How to Become Crane Operator in Canada

Cranes are essential lifting equipment used in many industries including the manufacturing industry. Crane operators lift, move and place materials by operating equipment such as a Jib Crane, an Overhead Crane, a Mobile crane or a Tower crane. A Jib Crane is used in a small workspace for repetitive lifting tasks and involves motorized lifting and manual horizontal movement of the load. An Overhead Crane operates on an elevated runway structure to lift loads and move them horizontally over large indoor or outdoor work areas using pendant or remote control. A mobile crane is driven to a jobsite, positioned and secured with outriggers and uses a telescopic boom to move a load. A tower crane has a stationary tower with an outstretched jib that rotates 360 degrees high above a construction site to build outdoor structures. Looking at how to become a crane operator can help you decide if this could be the right career choice for you.

Educational Requirements

Crane operators need to complete secondary school to acquire key skills like communication and mathematics. If you haven’t yet completed your education, it’s worthwhile to take courses related to general industry and construction.

Training

Next, you’ll need to enroll in a training program that enables you to work as a crane operator in your province. If you want to work in more than one province, choose a program that is widely recognized. This initial training may last anywhere from six to 12 weeks. Expect a combination of theory and practical instruction. Overhead Crane training programs are generally 1 to 2 day courses but may be longer depending on Provincial requirements. A rigging course is usually a prerequisite or may form part of the training program.

Apprenticeship

Gain experience operating a mobile or tower crane by working as an apprentice. Most apprenticeships last between six months and six years, giving you the chance to operate this type of crane for 1,000 to 6,000 hours. These jobs are usually paid, although you’ll likely earn between 50 and 80 percent of what you’ll receive when you have the full certification. Apprenticeships are not required for Overhead Crane operators, however new operators must work under the direct supervision of a competent Overhead Crane operator until they have been deemed competent by their employer to work unsupervised.

Crane Operator Exam

To become fully certified as a crane operator, you’ll need to pass a written and practical crane operator exam. Again, this will be specific to your province. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to fulfill certain prerequisites — for instance, you’ll need to have operated a crane for a certain number of hours. You’ll need to achieve a minimum grade to receive a qualification. Certification is not available for Overhead Crane Operators or Jib Crane Operators, however they must be deemed competent by their employer before they are permitted to operate these types of cranes.

Driving License

You may also need to pass a driving exam for the type of crane you want to operate. For example, you may need a specific kind of license if the crane is a large vehicle with air brakes.

Qualifications from Abroad

If you are an immigrant and qualified as a crane operator abroad, you may be able to skip some of the above steps to become certified in Canada.

Receive the training you need to pass the overhead crane operator exam in Alberta with a course from the Manufacturers’ Health and Safety Association (MHSA). First, you’ll need to complete the MHSA Basic Rigging course to learn about how to select , inspect and use rigging to properly attach loads to a crane hook. Then, you need to take the MHSA Overhead Crane Operator-Standard course for lifting, moving and placing symmetrical loads, and you can round out your training with the MHSA Overhead Crane Operator-Advanced course for lifting moving and placing non-symmetrical loads, turning loads over or making dual-crane lifts. These courses utilize hands-on classroom and practical training. Each course only takes one day to complete. Check our calendar to find the next available dates.