Crane Operator Training in FloridaOSHA set a new regulation on November 8, 2010, stating that all crane operators must be certified by a recognized testing organization or by an employer-sponsored crane training program.

The NCCCO being an accredited organization certifies crane operators by facilitating the exams. Passing the exams will qualify you to receive CCO certification and possessing a CCO certification shows that you have the credentials and knowledge to operate cranes.

Though right now, Florida doesn't have licensing requirements for crane operators it would be better if you have such credentials under your belt if the prospective employer will ask for it, you have something to show.

If you plan to become a crane operator, then you need to get your initial training by enrolling in a crane operator training course in Florida.

You can take the course at the school. The school will give your professional training and prepare you to pass the NCCCO written and practical exams.

Here are the schools in Florida where you can register in:

 

Training Schools in Florida

  • Crane Institute of America
    3880 St. Johns Parkway, Sanford, FL 32771
    Toll-free: 1-800-832-2726, Local: 407-322-6800, Fax: 407-330-0660
    Their 5-acre facility for practical training is located near Orlando and offers training for absolute beginner and refresher courses experienced individuals.

  • Crane Institute Certification
    4011 W 1st Street, Sanford, FL 32771
    Toll-free 844-546-3362; Local 407-878-5590; Fax 407-878-1342
    Conducts training for the telescoping boom, lattice boom, tower and multi-purpose cranes.

  • The Crane School
    324 W. Lake Victoria Cr., DeLand, FL 32724
    Phone: 386-668-8887, Fax: 386-624-7789
    Endorses NCCCO certification and will prepare trainees for written and practical tests

  • Crane Tech LLC
    1215 Millennium Parkway, Brandon, FL 33511
    Toll: 1-800-290-0007
    This school offers NCCCO certification and has articulating, boom truck, digger derrick, mobile crane, overhead, tower crane, rigger level I and II training courses.

  • All-Purpose Crane Training
    Servicing Florida state
    Phone: (888) 501-1355, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    The certification this school provides meets OSHA and ANSI requirements. Training can be done at the client’s site or at their own facility and the course can be modified so that it matches your requirement.

  • Konecranes
    Miami and Jacksonville FL
    866-821-4006
    Offers a 3-day overhead crane inspection course and a 1-day overhead crane inspection training refresher course.

  • National Training, Inc.
    Office: 188 College Dr.., Orange Park, Florida 32065, Phone: 904-272-4000
    Training location: 5600 County Road 209 South, Green Cover Springs, FL 32043
    Offer heavy equipment operator training, make an inquiry first if they conduct crane training.

  • Kissimmee Crane School
    Kings Point Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone/Fax: 407-931-0015
    The school offers a 4-week hands-on crane operation that covers qualification, certification and qualified rigger/signal person training.

  • North American Crane Bureau, Inc.
    930 Williston Park Point, Lake Mary, FL 32746
    407.869.9970
    Conducts mobile crane training

  • ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
    2008 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33607
    813.879.8064
    Accredited by NCCER and offers mobile crane operator certification

  • Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB)
    Orlando, FL, Phone: 800-327-1386, Fax: 407-856-0522, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Courses available are: mobile crane, service truck crane, tower crane, overhead, articulating crane, rigger I and II and crane inspector training; the classes can be given at the school’s facility or at the client’s workplace and CCO certification tests are also offered. Training is also offered in Spanish.

  • Crane Operators Certification and Inspection, Inc. (COCI)
    Servicing Florida and other nearby states.
    Contact: Phone: 704-735-2707, Fax: 704-735-3691
    Courses Offered: mobile, tower, overhead, articulating, signal person, rigger I and II, crane inspector, and lift director training. The training can be delivered at the school’s premises or at the client’s site. CCO certification is also available.

  • Safety Links
    1855 W. SR 434 STE 283, Longwood, FL 32750
    1.800.768.7036
    This school offers heavy equipment training in Fl that includes cranes.

