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Eligibility Requirements – Recertification

The recertification process is designed to measure the continued competence of certificants. Requirements for recertification are in the OECP Crane Operator Candidate Manual. They include the following:

Must be a member in good standing with the International Union of Operating Engineers with dues paid through the current month.
Must have proof of and maintain a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card or Certificate or a state issued Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Medical Card or Certificate.

Comply with the OECP’s substance abuse policy.

Have 1,000 hours of documented crane-related experience and/or training in the last five (5) years. Note: For tower cranes, 500 hours of this 1,000-hour requirement must be in documented, tower crane-related experience and/or training.
Pass written examinations (mobile crane candidates must pass the mobile crane written examination; overhead crane candidates must pass the overhead crane written examination; and tower crane candidates must pass the tower crane written examination).
Pass practical examination(s).
Online Application

Note: Operators with at least 1,000 hours of documented safe operating experience on the specific type of crane for which recertification is sought, during the immediately preceding certification period, are initially exempt from having to take the practical examination(s) to obtain recertification. All experience in the recertification period must be with a signatory contractor/employer.

Operators should strive to complete a scheduled recertification examination no later than six (6) months prior to their certification expiration date. This will reduce the risk of last-minute delays which could prevent the completion of the examination process prior to the expiration of any current certifications.

Operators may recertify anytime within twelve (12) months of the expiration date without affecting the current expiration date.

For example:

If the current expiration date on the card is November 15, 2029 and the operator completes the required recertification examinations on December 10, 2028, a new certification card will be issued with an expiration date of November 15, 2034.