If you’re interested in becoming a crane operator, you may be wondering what you need to be legally at the helm of a crane. While crane operator certification differs from state to state, the path to being a crane operator, according to OSHA, is very much the same: get an accredited certification.

Whether you’re operating boom cranes or crawler cranes, you’ll need certification to operate them safely. If you’re wondering about the answer to the question, “Can you operate a crane without a license?” then let Hook Crane Services, a crane rental service in Arizona, explain everything you need to know.

Can You Operate a Crane Without a License?

No state licensing laws forbid Arizona residents from operating a crane, but OSHA requires a nationally accredited license for all operators. Since crane operators must follow numerous regulations and transport responsibilities, they need at least a driver’s license and training for crane operation in their state. These various regulations and qualifications are essential for maintaining proper safety operations on a worksite. 

How Long Does It Take To Become a Crane Operator?

If you want to become a full-time crane operator, you may find that many employers are looking for operators with several years of experience. Since some states require licensure while others don’t, the time requirement to become a crane operator varies. If you want to train to become a crane operator, the training can last anywhere from four to eight weeks before the examination for your operating license.

How To Become a Crane Operator in Arizona

While the answer to “Can you operate a crane without a license?” is a resounding no, you can get a license and certification with some training and work. If you want to become a crane operator, the process is relatively straightforward:

1. Start Trade School

If you want to work toward becoming a crane operator, you’ll need to attend a trade school with a crane operator program. When searching for a program to learn under, keep an eye out for training programs with accreditation from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). This group acts as the national standard for crane operators and will be responsible for awarding you your certification if you meet the requirements.

2. Begin an Apprenticeship

Once you’ve gone through a trade school approved by the NCCCO, you can hone the skills you’ll need by joining an apprenticeship. A trade that can help you prepare for a career in crane operation would be heavy machine operation since they abide by similar principles and awareness factors. Joining an apprenticeship can help give you the experience you need to excel at a crane operation job, tackling industry-related challenges that are common on a construction site.

While getting an apprenticeship is optional, there’s no harm in doing this while you go to trade school. Additionally, while it may be an optional step, some employers may prefer that you complete an apprenticeship before they consider you for crane operator roles. Gathering experience is important for jobs like crane operation, which is why it can be worth it to take the year or three required for one.

3. Obtain Certification From the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

Once you’ve gone through your apprenticeship and trade school, you’ll likely be ready to obtain the certification required for crane operation. OSHA mandates require that all crane operators have an accredited certification.

While you don’t have to acquire a certification specifically from NCCCO, this route is the most common. It helps to pursue a certification, even if your employer doesn’t require it, as it can help demonstrate your expertise in the field.

The NCCCO offers several different CCO certifications for tower cranes, overhead cranes, and mobile cranes. There are two parts to the exam: written and practical.

During your examination, you’ll take either one or multiple written exams, followed by a practical exam on a test site with a crane. While you can complete your written exam and practical exam separately, you must complete these two tests within a year of each other.

Learn More About Crane Operation With Hook Crane Services

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can you operate a crane without a license?” why not work with the crane experts? At Hook Crane Services, we provide our equipment quickly and easily to your projects, no matter the requirements.

If you want to work with us, you can easily get a quote today. We would love to hear from you, so call 520-323-0963 to get started with Hook Crane Services.