Crane Classifications & Certification Path
If you are new to the crane industry and interested in one of the following crane trades, you can learn on the job as a trainee or as a registered crane apprentice while working under the mentorship of skilled operators:
- Tower
- Mobile Crane (includes):
- Lattice Boom Friction
- Lattice Boom Hydraulic
- Hydraulic – Unlimited Tonnage
- Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes and Under
- Stiff Boom – Unlimited Tonnage
- Folding Boom – Unlimited Tonnage
Register with BC Crane Safety
All crane operators working in British Columbia must be registered with BC Crane Safety. If you haven’t already done so, please register now.
Register as a Crane Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC (optional)
If you intend to take the apprenticeship path, you must register as a crane apprentice with SkilledTradesBC. SkilledTradesBC outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the apprentice and the sponsor/employer. Find out more about the benefits of apprenticeship.
Whether an operator chooses the trainee/challenge path or the registered apprenticeship path, they need to have a BC Crane Operator – Provisional designation to operate a crane.
Apply for a BC Crane Operator – Provisional Designation (formerly Level B)
A BC Crane Operator – Provisional designation (formerly Level B) is required during your entire training period. The application form must be completed in collaboration with your employer. Apply at Fulford Certification.
Work Under Supervision Until Competent
As soon as you are registered with BC Crane Safety, you will have access to an online logbook where you record your work experience. Your sponsor/employer approves your logbook entries as you progress and, at the end of your training period, signs off on your logbook. This confirms that you have the required number of operating hours and have the relevant experience.
Please read the bulletins on what working under supervision looks like and what your employer needs to know about provisional operators:
- Employer Awareness: Conditions of Provisional Certification – BC Crane Safety
- Provisional Crane Operator Certification
- Provisional Operators Must Work Under Supervision Until Competent
Complete the BC Crane Operator Assessment
The BC Crane Operator Assessment for these crane classifications, as listed at the top of this page, consists of a theory exam (or multiple exams) and a practical test designed to evaluate an operator’s crane-handling skills. The operator must successfully pass the theory exam(s) before being permitted to take the practical test.
Registered apprentices typically write the theory exam(s) as they progress through their apprenticeship. Trainees that are not registered apprentices must register for and write the theory exam(s) through the challenge process.
Click here for more information on the practical test.
After successfully completing both the theory and practical portions of the assessment, you will be designated a BC Crane Operator – Full Scope for the relevant crane classification.
