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My LER
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  1. Programs
  2. Heavy Equipment Operator- Excavator

Heavy Equipment Operator- Excavator

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

Certificate

An excavator operator masters all concepts and procedures involved in the operation of excavators. This includes basic daily preventive maintenance, safety checking, and control of the machine. He/she identifies attachments and uses the excavator to perform the appropriate work-related tasks.

Duration

Not specified

Credits

Not specified

Cost

Not specified

Format

Hybrid

What You'll Learn

AI-generated

Key competencies developed through this program

  • Hands-onOperate excavator controls and systems following safety protocols in construction and excavation work environments.
    Developing
Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Apply heavy equipment safety practices to protect the operator and others on the worksite
  • Perform basic excavator operational techniques including machine controls startup shutdown and travel
  • Establish and maintain grades and perform site work using the excavator
  • Identify soil types and apply earthmoving principles to support excavation operations
  • Perform excavation math calculations to support site grading and volume estimation
  • Execute excavator operations including digging trenching material handling and site cleanup
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

Focus Statement An excavator operator masters all concepts and procedures involved in the operation of excavators. This includes basic daily preventive maintenance, safety checking, and control of the machine. He/she identifies attachments and uses the excavator to perform the appropriate work-related tasks. Overview l Two-hour closed-book examination l May use a basic function, non-printing calculator l No extra papers, books, notes or study materials are allowed Minimum passing score is 75.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Visit Program Website
Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate

Not reported

Placement Rate

Not reported

Locations

Where this program is offered

No locations specified.

Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Hands-on
Perform daily preventive maintenance inspections on excavators using manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
Developing
  • Hands-onExecute excavation tasks including trenching, grading, and material handling using appropriate attachments under supervision.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply safety procedures and hazard identification protocols when conducting pre-operational safety checks on excavators.
    Developing
  • Hands-onManipulate excavator boom, stick, and bucket controls to perform precise digging and placement operations.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeDemonstrate understanding of excavator operational capacities and limitations in varied terrain and working conditions.
    Developing
  • Hands-onHandle attachment changes and equipment setup following manufacturer guidelines and safety requirements.
    Developing
  • MindsetCommit to workplace safety practices and professional conduct when operating heavy equipment on job sites with other personnel.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeInterpret site plans and work orders to execute excavation tasks according to project specifications.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeIdentify excavator attachments and their appropriate applications for various work-related tasks and site conditions.
    Emerging
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