Crane Operators: classifications and licence requirements

Crane Operators : Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration, Building and Equipment Safety

Classification levels (certificate and licence)

Classification	Licence	Type	Regulated cranes and rated lifting capacity
Class 1	Crane Operator 1 Licence	Mobile crane	Boom truck or mobile crane that: is a power-operated machine with a boom includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine Lifting capacity: 91 tonnes (100 tons) or more Exclusions: Excludes tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes and overhead travelling cranes
Class 2	Crane Operator 2 Licence	Mobile crane	Boom truck or mobile crane that: is a power-operated machine with a boom includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine Lifting capacity: 18 tonnes (20 tons) or more, but less than 91 tonnes (100 tons) Exclusions: Excludes tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes and overhead travelling cranes
Class 3	Crane Operator 3 Licence	Mobile crane	Boom truck or mobile crane that: is a power-operated machine with a boom includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine Lifting capacity: More than 4.5 tonnes (5 tons), but less than 18 tonnes (20 tons) Exclusions: Excludes tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes and overhead travelling cranes
Class 4	Crane Operator 4 Licence	Mobile crane	Boom truck that: has an articulating boom but no winch for lifting the load is a power-operated machine with a boom includes a hoisting mechanism that's an integral part of the machine Lifting capacity: More than 4.5 tonnes (5 tons), but less than 18 tonnes (20 tons) Exclusions: Excludes tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes and overhead travelling cranes
Tower class	Tower Crane Operator Licence	Tower crane	Lifting capacity: Any tonnage
Self-erecting tower class	Tower Crane Operator Licence	Self-erecting tower crane	Lifting capacity: Less than 40-metre tonne (144.3 feet ton)
Overhead travelling class	Overhead Travelling Crane Operator Licence	Overhead travelling Crane	Overhead travelling Crane Lifting capacity: Any tonnage

Application process

Once you meet all the requirements for the certification process, you can apply for a Certificate of Competency and Crane Operator Licence to operate a crane in Nova Scotia.

You can apply for a Certificate of Competency and Crane Operator Licence (with or without endorsements) for the class of crane operator certificate of competency you want.

Application form: Application for Certificate of Competency / Certificate of Qualification (PDF)

Endorsements

You can apply for an endorsement on a Class 1 or Class 2 Certificate of Competency for a lattice boom, overhead travelling crane or self-erecting tower crane. You need to complete additional required regulated hours for the endorsement (above the required classification hours).

Exams

All applications are assessed for approval to challenge the exams. Your application needs to be received on or before the deadline (late applications are not accepted).

You need to send your completed application form to Technical Safety. Include your preferred exam dates on your form (you can find the exam dates in the Exam Schedule). The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency provides the exam dates, but you still need to apply through Technical Safety.

Application for Certificate of Competency / Certificate of Qualification (Examination or Certification) (PDF)
Application for a Rewrite Examination (PDF)
Exam Reference Syllabus - Tower Crane Operators (PDF)
Exam Reference Syllabus - Overhead Traveling Crane Operators (PDF)
Exam Reference Syllabus - Mobile Crane and Boom Truck Operators, Class "A" and "B” (PDF)
Exam Schedule (PDF)

Recognition of international credentials

Applicants from outside Canada may need to complete a prior learning assessment if they don't meet the education requirements. They may also need to have their credentials verified by an evaluation agency.

Transfer of qualification

You can apply to transfer your credentials from another Canadian jurisdiction if you have a Certificate of Competency and Crane Operator Licence that's equivalent to the classification level you want to transfer to. You may need to have your credentials recognized and provide documentation issued by the jurisdiction you're transferring from.

Application for Certificate of Qualification / Competency (Transfer of Certification) (PDF)

Application review process

It should take 10 days for Technical Safety to review your application. International and transfer applications can take up to 30 days to review. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn't been filled in correctly.

If your application is approved, you receive Certificate of Competency and Crane Operator Licence by mail. International and transfer applicants receive a Crane Operator Licence by mail.

Expired licence appeal process

You can submit payment for an expired licence up to 4 years from your current expiry. After 4 years, you need to contact Technical Safety to find out how you can pay for an expired licence and if you need to complete additional requirements.

Fees

Activity	Fee
Exam (per paper)	$39.80
Re-write exam (per paper)	$39.80
Certificate of Competency and Crane Operator Licence	$145.80
Licence renewal	$72.90
Copy of Certificate of Competency	$33.20
Copy of Crane Operator Licence	$33.20
Transfer	$72.90

Renewal

A Certificate of Competency is issued once and doesn't expire. You need to renew your Crane Operator Licence each year. You should get a renewal notice by mail before the renewal date. It's your responsibility to renew on time.

Address change

You need to notify Technical Safety of any changes to your civic address or mailing address. Send your address updates to safetybranch@novascotia.ca.

Safety notifications

Safety Alert: imminent danger to a safety issue, that if not addressed will likely lead to health and safety consequences.

Safety Bulletin: non-imminent danger practices or procedures, which may have a level of safety risk if not addressed as soon as possible.

Safety Directive: an interpretation or application of the act, regulations or standards of the regulation, which require action. A Directive is legally binding and must be followed by the affected parties.

Safety Notice: informative, non urgent, proactive communication on safety issue.

Safety Bulletin - Technical Safety Standards Regulations – Adoption of Updated Crane Operator Codes (PDF) | Bulletin de sécurité - Règlement sur les normes de sécurité technique - Adoption des codes mis à jour des conducteurs de grue (PDF)

Labour, Skills and Immigration