Tower Crane Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP)
International Union of Operating Engineers
The Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) is designed to provide members of the International Union of Operating Engineers a means to obtain a valid and reliable certification that accurately assesses their competence in crane operations, thereby directly promoting a safer jobsite environment for the worker, the public, and the industry.
Format
Hybrid
Skills developed through this program
- Conduct visual pre-operational inspections covering ground fitness, structural integrity, electrical sources, wire rope, rigging, hooks, sheaves, and tie-ins
- Verify required crane documents and placards prior to operations in compliance with certification and regulatory requirements
- Perform functional pre-operational checks on control functions, limit switches, communication systems, and operator aids
- Execute pre-operational maintenance including daily recordkeeping, lubrication, and wire hoist rope replacement procedures
- Coordinate pre-lift meetings to determine rigging and hardware requirements for scheduled loads
- Hoist and position loads using smooth controlled movement while maintaining hook alignment over load center of gravity
Occupations this program prepares you for
Credentials this program stacks toward
No program pathways.
What You'll Learn
AI-generatedKey competencies developed through this program
- Hands-onPerform pre-operational inspections of tower crane systems following OSHA and manufacturer safety protocols.Developing
- Hands-onOperate tower crane controls to execute precision lifts and placements on active construction sites under varying environmental conditions.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret hand signals and radio communications from signal persons during complex multi-person lift operations.Developing
- Hands-onExecute emergency shutdown procedures and safety responses when encountering equipment malfunctions or hazardous conditions.Developing
- KnowledgeApply rigging principles and load dynamics to assess lift feasibility and determine safe lifting procedures.Developing
- MindsetCommit to jobsite safety protocols and public protection measures when operating in urban environments with workers and bystanders present.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of environmental factors affecting crane operations including wind speeds, weather conditions, and site-specific hazards.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate load moment indicators and anti-collision systems to ensure accurate operational feedback and safety system functionality.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify tower crane components and their operational functions using manufacturer specifications and industry standards.Emerging
- KnowledgeExplain load chart calculations and capacity limitations for various tower crane configurations and lift scenarios.Emerging
Detailed information about this program
The Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) is designed to provide members of the International Union of Operating Engineers a means to obtain a valid and reliable certification that accurately assesses their competence in crane operations, thereby directly promoting a safer jobsite environment for the worker, the public, and the industry.
What you need to earn this credential
Internship/Fieldwork/Practicum Requirements
Be a member in good standing with the International Union of Operating Engineers. Possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card or a state issued Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Medical Card. 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).
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.