What Certificates Are Needed to Operate a Crane?
2 Answers
Operating a crane requires two certificates: one is a B2 driver's license, and the second is a tower crane operator's certificate, which is a special operation certificate. The B2 driver's license is for large trucks, allowing the holder to operate heavy and medium-duty trucks, as well as large, heavy, and medium-sized specialized operation vehicles. The tower crane operator's certificate is a construction-specific certification mandated by the Construction Department, which must be obtained and worn by workers before they can legally operate a crane. Below is relevant information: Special operations refer to tasks that are prone to accidents and may pose significant risks to the operator, others' safety and health, as well as the safety of equipment and facilities. The scope of special operations is defined by the special operations catalog. Special operation personnel are those directly engaged in such operations. The certificate held by special operation personnel is the Special Operation Certificate. According to the 'Special Equipment Safety Supervision Regulations,' personnel operating elevators, cranes, passenger ropeways, large amusement facilities, and dedicated motor vehicles within sites (factories), as well as their related management personnel (collectively referred to as special equipment operation personnel), must pass the assessment by the special equipment safety supervision department in accordance with national regulations and obtain the nationally unified Special Operation Personnel Certificate before engaging in corresponding operations or management work.
Operating a crane requires a license, such as a crane operator's license or a special equipment operation license. I remember when I first started in this industry, I had to enroll in a formal training institution to learn theoretical knowledge and practical operations. The theoretical courses cover crane principles, safety regulations, and accident prevention, while the practical part involves hands-on lifting exercises, focusing on balance control and load limits. After passing the exam, you receive the license, which requires periodic renewal. After years of working in this field, I believe the most crucial aspect is safety—the license isn’t just for show. Operating without one can endanger lives or cause property damage, and construction sites often conduct strict inspections. I’ve encountered cases where inexperienced operators without licenses caused accidents, with devastating consequences. Getting licensed promptly isn’t just about job compliance—it’s about responsibility for lives. Nowadays, there are specialized licenses for different crane models, so I recommend choosing the corresponding courses based on the type of crane you operate.