  • America Crane Training Services, Inc.
    P.O. Box 740177, Orange City, FL 32774
    Toll Free: 800-847-7464, Local: 386-943-9726, Fax: 386-943-4260
    Courses being offered are: CCO preparatory course, offshore crane safety, crane safety & rigging - overhead crane safety, inspecting mobile & overhead cranes, articulating boom crane operator training

You cannot find crate training online because you need to do the hands-on operation. Most of the skills you will learn come from practical training.

 

How to Choose the Best School to Register In

You should do your homework before enrolling in a course otherwise you will be wasting your money and time. The school must have good quality training course and qualified instructors, aside from that, here are the guidelines for finding the suitable school:

  • Enroll in a course provided by a crane operator school that also covers apprenticeship or on-the-job training so that you can absorb much knowledge from the practical training.

  • If you talked to some of your colleagues, you might hear some horror stories from a certain school. Some schools are so terrible they don’t even care if you become skilled or not. You may sense that you are simply “buying” the certification and not “attaining”.

  • Ask the school what is the ratio of t the trainees to the instructor. A good quality school has a small number of trainees so that the instructor can focus on each of them, thus, you can be assured of having sufficient knowledge in taking the training.

How to Become a Certified Crane Operator

  1. Register for a training course. You can choose a school you wish to enroll in, listed above are the schools.

  2. In order for you to become a certified crane operator, you must pass the NCCCO written part and practical demonstration examinations. The school will prepare you for this with their systematic course. The written test is comprised of general topics and additional questions pertaining to the type of crane you wish to be certified in. The practical test is the actual demonstration of your skill, the trainer will give you sets of instructions you need to perform.

  3. By joining an apprenticeship program that could last for several months or years, you will guarantee having sufficient knowledge and experience to perform your job better.

  4. The crane certification is recognized nationwide and is valid for five years from the date you passed the tests. You can renew your certification every 5 years, failing to do so will require you to retake the written and practical assessments.

  5. Find a job as a crane operator. You can bargain with your employer if you have in your possession a certification proving your skills and abilities. You can demand a better salary and a higher position.

Requirements You Must Attain to Become a Crane Operator

  • Completion of high school education or its GED equivalent. Crane operator doesn’t have to possess a college degree.
  • You must be at the minimum age of 18 years old.
  • You must be physically fit and in good health condition as the job is physically demanding.
  • Certification is attained by completing a training course and passing the exams provided by an accredited training institution or school.
  • A license is necessary depending on the state you will be working in. In Florida, there’s no state requirement for an operator to be licensed (at least as of this writing).

How Much Does Crane Operator Make in FL

A crane operator who is working in Florida can make as much as $36,751 to $50,617 per year depending on the skill and experience he possessed.

According to Salary.com, as of October 29, 2021, here is the salary of crane operators working in this state:

$42,476 - Boca Raton
$40,692 - Bradenton
$40,993 - Brandon
$40,049 - Cape Coral
$40,954 - Clearwater
$39,123 - Daytona Beach
$41,824 - Fort Lauderdale
$40,049 - Fort Myers
$39,188 - Gainesville
$41,604 - Hialeah
$41,824 - Hollywood
$40,821 - Jacksonville
$39,339 - Melbourne

$41,928 - Miami
$40,971 - Orlando
$39,339 - Palm Bay
$41,553 - Pembroke Pines
$39,020 - Pensacola
$41,824 - Pompano Beach
$40,649 - Port Saint Lucie
$41,001 - Saint Petersburg
$41,131 - Sarasota
$40,715 - Spring Hill
$39,063 - Tallahassee
$40,993 - Tampa
$42,075 - West Palm Beach


If you live in busy cities where construction projects are in full swing, you could make more money.

With the nature of work of crane operator where he leaves the site last, you could expect much from overtime pay.

If you extend your skill and advance in your career, you could start from junior to experienced to senior then to becoming top end crane operator where you can receive as much as $65,000/year.

 

To Conclude This

You will be a lot more employable if you have the proper training and certification you show to your potential employer.

Getting certified could be required by your prospective employer. Being trained can help you build credibility and competence as a crane operator. It will improve your employability and flourish your career in the long term.

First, you need to do is to sign in for a training program offered by a crane operator training school in Florida. It will cost you some money and time but the advantage it can bring you is long-lasting.


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