Become a Tower Crane Operator: Education and Career Roadmap

Do I Want to Be a Tower Crane Operator?

A tower crane is a piece of heavy-duty equipment that's used to transport large and oversized objects. As a tower crane operator, you'll maneuver these machines and check to make sure they function properly by moving levers and pushing pedals. You'll typically be working at construction sites, iron or steel mills or ports, which are hazardous by nature, and it's important to ensure that safety is maintained at all times. Full-time work is available, and sometimes you'll work long shifts and overtime hours in this field.

Job Requirements

Prospective tower crane operators need to complete a formal training program to gain experience in the field and prepare for employment. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers certification for tower crane operators. Additionally, a license may be required in some states and cities. The table below includes the requirements to become a tower crane operator.

Step 1: Complete a Heavy-Equipment Operator Program

Prospective tower crane operators can pursue either a heavy-equipment operator certificate, associate's degree or apprenticeship. These programs offer both academic coursework and field training. The goal is to teach students how to safely operate heavy equipment construction machines, read blue prints, identify machine parts and perform routine maintenance. Courses in a program will cover areas involving diesel engine systems, hydraulics for operators, operation of trenching equipment, construction safety management and powertrain and related systems.

Success Tips

• Focus on tower crane operation. While completing field training, focus on operating a tower crane. During a heavy-equipment operator training program, opportunities will be offered to work on a construction site and learn under an experienced tower crane operator. This is a chance to apply what was learned in the classroom to a real-world setting.
• Check the school's reputation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a vocational school program may help when job seeking. However, make sure the school has a good reputation among employers and find out if the school offers hands-on training on real machines.

Step 2: Earn Tower Crane Operator Certification

In order to earn certification, the NCCCO requires that candidates complete both written and practical exams. The written exam is 55 multiple-choice questions, and individuals have 60 minutes to complete the test. The practical exam ensures that operators are proficient in working with hammerhead, luffer and self-erecting cranes.

Step 3: Get Licensed

As of 2012, six cities and 18 states mandated that tower crane operators earn a license. In order to become licensed, a tower crane operator must meet the licensing requirements of the state in which they work. Requirements include an examination and a minimum amount of experience. However, it's important to note that NCCCO certification may fulfill the licensure requirement in some states.