FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

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
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More