Congratulations on your decision to embark on this profession as a crane operator!
It is one of the positions that are most valued in the construction and general industries, so obvious, that the compensation and wage of being a crane operator reflect it. It is also a kind of job that is always in demand any time of the year, your skills will always be needed in construction projects, off-shore oil rigs, building sites, mining plants, shipping docks, in demolitions and in many industrial facilities.
Your chance of landing a high paying job is just a step away. You just need to take the crane operator training.
This is where we come in. From this website, you can browse through hundreds of crane operator schools where you can enroll and take the course from. We organized the crane operator schools by state so that you won’t be having a hard time looking for one near you.
Helpful Tips for Picking a Crane Operator School
Now that you’ve finally decided taking crane operator training, then you should consider enrolling for a course offered by the school. The school will teach you everything you need to know, from the technical aspects, theories, to hands-on operation so that you will absorb much-needed knowledge in operating the crane. The school will take you into intensive classroom training and practical exercises.
However, not all crane operator schools are the same. Some give low-quality training while others offer beyond the standard. Not all schools fetch good outcome.
Here are helpful tips and suggestions you can consider when choosing the right training institute:
- Choose the school that is near where you are so that you won’t be having a hard time going there. We maintain a list of training schools in every state, just select the state where you are in the menu of his page, there, you will find the list.
- Make a good decision, choose the school that offers comprehensive training and apprenticeship program. So that you will learn the knowledge from the course and acquire experience from the apprenticeship program.
- Browse through the job postings and advertisements of hiring companies or contractors. The advertisement will give you short glance what they require from an applicant, list down those requirements, and then inquire them with the training school if they can provide you that.
- The crane training school must have state-of-the-art and modern crane equipment so that trainees can cope up with the changing technology.
- The school must have professional and competent trainers who have years of experience in teaching and crane operation.
- The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) keeps a directory of training schools with a good reputation. You can check the list here.
It is essential to be trained properly and thoroughly in this profession as a crane operator. That’s why don’t commit the mistake in selecting the right crane operator school that will give you technical knowledge and confidence in performing your job.
Taking the Crane Operator Training
If you are an individual who wishes to be licensed, taking the crane operator training is the first step to take if you want to delve into this career.
The crane operator training is designed for both individuals and employers. The training is important because it gives the candidates the knowledge to help them perform their jobs safely to reduce errors that may lead to accident or downtime.
When taking the crane operator training, you must understand first the two applicable OSHA standards, namely: General Industry Standard (29 CFR 1910) or Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.400). Assess where your work fits in. Whether you work in general industry or in might stricter place in construction sites, you must be trained and certified first to operate the type of crane you are working on.
The school will prepare the students to take the written and practical tests and pass it. If successful, each candidate will receive a hands-on assessment on the crane he chose to be trained operating to demonstrate the knowledge he acquired from the classroom lectures.
NCCCO Certification
Having an NCCCO certification under your belt is definitely an added advantage.
NCCCO certification is a requirement under the OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC. This regulation says that crane operators must be certified by a testing body such as by the NCCCO or deemed qualified and competent by the employer’s audited training program.
Getting a certification from NCCCO-recognized training institute will guarantee that you have through the rigorous crane training process and that you are compliant with the current OSHA standards.
It is a significant investment of time and money to have such certification.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Crane Training?
You can complete the training course in less than a month, and the course covers many different topics, from present OSHA regulations, actual demonstration to equipment maintenance. Upon training completion, students will be prepared to take the certification exams.
The candidates can further enhance their level by attaining a certification from National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or Crane Institute of America.
However, to become fully skilled, you can undergo a thorough apprenticeship program offered by International Union of Operating Engineers, you can find one local chapter in your area. The apprenticeship program usually lasts for three to four years.
How Much Does It Cost to Take the Training?
Most states require candidates to have NCCCO certification. In order to have such certification, you must pass both the written and practical exams that could cost you some money. These two tests are administered separately, therefore, you must pay fees to take each of the tests.
The cost will also depend on the type of crane you want to be certified operating.
The preparatory training course will also cost you some investment. Though NCCCO doesn’t require candidates to have formal training to take their certification exams, it will help candidate pass the certification process. It is highly recommended for you to take a course offered by a crane operator school especially if it is you first time to operate a crane.
The training school could give you a full course that may cost around $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the type of crane and your skill level. The school may offer you hands-on practice on the crane which may prompt you to pay an additional amount for the instructor.
Some States Have Their Own Crane Operator Certification Requirements
Crane operator training requirements vary from state to state. Some states have supplemental or additional requirements and have their certification requirements, while others only follow the OSHA standards.
There are also some cities that require the crane operators to finish a training course and complete a certification program in accordance with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
Currently, there are 17 states and 6 cities that license crane operators.
You Must Have Crane Operator Requirements to Get a Job
There is no rigorous educational requirement to be a crane operator. You can obtain your certification by a completing a course from the training school. You can gain experience by joining an apprenticeship program. You can also get experience by going through on-the-job training. However, there are some basic prerequisites you need to obtain to be a crane operator:
- To be able to perform the job and be a successful crane operator, you must have a problem-solving skill and be able to keep a keep cool head in many circumstances.
- Getting along with the members of the crew and be able to have a smooth work relationship with them help you succeed doing the job.
- You must be mechanically inclined so that you will know how to perform maintenance and repair to keep the equipment at its optimum performance.
- You must also have the eye-and-hand coordination to perform the job well. You must have keen eyesight and dexterity in controlling the loads being lifted to become an effective crane operator.
- We all know that the nature of the work is physically demanding and tiring. You may render long hours of work that could take a toll on your body. The actual job also requires you to obtain superb stamina and good physical fitness.
- Being a crane operator does require you to do some computation and calculation. Thus, you must have basic math skill and ability to solve problems. Therefore, a crane operator is required to attain high school education or in possession of GED certificate.
Conclusion
If you desire a change in your career and being a crane operator is the number one in your list, you are on point. Crane operator will always be desired in many industries. You won’t be having a hard time getting employed and plus the fact your profession will continue to be sought after by large firms and contractors because of continues demand of industrialization and construction boom.
An individual can go to the crane operator school and register in a course. Enrolling in a training course at the school is the very first step to take to become certified crane operator. The crane operator school will teach you everything you need to know. You will undergo rigorous classroom training and hands-on operation. They will also help you pass the written and practical assessment so that you will have a convenient time taking and passing the training course.
