Tower Crane Operator Certification
Tower cranes are essential on complex construction sites—from high-rise buildings to large-scale infrastructure—where safety, precision, and efficiency are critical. NCCER’s Tower Crane Operator Certification helps contractors ensure compliance with OSHA and ASME standards by verifying operator proficiency in load chart interpretation, crane assembly and configuration, operational limits, signaling protocols, hazard recognition and pre-lift planning. Ideal for contractors seeking certified tower crane operators to meet project demands and reduce jobsite risk.
*NCCER’s Tower Crane Operator Certification is currently pending ANAB accreditation.
Your Trusted Partner for Certifications
- One Partner, Complete Solution: Certifications for Crane, Rigger and Signal Person, along with 40+ workforce development programs — eliminate the need for multiple providers.
- Industry-Recognized Compliance: Our Crane certifications* are ANAB accredited and can meet or exceed current ASME and OSHA regulations.
- Built by Industry Experts: We deliver the highest quality testing nationwide. Developed in collaboration with leading crane and rigging professionals to ensure real-world relevance, best practices and the latest safety standards
- Flexible, On-Site Testing: Minimize downtime with on-site assessments using your equipment. Need portability? Mobile crane setups options allow for testing at any location.
- Easy, Reliable Verification: Instantly verify certifications through our user-friendly, online credential service for immediate validation.
- Unmatched Support: NCCER’s dedicated Workforce Development Solutions team offers personalized assistance for a seamless onboarding process.
Tower Crane Operator Certification*
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The Tower Crane Operator Certification confirms a professional’s ability to safely operate tower cranes by demonstrating knowledge in key areas such as load chart interpretation, equipment setup, site safety, signaling protocols, and emergency procedures—all aligned with OSHA and ASME standards.
Valid for 5 years.
Requirements (link)
Tower Crane Operator: Specs
Assessment (link)
Load charts (link)
* NCCER’s Tower Crane Operator Certification Program is pending accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
Become an Accredited Provider
Crane Operator Certifications are only offered through Endorsed Accredited Assessment Programs. By becoming a provider, it allows companies to offer journey-level knowledge and performance testing to employees, members, and the public.
Benefits of becoming an accredited provider:
- Offer In-House Certifications: Certify your workforce on-site, reducing downtime.
- Expand Service Offerings: Attract new business with industry-recognized certifications.
- Enhance Safety & Compliance: Meet OSHA, ASME, and state regulations.
- Boost Your Competitive Edge: Demonstrate excellence with ANSI-accredited certifications.
Get your crew certified. Find an existing program in your area.
Explore organizations offering Crane Operator Certification Program assessments and practical examinations to the public. Contact providers directly for details on dates, locations, and cost.
Click below to find a provider or call NCCER customer support at 888-622-3720.
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s program development process. We would like to thank the following SMEs for writing and reviewing the course materials, providing jobsite photos, giving us permission to share their content, creating videos and sharing their expertise. You are the heart of this program, and we appreciate your drive and passion to help NCCER certify the next generation of overhead crane operators.
Tower
- Ted Blanton tblantonsr@ogrconsultingllc.com
- Mike Grants mgrantz@crossland.com
- Kevin Hatfield khatfield@heavycontractors.com
- Russell Nightengale rnightengale@crossland.com
- Scott Orr scotto@paradisecrane.com
- Nelson Plumb nelson@cowboyscranes.com
- Larry (Cowboy) Promsey khatfield@heavycontractors.com
- Drew Schlegle dschlegel@heedesoutheast.com
- Brian Waterman bwaterman@crossland.com
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Need assistance or want to learn more? Contact a member of our Workforce Development Solutions team by clicking the Contact Us button.
Additional Certifications
We offer certifications for every jobsite role—designed to meet today’s workforce demands. To view the full list click here
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