Mobile Crane Operator Certification & Qualification

Certification Outline

3P Safety’s mobile crane operator certification and qualification programs comply with OSHA’s Cranes & Derricks in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC). Our preparation aligns with §1926.1427, including employer evaluation and documentation requirements, which became effective February 7, 2019. Ready to get certified? 3P Safety provides nationwide prep and testing support tailored to your job site needs.

Mobile Crane Operator Certification (3P Safety)

Certification has two components:

1. Written Examination
   Covers safe operating procedures for the specific crane you’ll run and the technical knowledge required under §1926.1427(j).

2. Practical Examination
   Demonstrates the hands-on skills to operate safely—including correct use of load charts and recognition of items required in the shift inspection.

Type & Capacity Scope

For certifications issued by accredited testing organizations, operators must be certified for the type and capacity of the crane they will operate. Each accredited organization sets its own type/capacity categories.

3P Safety prepares you for both exams with targeted study materials, practice tests, and hands-on coaching aligned to the exact crane categories you plan to operate.

How to Get Certified to Operate Mobile Cranes (3P Safety)

To meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427, mobile crane operators must be trained, certified/licensed, and evaluated. Below are the four OSHA-recognized paths to qualification—and how 3P Safety helps you complete them.

The 4 OSHA-Compliant Paths

1) Certification by an Accredited Testing Organization (Portable)

• Written and practical exams aligned to §1926.1427(j)(1)–(2)

• Certification by equipment type (or type and capacity)

• Portable between employers; valid for 5 years

2) Audited Employer Qualification Program (Not Portable)

• Employer’s written/practical tests overseen by an independent auditor certified by an accredited testing org

• Program audited at launch and at regular intervals under recognized standards

• Valid for up to 5 years and only while employed by that employer

3) U.S. Military Qualification

• Applies only to civilian employees of DoD/Armed Forces (not private contractors)

• Not portable outside that employment; validity set by issuing entity

4) State/Local Government Licensing (Where Required)

• Required in some jurisdictions when programs meet OSHA’s minimums (§1926.1427(e)(2) & (j))

• Valid up to 5 years; not portable outside the issuing city/county/state

Don’t Forget: Employer Evaluation (Required)

Beyond certification/licensing, employers must evaluate each operator on the specific crane (make/model/configuration/devices) and document: operator name, evaluator, date, equipment details. Keep documentation at the jobsite.

How 3P Safety Helps

• Exam Prep & Training: Classroom + hands-on aligned to §1926.1427(j)

• Accredited Testing Coordination: We schedule written/practical exams

• Employer Program Build-Out: We design your program and coordinate certified auditors

• State/Local Licensing Guidance: Identify local requirements; prep for exams

• Operator Evaluations & Records: Forms, checklists, and supervisor coaching

• Renewals & Refreshers: Keep operators current (typically every 5 years)

Quick Start (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose your path (Accredited certification, Employer program, Military, or State/Local license)

2. Train to the knowledge & skill areas in §1926.1427(j)

3. Test & qualify via your chosen path

4. Evaluate & document operators on your actual equipment

5. Renew at or before the 5-year mark