Transferring Crane Operator
Posted 2026-10-05
Overview
Moving to B.C. and looking for work as a crane operator? Certified crane operators from other Canadian provinces and territories, Ireland, US, UK, and a growing number of European countries may also be eligible to work in B.C. with Credential Recognition.
Canada
Mobile, Tower, or Boom Truck certificates with other provinces’ and territories’ regulatory and/or apprenticeship authorities.
Ireland
Mobile or Tower Crane certificates through SOLAS Ireland.
United Kingdom
Tower Crane certificates through Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).
European Union
Mobile or Tower Crane certificates with a European Crane Operator Licence (ECOL).
If you are transferring from any other jurisdiction, you will need to have a permit from Immigration and Citizenship Canada, and meet the SkilledTradesBC requirements to take or challenge for your desired crane type.
Credential Recognition Process
You can transfer the specified crane type you are certified in if you already hold a credential from the recognized certifying bodies listed above.
Get Credential Recognition
01
Register with BC Crane Safety to get started on your application.
02
Review and understand all regulations and Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (OHSR) policies, guidelines and standards that apply to B.C. crane operators.
03
Obtain a clear copy of your current certificate.
US operators must also provide a copy of their rigger certification and proof of passing the B.C. Practical Crane Levelling Test.
Manitoba operators are additionally required to submit a Government of Manitoba Disclosure of Client Credentials form.
04
Take a photo of yourself for your digital crane operator card.
- Only include your head and shoulders
- Take the picture in front of a plain, light-coloured background
- Don’t wear a hat or sunglasses
- The photo can be taken with a phone or digital camera
05
Complete the Credential Recognition Application form.
06
Send your current certificate, your photo, and application for review through email or through mail.
Email your information to [email protected].
07
BC Crane Safety will review your application and verify your credentials with the issuing authority.
Once we receive your application, we will review it and send you an email with the results. If you are successful, you will be able to work in B.C. using your original credential. If not, we will let you know what next steps you can take.
Transferring Operator FAQs
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please contact us.
I have a crane operator certificate from outside of B.C. Can I just use that?
Even if you have a crane operator certificate from outside of B.C., you still need to register with BC Crane Safety. Once registered, you can then ask to have your current certificate recognized as valid in B.C. We call this “Credential Recognition”.
BC Crane Safety typically recognizes credentials from Canadian provinces and territories, as well as some from the USA, Ireland, the UK and Europe.
To learn more about Credential Recognition, visit our Transferring Crane Operator page.
I moved to B.C. or the Yukon without completing my crane operator certification, but I have started the process. Is it possible to transfer over my seat time hours?
Yes, you can add your hours to your online logbook.
If I am not from the listed jurisdictions but am an experienced crane operator, what steps do I need to take to work in B.C. or the Yukon?
Depending on the class of crane, you can challenge the certification requirements based on your experience. Some crane types only require passing the practical assessment while others require writing theory exams as well. If your past hours and experience can be verified, it can be used to meet the requirements for approval to write the SkilledTradesBC theory exams.
What is Credential Recognition?
Crane operators with government-issued credentials from other Canadian provinces and territories, the USA, Ireland, the UK, and some European countries may be able to work in B.C. if approved by BC Crane Safety.
If you are from one of these jurisdictions listed above and want to work in B.C. or the Yukon, you must apply to BC Crane Safety to obtain credential recognition.
Credential recognition is the process of having your crane operator credential verified and recognized in B.C. It ensures employers, WorkSafeBC, and others know your certificate is valid.
This is not an equivalency but rather a recognition of your certification. It enables you to operate in B.C.—whatever you are able to operate in your home jurisdiction.
You will need to have a provisional designation to work in B.C. until your home credential is approved by BC Crane Safety.
How much does Credential Recognition cost?
There is no fee for this service.