Job requirements Crane Operator in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a crane operator in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Crane operators (NOC 72500).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a one- to three-year apprenticeship program or industry courses in crane operating are usually required.
  • Mobile crane operator trade certification, for specified types of cranes, is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Northwest Territories.
  • Tower crane operator trade certification is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island.
  • Hoist operator trade certification, for specified types of cranes, is compulsory in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Mobile crane operators may require a provincial licence to drive mobile cranes on public roads.
  • Internal company certification as a crane operator may be required by some employers.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified mobile crane and tower crane operators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Alberta

Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators - Wellhead Boom Truck
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators- Tower Crane Operators
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators-Mobile Crane
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators-Boom Trucks
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators -Hydraulic Mobile Crane
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operators - Commercial Mobile Crane Opertators

British Columbia

Job title Crane Operator (Mobile Crane)
Regulated
Job title Crane Operator (Tower Crane)
Regulated
Job title Crane Operator (Boom Truck)
Regulated
Job title Passenger Ropeway Trainer
Regulated
Regulatory body: Technical Saftey BC

Manitoba

Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operator- Boom Truck Hoist Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Apprenticeship Manitoba
Job title Crane And Hoisting Equipment Operator- Tower Crane Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Apprenticeship Manitoba

New Brunswick

Job title Mobile Crane Operator
Job title Mobile Hoisting Equipment Operator
Job title Tower Crane Operator

Northwest Territories

Job title Mobile Crane Operator

Nova Scotia

Job title Mobile Crane Operator
Job title Overhead Traveling Crane Operators
Job title Tower Crane Operators

Ontario

Job title Hoisting Engineer — Tower Crane Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades
Job title Hoisting Engineer — Mobile Crane Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades

Québec

Job title Crane Operator
Regulated

Saskatchewan

Job title Crane And Hoist Operator
Job title Mobile Crane Operator
Job title Mobile Crane Operator (hydraulic)
Job title Tower Crane Operator
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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