Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

NCCER’s Crane Certification Program expands to include tower crane

Words: Jennifer WilkersonNCCER continues to strengthen its commitment to improving crane safety in the construction industry with the release of its Tower Crane Operator Certification Program, which is part of an existing lineup of certifications that includes Mobile Crane Operator, Rigger and Signal Person.

Tower Crane Operator Certification Program: Tower crane operators can become certified through NCCER after passing both a written assessment and a hands-on practical examination. There are three types of practical examinations for operators to choose from, and when combined, the assessments and examinations lead to three different equipment-specific certifications: luffer, hammerhead and self-erect.

Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program: NCCER's Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program is accredited by ANSI and offers written assessments and hands-on practical examinations that lead to 13 different equipment-specific certifications.

A major benefit of NCCER's crane certification programs is that organizations can become crane-endorsed NCCER Accredited Assessment Centers and test their employees and/or members using their own equipment as time and availability permits without the need for third-party testing. Another advantage for these Accredited Assessment Centers is that NCCER offers written assessment and practical examination results within 15 minutes of submission (without rush fees) and the ability to verify credentials in real time through the NCCER Registry.

All of NCCER's crane operator certifications are portable and industry-recognized and meet or exceed standards set by OSHA and ASME. Individuals who successfully complete the requirements for NCCER crane certification are entered into the NCCER Registry and issued a wallet card, known as the Gold Card. The Gold Card has a unique number that provides easy access to online verification of an operator's certification records within the NCCER Registry. All NCCER crane operator certifications are valid for five years.

In addition to the Tower Crane and Mobile Crane operator certification programs, NCCER also offers Rigger and Signal Person certification programs. Similar to the Tower Crane and Mobile Crane programs, the Rigger and Signal Person programs also require individuals to pass both a written assessment and practical examination. There are four types of written assessments and practical examinations to choose from: basic rigger, intermediate rigger, advanced rigger and signal person.

For information on becoming NCCER accredited or receiving an endorsement, visit nccer.org/accreditation-process, or to review practical examiner qualifications and training information, visit nccer.org/training-and-certifications. Interested organizations that are not already NCCER Accredited Assessment Centers can apply for accreditation and endorsement at the same time.
 0
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Anton Shadrock
Case Study
Read More
Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Technical Talks
Read More
Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr

Dawn Rogers
Industry News
Read More