Certification Levels
The first important point to establish for crane operator certification is that the employer is responsible for determining the competence of the operator within their employ. The Workers Compensation Act – Part 3, Division 3 outlines the responsibilities of employers, workers, supervisors and others on the job site. A crane operator certification does not change this fact or replace it.
The process to obtain a certification is designed for industry by industry. The objectives are to:
- Establish and clearly define the minimum standards of competence for industry
- Provide a documented process to work within
- Act and respond to industry’s needs
There are four certification levels that can apply for each crane type. Click the tabs below to learn more about each certification level and which one might apply to your circumstances.
Level A
This is the highest level of certification and is achieved by successfully completing both theory and practical assessments.
Intent
This is the journeyperson qualification level. The operator has the defined skill, knowledge and ability to perform any lift presented to him on any given day within the safe operation and lifting capacity of the crane being used.
Level B (Working Towards Full Scope Certification)
The Level B Certificate is intended for apprentice or trainee crane operators during the period of their formal engagement in training for a specific crane type. To be issued a Level B Certificate, the apprentice or trainee crane operator must pass the applicable Crane Operator Theory Exam. A Level B Certificate is valid for up to one year, and is renewable by application.
For non-critical lifts, the Level B Certificate allows the apprentice or trainee to operate the specified crane type while under the indirect supervision of a qualified supervisor.
Indirect Supervision: The oversight of activities, other than direct observation, performed by the Supervisor in order to provide guidance to ensure that the crane operator is fully qualified to do everyday non-critical lifts.
For critical lifts as defined by WorkSafeBC the Level B Certificate allows the apprentice or trainee to operate the specified crane type ONLY under the direct supervision of a qualified supervisor. Direct supervision requires that the supervisor be close enough to observe and to provide verbal directions for the operation of the crane.
Intent
The Level B Certificate is intended for apprentice or trainee crane operators during the period of their formal engagement in training while working towards the requirements for the Level A certification for a specific crane classification.
Level C
The Level C Letter of Permission is intended for a new, prospective crane operator who is interested to see if they have the aptitudes and abilities to train as a crane operator. The Level C Letter of Permission DOES NOT indicate that the named individual is competent in any aspect of crane operation. A Level C Letter of Permission is valid for 6 months and is not renewable.
The Level C Letter of Permission allows the named individual to operate a crane while under the direct supervision of a crane operator certified for the specific crane type being operated. Direct supervision requires that the supervisor be close enough to observe and to provide verbal directions for the operation of the crane. No critical lifts are allowed even under supervision.
Intent
This level was established for the purpose where an individual has been recently employed to determine if they have the potential to become a crane operator. A set maximum time period of 6 months has been established to make this determination. It is expected that once this decision has been made that training will occur and the operator would move up to the Level B status.
Example
Brand new operators will make use of a Level C Letter of Permission when they and their employer are unsure if the operating role will be a ‘fit’ for the individual – Level C requires minimal investment should the operator candidate not prove suited to crane operation.
Level D (Not Full Scope Crane Operation)
Holders of this certificate type may only operate a crane(s) at the address that is on the issued Level D (Not Full Scope Crane Operation) Certificate.
The Level D (Not Full Scope Crane Operation) Certificate is held in the name of the employer on behalf of the employee and is not transferable between worksites or employers. Should the holder of the Level D Certificate leave the employ of the employer named on the Level D Certificate, the Certificate is invalidated.
The employer must be prepared to show evidence that the operator has satisfactorily completed an in-house competency certification program for the specific crane(s) operated. Evidence of training could include items such as: an Employer’s Record of Training for Level D Certified Crane Operator, a BCACS electronic logbook, purchased training materials, confirmation of training by a designated instructor, etc.
For a Level D (Not Full Scope Crane Operation) Certificate to be issued, the trainee crane operator must pass the Level D theory exam. No third party practical assessment is required. The employer is responsible for determining the competence of the operator.
Intent
This level was established for the purpose where a crane is used on an occasional basis. This person(s) does not have all of the skill, knowledge and ability of the Level A operator. In other words not the full scope of the Level A operator certification.
Only a portion of the competencies defined for Level A have been obtained. Industry has defined the minimum competencies for the Level D certification and this is detailed in the Common Core materials.
The employer has the responsibility to determine and document this competency information. The employer is required and responsible to document what skill, knowledge and ability has been obtained and what lifts the operator(s) is competent to perform.
Criteria that apply:
- Single employer worksite. Non employees of the identified employer cannot be working with or around the crane operated.
- The employer is responsible for all lifts.
- The employer must have a designated supervisor assigned to a Level D trainee operator.
- No critical lifts as defined by WorkSafeBC regulation.
- Nontransferable to other sites or employers. If the operator leaves the employ of the employer named on the card the certification is no longer valid.
- May only perform lifts determined and trained for by the employer.
- Must maintain record of activities or lifts performed.
- Can operate only on the worksite trained on and designated by the employer.
Level D certification only applies to a single employer. Examples of such are:
- Log home builder yards where the log home is constructed. The Level D would not be valid when assembling or building the log home on the site of the customer – that would be a multi-employer worksite requiring Level A certification.
- Level D operators are not permitted to serve contractors and other off-site personnel.
- Mechanics who repair cranes and must operate the crane in order to perform their duties of mechanical repair.
Employer’s Record of Training
This document contains competencies that the employer can use as a guideline for recording which areas the operator has received training in. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list. The employer must be prepared to show evidence that the operator has received training for the specific crane(s) operated.