In this Article
Are You Ready to Become a Crane Operator?
What is a Provisional Certification?
The Benefits of a Provisional Operator Certificate
What are the Operating Conditions and Requirements for Provisional Operators?
How Do I Become a Provisional Crane Operator in B.C.?
Choose Your Crane Classification Certification Type & Apply
What are the Responsibilities of a Provisional Crane Operator?
Developing Your Core Competencies
How Do Provisional Operators Log Their Hours?
Become a Full Scope Certified Crane Operator
Related Regulations and Standards
Are You Ready to Become a Crane Operator?
Becoming a provisional crane operator in British Columbia is an exciting step toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Find out everything you need to know to get started, from the benefits of provisional certification to the application process.
What is a Provisional Certification?
In British Columbia (B.C.), a provisional crane operator is someone who has achieved a BC Crane Safety Provisional Certificate. This provisional designation (formerly known as Level B) allows the holder to operate a crane under qualified supervision until full scope crane operator certification is obtained.
A provisional crane operator status is an interim certification that permits individuals to operate cranes under specific conditions while completing the full certification requirements.
The provisional certificate is intended for apprentices, trainees, or experienced operators who do not yet hold full scope certification. It allows the trainee to operate under supervision and must be applied for, with an employer and/or apprenticeship sponsor. The provisional certificate is only valid while working for the employer named on the provisional certificate card.
This provisional status ensures that operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively. It indicates that the operator possesses basic core knowledge of crane operations and is prepared to work toward earning their full scope certification.
Like a learner’s motor vehicle license, provisional operators require supervision during their training period until they achieve their full scope certification.
Depending on the crane classification, obtaining the provisional designation involves passing an exam from one of our certifying partners Fulford or SkilledTradesBC.
Typically, the Crane Operator Provisional Theory Test through Fulford is required.
Registered apprentices who have written and passed the SkilledTradesBC Level 1 Exam however, do not require an additional exam for provisional operator certification.
The Crane Operator Provisional Theory Test is a proctored online exam with 40 questions covering safe working practices, hand signals, terminology & regulations, rigging, calculating load weight, and crane pre-operational requirements.
Applicants must use a computer with a camera and microphone enabled for the exam. Government-issued photo ID is required for identity verification.
The Benefits of a Provisional Operator Certificate
There are several reasons why provisional operator certification is beneficial to new crane operators, employers and owners and the industry.
Immediate Work Opportunity: New crane operators can start working under qualified supervision immediately after obtaining their provisional certificate. It allows them to gain practical experience while pursuing full scope certification.
Supervised Learning: Provisional operators receive guidance and oversight from competent and qualified supervisors. This ensures safe crane operations and skill development.
Path to Full Scope Certification: Provisional designation allows operators to work toward full scope crane operator certification. Employers sponsor them, sign off on their progress, and provide necessary training.
Core Knowledge Demonstration: Provisional operators must demonstrate core crane knowledge based on the common core standard contained in the B.C. Crane Operator Qualification Core Program and the foundational BC Crane Safety crane operator standards which outline the general areas of competence and tasks associated with each crane classification in accordance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
What are the Operating Conditions and Requirements for Provisional Operators?
When obtaining a BC Crane Operator – Provisional designation in British Columbia, crane operators must meet specific requirements. Here are the key conditions:
Eligibility:
- Depending on the crane classification, you must pass either:
- The Crane Operator Provisional Theory Test or,
- The SkilledTradesBC Level 1 (for those who have already attended level 1 technical training).
- Applicants must provide proof of rigging theory training to ensure that provisional operators begin their journey with a solid foundation in rigging safety and practices.
Supervision: As a provisional operator, you’ll work and learn under qualified supervision until you’re ready to become a certified full-scope crane operator. Your employer will sponsor you during this period.
Qualified and Competent Supervisors: Employers must assign a qualified and competent supervisor to oversee your work. Ideally, this person has at least seven years of working knowledge, skills, and experience related to crane assembly, disassembly, operation, and inspection. The supervisor ensures proper training and guidance.
How Do I Become a Provisional Crane Operator in B.C.?
Register with BC Crane Safety: Obtain a BC Crane Safety registration number by completing a quick and free online process.
Choose Your Crane Type: Decide which type of crane you want to operate (e.g., boom trucks, mobiles, or tower cranes).
Know the Regulatory Requirements and Standards: Familiarize yourself with local standards, regulation, and any safe work practices specific to crane operation and certification in B.C.
Find an Employer Sponsor: Seek an employer who will sponsor your provisional designation. This sponsorship allows you to gain practical experience while working under supervision.
Take the Provisional Designation Test: Once sponsored, take the provisional designation test to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of crane operation.
Register with BC Crane Safety
As a crucial step in your career, every crane operator in B.C. must be registered with BC Crane Safety. To start your journey as a provisional crane operator in B.C., follow these steps:
- Register with BC Crane Safety. Submit a registration form online: BC Crane Safety Registration
- Verify your email. Once you have submitted your information online, you will receive an email from BC Crane Safety. The email contains a link that you must click to verify your email address. Without verifying your email address, your registration cannot be approved.
