Job requirements Crane Operator in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a crane operator in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Crane operators (NOC 72500).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a one- to three-year apprenticeship program or industry courses in crane operating are usually required.
- Mobile crane operator trade certification, for specified types of cranes, is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Northwest Territories.
- Tower crane operator trade certification is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island.
- Hoist operator trade certification, for specified types of cranes, is compulsory in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Mobile crane operators may require a provincial licence to drive mobile cranes on public roads.
- Internal company certification as a crane operator may be required by some employers.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified mobile crane and tower crane operators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.
Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada
If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.
The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.
Did you know?
Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:
- Use free newcomer services that can support credential recognition and certification in Canada.
- Find loans and support services that you may be eligible for.
- Learn about the foreign credential
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Red Seal endorsement
This job is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in some provinces and territories
When you get a Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate, it lets employers know that you meet the national qualification standards for workers in your trade. Learn more about the Red Seal endorsement.
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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