Mobile Crane 

Operator

Mobile Crane Operators are precise, careful tradespeople who use calculations to safely move and lift the essential items and resources needed to build and repair a wide range of structures.

As a Mobile Crane Operator, you’ll make heavy lifting look easy as you hoist 80 tonnes and more of materials to and from building sites with confidence.  

You’ll work largely at construction sites, railway, shipping yards or resource industry yards, managing everything to do with crane work including planning the lift, setting up the crane, and taking the crane down again when you’re done.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to use rigging hardware and tools in the workplace
  • How to interpret load charts and drawings
  • How to assemble, operate, and disassemble a crane
  • How to conduct a site assessment and safely position a crane
  • How to operate a mobile crane to lift 80 tonnes and over 

Key Job Skills

  • Workplace safety
  • Advanced driving
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Radio and hand communication
  • Critical thinking and time management 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 12 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4980 HOURS
General Skills
Attentive Calm Confident Coordinated Decisive

BC Crane Safety Registration

BC Crane Safety registration is required for all crane operators in British Columbia. Crane Operator certification in British Columbia is mandatory by virtue of the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (WorkSafeBC). BC Crane Safety Registration forms are available at bccranesafety.ca.

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information (2024) and Resources

Effective September 1, 2024

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

To book a practical assessment, please contact Fulford Certification.

Program and Exam Updates

  • April 2024: OPSN 2024 012 (Revised Program Outline, Profile, and SLEs effective September 1, 2024)

  • March 2024: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2012 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here.

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.