- BC Crane Safety will process your registration application. Registrations are processed during regular office hours. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email containing your ID Number, and a SkillRecord Passport account will be created for you.
- Start using the SkillRecord Passport app. You can learn more about logbook keeping and the SkillRecord Passport app in the Crane Operator Logbook & SkillRecord Passport knowledge base article.
- Get the App: Download the free SkillRecord Passport app for Android and iOS.
- Log In: Once you have the app, log in using the same email address you registered with in Step 1.
- Track Your Hours: The app includes a digital logbook to track all your crane operating hours. You can also find your BC Crane Safety ID number in the app, which you will need for applying for certification, and accessing any B.C. crane credentials you hold.
Choose Your Crane Classification Certification Type & Apply
In B.C., there are 11 different classifications of cranes. The type of crane classification certification you choose will determine the different pathways you will need to follow to obtain your certifications. The 11 crane classifications are summarized in the table below under their associated certification type: Certification of Competency or Certification of Qualification.
For convenience, the requirements for full scope certification have been included in the table as these requirements may influence your choice of crane classification type.
| Certification of Competency | Certification of Qualification | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification of Crane |
|
|
| Maximum Provisional Operator Duration | Up to 2 Years
1 Time Renewal Limit | Up to 4 Years
3 Time Renewal Limit
|
| Certifying Partner | Fulford | SkilledTradesBC |
| Required Evaluation for Full Scope Certification | Practical Assessment
|
|
For all 11 crane classifications, applications for provisional operator status are processed through Fulford.
Certification of Competency: For the six classifications with a certification of competency, use this Fulford application form to apply for your provisional operator certificate.
Provisional operators of these six classifications can renew their provisional certificate once. This gives you up to two years to become fully certified.
Certification of Qualification: For the five crane classifications with a certification of qualification, use this Fulford application form to apply for your provisional operator certificate.
Provisional operators of these five classifications can renew their provisional three times. This gives you up to four years to become fully certified.
To help you on your journey, download the candidate handbook for your crane type. It is a printable guide to becoming a full scope crane operator.
Provisional operator certification renewals and any updates to your employer information are handled through Fulford.
You can learn more about the crane classification types on the Crane Types & Classifications page.
What are the Responsibilities of a Provisional Crane Operator?
As a provisional crane operator, your main responsibilities include:
Learning and Training: During the provisional period, focus on learning safe crane operation practices, understanding equipment controls, and becoming familiar with specific crane types.
Supervised Operation: Work under the supervision of a qualified and competent person, like a full scope crane operator. Follow their guidance and instructions closely while operating the crane.
Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols, including pre-operation inspections, load capacity limits, and proper rigging techniques.
Communication: Maintain clear communication with riggers, ground personnel, signalers, and other team members during lifts.
Documentation: Keep accurate records of crane usage, maintenance, and any incidents. Use and maintain a crane operator logbook.
Developing Your Core Competencies
If you are not a part of a formal apprenticeship, your employer must keep formal records of your training. Your formal training record documents your successful completion of common core crane operator competencies —the specific skills, knowledge, abilities, and attributes required to perform effectively as a crane operator in B.C.
You can find these competencies outlined in the B.C. Crane Operator Qualification Core Program.
To ensure each crane operator meets the minimum level of competence, crane operators are required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills stated in this common core competency standard.
These competencies encompass a combination of foundational technical expertise, behavioral qualities, and practical know-how. They are the basic requirements from which a crane operator can further specialize, with additional competencies required for specific crane classifications.
Operator competence is verified when the knowledge or skill has been successfully demonstrated by the operator and a competent, qualified supervisor/trainer signs off. Employers, supervisors and trainers are responsible for documenting these reviews and maintaining records of worker evaluation and training as proof of their due diligence.
The B.C. Crane Operator Qualification Core Program for all crane types and WorkSafeBC’s guide to Evaluating the Competency Level of a Tower Crane Operator are online and available for download.
How Do Provisional Operators Log Their Hours?
In British Columbia, provisional operators are required to maintain a logbook to track their hours and experience. WorkSafeBC prevention officers may request to review operator logbooks.
The SkillRecord Passport app is provided to all members by BC Crane Safety to input and track logbook records.
The app is for crane operators, employers, and certifying partners who need to track and verify operator qualifications and experience.
The SkillRecord Passport app is provided to all members by BC Crane Safety to input and track logbook records.
This app offers several benefits, including easy photo uploads, summarizing hours for various crane classes, and supervisor review and approval of entries.
Using the SkillRecord Passport app:
- Simplifies Record Keeping: Keeps all your certifications and training records in one place.
- Enhances Credibility: Provides verifiable proof of your skills and experience.
Provisional operators must work under supervision until they achieve full scope certification. Remember to keep your logbook up to date—it’s an essential requirement of your provisional operator certificate.
You can learn more about crane operator logbooks and the SkillRecord Passport app on the Crane Operator Logbook & SkillRecord Passport page.
Become a Full Scope Certified Crane Operator
Ultimately, provisional operator is a stepping stone to help you become a full scope certified crane operator in a safe and supervised manner where you will obtain valuable hands-on experience.
