Future Safety Professionals...
7. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...
8. OSHA Safety Pro: Hearing Protection Program
Your guide to preventing hearing loss using OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure Standards...
9. Fun food safety and sanitation course
The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...
10. Functional Safety for Safety Instrumented Systems
The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...
11. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
12. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY
Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...
13. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
14. HACCP-Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Certification
Food Safety Preventive Approach (HACCP System)...
15. Occupational Health & Safety Training
Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...
16. Inventory Management: Safety Stock Calculation and Control
Optimize your Supply Chain Safety Stock. Simple to Advanced Methods. Reduce Costs and Risk in your Business Operations...
17. Truck Dispatcher - Working with owner operators
Work and earn...
18. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2
A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
19. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors
The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...
20. Basic Fire Safety Awareness
Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...