Crane Operator Certification Renewal Survey Results 

// February 24, 2026

BC Crane Safety’s recent Crane Operator Certification Renewal Survey that was open late last year to gather feedback on the pending certification renewal model received over 700 responses.

Thank you to all who participated. Your responses gave valuable insight and information.

We reviewed all your responses in detail, including all the additional comments we received, and here are the top comments, questions, and themes from the survey. We have also included further information so that you will know better what to expect with the certification renewal process.

1. Certification renewal seems like a cash-grab. What is it going to cost?
   There will be no fee collected from operators for online certification renewal. When renewing digitally with the SkillRecord Passport app (free on the iOS App store and Google Play), operators will simply follow the prompts for the 5-step process, which can be accomplished in minutes. Results can be validated by an assigned reviewer, using the same process for signing off on logged seat-time hours.
2. Will certification renewal be accessible or expensive for operators who live and work in remote communities?
   Certification renewal is designed to be accomplished throughout the course of regular work and does not require the operator or machine to book time off work. Operators will have up to 12 months to complete the renewal process, at the convenience of you and your employer.
3. Why is certification renewal needed when I am already certified?
   Certification renewal does not include rewriting an exam or completing another practical assessment.

   Renewal pertains solely to your BC Crane Safety certification, which grants all operators under the 11 various certification types the right to operate in our jurisdiction, mandatory since 2007.

   The demonstration of skills portion of certification renewal is completed by having your supervisor sign off on items you would complete in a normal day of operating. The knowledge refresher component is designed to ensure awareness of any relevant changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR) during the renewal period, as well as where to obtain additional information if required.

4. Isn’t the industry self-regulated? Why is certification renewal necessary?
   Crane operation in B.C. is not a self-regulated industry. There are two types of skilled trades in B.C.—regulated and non-regulated. Some trades, such as crane operator are regulated to support consumer protection and help ensure public health and safety.

   WorkSafeBC maintains direct regulatory authority over crane safety standards, operator qualifications, and enforcement.

   BC Crane Safety is the designated authority for operator certification under OHSR Part 14, Section 14.34.1 and related sections.

   SkilledTradesBC offers formal apprenticeship programs for both Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator trades (MCO/TCO).

   Canada remains one of the few jurisdictions in the developed world that has not yet introduced a renewal cycle for certified crane operators. Most regions run programs with internationally tethered accreditation.

   B.C. will be the first Province in Canada to align with the ISO 17024 requirement and place us on par with international best practice. This is especially important given the global nature of the industry, from project based multi-national employers to the highly skilled operators in the transient workforce.

5. Why should certification renewal apply to Red Seal crane operators?
   Renewal will apply to all 11 crane certification types. A Red Seal is an endorsement on a Provincial Trade Qualification that allows workers to utilize their qualifications inter-provincially. B.C. has required the Red Seal IP exam for the top 2 crane tickets Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator trades (MCO/TCO) since 2017. The Red Seal endorsement itself does not expire.
6. How will certification renewal make the crane industry safer?
   Administrative processes alone do not make the industry safer. Skills training, mentorship, accumulated experience, and personal/professional development are key components of what is required to build competence.

   Safety culture and the employer’s role are also crucial elements.

   Certification renewal also allows for accurate tracking of those entering and leaving the industry, as well as better determining the future needs of industry with respect to attrition rates, skilled trades training, funding, and apprenticeship program capacity.

Thank you to all who took the time to participate and provide your valuable feedback.

Please visit our Crane Operator Logbook & SkillRecord Passport knowledge base page to learn more about the SkillRecord Passport app.

Updates on certification renewal can be found on the BC Crane Safety website and you can subscribe to our newsletter for the most up-to-date information.