Work under the supervision of a qualified and competent person to gain the necessary practical experience required for full certification.
Become a Full Scope Certified Crane Operator
Ultimately, provisional operator is a stepping stone to help you become a full scope certified crane operator in a safe and supervised manner where you will obtain valuable hands-on experience. During your time as a provisional operator, you should:
Gain Practical Experience: Work under the supervision of a qualified and competent person to gain the necessary practical experience required for full certification.
Complete Required Training: Complete any additional training programs or courses required for full-scope certification, which may include:
Work under the supervision of a qualified and competent person to gain the necessary practical experience required for full certification.
- classroom instruction
- hands-on training
- mentoring and coaching
- activity-based learning
- project-based learning
- small group-based learning
- peer-based learning
- experience gained through gamification/simulators
Pass the Theory Exams and the Practical Assessments (As Required for the Crane Type): After gaining sufficient experience and completing the required training, pass the full certification exam specific to your chosen crane type.
Receive Your Certification: Upon passing the exam, and completing all certification requirements, you will receive your full crane operator certification, allowing you to operate cranes independently in B.C.
Workers Compensation Act Section 21 —General duties of employers states that an employer must take all reasonable steps in the circumstances to ensure the health and safety of their workers.
Employers Responsibilities
Workers Compensation Act Section 21 —General duties of employers states that an employer must take all reasonable steps in the circumstances to ensure the health and safety of their workers, including informing, instructing, training, and supervising them to guarantee their safety and the safety of others in the workplace.
OHSR 3.24 —Additional orientation and training further stipulates that employers must ensure that before a young or new worker begins work in a workplace, the young or new worker is given health and safety orientation and training specific to that young or new worker’s workplace. As young or new workers, provisional operators are at a higher risk in hazardous environments like crane operations due to their limited experience and potential unfamiliarity with workplace norms and safety protocols.
Employers need to pay extra attention to these individuals because:
Lack of Experience: Provisional operators are less likely to recognize hazards from the cranes or working environment and have the reflexes to manage unexpected situations.
Insufficient Training: New workers usually do not receive adequate training on safety procedures, proper equipment use, or emergency protocols.
Developmental Factors: Younger workers might not have fully developed risk assessment and decision-making skills.
Risk-Taking Behaviour: Young workers may be more prone to taking risks, either to impress peers or supervisors or because they underestimate the dangers associated with certain tasks. They are also sometimes overconfident about their abilities, leading them to take on tasks they are not adequately prepared for.
Lack of Confidence to Speak Up: New and young workers may feel hesitant to ask questions, report unsafe conditions, or refuse tasks they believe are dangerous out of fear of appearing incompetent or losing their jobs.
Employer responsibilities include the following:
Sponsorship: Employers must provide sponsorship for the trainees and register a trainee with BC Crane Safety as a provisional operator (regardless of the age of the provisional operator).
Comprehensive Training: Employers must provide targeted training programs tailored to the unique needs of provisional operators. This includes safety rules in the workplace, safety work procedures for carrying out tasks, practical training on the equipment they will use and the specific hazards they may encounter in their work environment.
Mentorship and Supervision: Employers must ensure that sponsored trainee operators are either enrolled in the employer’s supervised training program or are registered apprentices in a SkilledTradesBC program. Pairing new operators with qualified and competent mentors helps bridge the experience gap and provides on-the-job guidance, which is crucial for effective learning and safety.
Qualified and Competent Supervision: Employers must ensure that provisional operators are under qualified and competent supervision according to the regulated requirements for the scope work being performed and must have a written supervision plan in place. Maintain close supervision during their operations to ensure that the operators are following safety protocols correctly.
Regular Evaluations: Conducting frequent assessments of the provisional operators’ skills and understanding allows employers to promptly address gaps in knowledge or skill. Providing constructive feedback to help provisional operators improve their skills. These evaluations should be carried out by qualified and competent persons experienced with crane operations, like a full-scope crane operator.
Clear Communication of Safety Protocols: Employers must ensure that all safety protocols are clearly and thoroughly understood by provisional operators who may not have prior exposure to strict safety environments. Conduct regular safety briefings and toolbox talks that focus on common hazards, site-specific dangers, and safe crane operation practices. Safety protocol communication is usually carried out by Site Supervisors who are knowledgeable about crane operations
Encourage Safety Awareness: Foster a culture that encourages provisional operators to report near misses or safety concerns without fear of retribution.
Encourage open communication where new operators can ask questions and express concerns.
Create a supportive environment to make it easier for new operators to seek help when needed. Site Supervisors need to be knowledgeable about crane operations.
Should provisional crane operators become involved in complex or difficult lifts, they should be supported by Lift Directors, if available, or qualified and competent crane supervisors.
Related Regulations and Standards
Workers Compensation Act
B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
Related Links
CONTACT
BC CRANE SAFETY
PO Box 42066, RPO Guildford
Surrey, BC V3R 1S5
PHONE: 604-336-4699
FAX: 604-336-4510
EMAIL: info@bccranesafety.ca
