Crane Operators

Searching for a crane operator course in BC or to earn a credential for your years of experience? Find resources, advice, and direction for both entry-level and experienced operators seeking to advance a career in cranes.

As the organization authorized and responsible for certifying crane operators and recognizing out of jurisdiction crane operator certifications, we do not develop courses in preparing for crane operator certification exams. However, we can assist you in getting started on the path you choose to take.

Experienced Operators

Register/Login

Why register? All crane operators working in British Columbia must be registered with BC Crane Safety. An account on this website allows you to:

keep your crane operator certification up to date
apply for new certifications
maintain an online logbook
and much more!

Certification Options

If you are an experienced crane operator who is not yet certified, you may qualify to challenge the BC Crane Operator Assessment.

How do I apply?

To learn more about the certification process, click one of the two buttons below that corresponds to the type (and size, where noted) of crane you intend to operate. Information on how to apply, along with links to the relevant application forms, is provided for each crane classification.

If you aren’t sure where your crane fits, go to our BC Crane Classifications page, where relevant sample load charts are supplied to enable you to determine where your crane fits.

Certifications – Available Apprenticeships

Tower
Mobile Crane (includes):
- Lattice Boom Friction
- Lattice Boom Hydraulic
- Hydraulic – Unlimited
Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – Unlimited
Folding Boom – Unlimited

Get Certified with Apprenticeship

Certifications without Apprenticeships

Self-Erect Tower
Hydraulic – 20 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – 40 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – 20 Tonnes and Under
Folding Boom – 22 Tonnes and Under
Folding Boom – 10 Tonnes and Under

Get Certified

Crane Operators from Other Jurisdictions

If you are an experienced crane operator certified in another Canadian jurisdiction, in Ireland, in the United Kingdom, in the European Union, or in the United States, you may be recognized as a crane operator in BC through your home credential.

Apply for Recognition

Experienced Crane Operators Who Are Not Yet Certified

If you are an experienced crane operator who is not yet certified, you may qualify to challenge the BC Crane Operator Assessment.

Challenge the Assessment

Entry Level Operators

Explore Cranes as a Career

There are a number of ways to discover if becoming a crane operator is the career for you.

Read our crane operator interviews to find out more.
“Check out the 16-minute orientation to the crane operator certification process. This orientation covers:
- Annual earnings
- The steps to certification
- Certification levels
- Choosing a class of crane
- Preparing for certification
- Getting certified
- If you have any questions about the certification process, click here to review the orientation.
Watch our practical test preparation videos to see some of the skills you must master to be able to operate different types of crane classifications.
For information on how to get certified, and the available BC crane operator designations, see our information on how to Get Certified.

LEARN MORE

Certification Options

If you are new to the crane industry, you can learn the trade as a trainee while working under the mentorship of skilled operators. For the larger crane classifications, you can do this as a registered apprentice or trainee.

How do I apply?

If you aren’t sure where your crane fits, go to our BC Crane Classifications page, where relevant sample load charts are supplied to enable you to determine where your crane fits.

Certifications – Available Apprenticeships

Tower
Mobile Crane (includes):
- Lattice Boom Friction
- Lattice Boom Hydraulic
- Hydraulic – Unlimited
Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – Unlimited
Folding Boom – Unlimited

Get Certified with Apprenticeship

Certifications without Apprenticeships

Self-Erect Tower
Hydraulic – 20 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – 40 Tonnes and Under
Stiff Boom – 20 Tonnes and Under
Folding Boom – 22 Tonnes and Under
Folding Boom – 10 Tonnes and Under

GET CERTIFIED

Crane Resources

Identification of needs and addressing those needs, to help ensure a safe workplace, is an ongoing process. Check the Industry Resources section regularly for updates.

View Resources