New from NCCER- A Simplified Crane Operator Certification Program

NCCER has announced updates to its crane operator certification program to streamline the testing process and better align certifications with specific crane types. The new model introduces one written assessment and one practical exam for each type of crane, allowing operators to be tested only on the equipment they use in the field.

The change is intended to reduce unnecessary testing requirements and improve clarity for training providers and employers. Under the simplified structure, certification options now include Industrial/Carry Deck, Telescopic Boom, Boom Truck, Lattice Boom and Overhead Crane. Articulating Boom and Service Truck are pending ANAB accreditation.

The new program is currently available. The existing crane certification program will remain in place until April 2026, allowing providers time to adjust. However, the two models should not be combined within the same certification path.

Key Changes:

• One assessment and one practical exam per crane type
• Operators are evaluated only on skills relevant to their machine
• Removal of the 180-day renewal requirement
• Revised pricing structure
• Overhead Crane certification added to the program

What This Means for SEAA Members
Many member companies deliver ironworker, crane operator and rigger/signalperson training through SEAA’s Ironworker Craft Training Program. Member companies may also become a Training Site or Assessment Center under SEAA’s NCCER sponsorship. Participation under SEAA’s NCCER sponsorship reduces administrative costs while allowing companies to issue portable credentials.

With the updated NCCER crane certification program, current Certified Practical Examiners (CPEs) are grandfathered into the new Mobile Crane structure, and may also be grandfathered into the Articulating Boom category depending on the crane types they are currently certified in. Because each crane type now has a single written assessment and practical exam, SEAA members can align operator training with the specific equipment their crews operate.

“Through SEAA’s sponsorship, members have an established route to access NCCER certifications in a way that aligns with their existing training programs and workforce needs. For companies that own and operate their own cranes, having a streamlined path to operator certification is a real advantage,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA Training Coordinator.

We encourage members to review their current crane training approach and determine the best timeline for adopting the simplified certification model ahead of the April 2026 phase-out of the existing program.