PENNSYLVANIA · operating-engineer
Crane Operator License
Pennsylvania Department of State — Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of Crane OperatorsScope of Work
The Pennsylvania State Board of Crane Operators regulates the practice, licensure, and registration of crane operators in the Commonwealth in order to safeguard life, health, and property. A crane is defined for licensure purposes as having a manufacturer's rated maximum lifting capacity of 15 tons or more. The license is endorsed by specialty (e.g., lattice boom truck, lattice boom crawler, telescopic boom) corresponding to the operator's national certification. Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Crane Operators (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/crane-operators) and Crane Operator Licensure Snapshot (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/crane-operators/crane-operator-licensure-snapshot).
Legal basis
49 Pa. Code Chapter 6 (State Board of Crane Operators) governs licensure (https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter6/chap6toc.html&d=reduce).
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically capable of operating a crane. Applicants must upload a copy of a physician's certification that they have been examined and determined to be physically capable of operating a crane (a current DOT physical typically qualifies). Pennsylvania does not have a separate state experience requirement, but applicants must meet the experience standards set by the national certifying organization.
National certification prerequisite
An applicant for licensure must obtain certification from a State Board-approved national certifying organization (such as NCCCO, EICA, NCCER, OECP, or CIC) prior to applying for state licensure.
Background check
Applicants must provide a recent Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from the state police or other state agency for every state in which they have lived, worked, or completed professional training/studies for the past ten (10) years.
Fees
Initial licensing application fee: $100. Add a specialty: $70 per specialty. Remove a specialty: $5. Biennial renewal: $130.
Reciprocity
Pennsylvania participates in Act 41 portability for out-of-state professional licensees coming to work in Pennsylvania.
Renewal
Biennial renewal cycle. No continuing-education requirement for licensure (the Board does not currently impose a CE mandate beyond the national certifying organization's recertification cycle).
Federal overlay
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 (Subpart CC) certification applies on top, but the NCCCO/EICA/NCCER/OECP/CIC certification serves both layers.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Pennsylvania Department of State — Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of Crane Operators before acting