Montana Crane / Hoisting Operator Program

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Crane/Hoisting Operator

It is unlawful for a person to operate any crane and hoist equipment, when used in hoisting or lowering personnel or material, that has a manufacturer's rating of more than 6 tons without first obtaining a license from the Department of Labor. This equipment includes overhead trolley and gantry cranes used in construction only and excludes equipment with excavation attachments or log loading equipment when in use.

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the Application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

  • Third Class Crane Oiler
    $60 Application Fee
    $50 Renewal Fee
    Rated size
    Move truck cranes only
    Experience
    No experience or physical examination is required, age 18 or older and pass written examination.

    Second Class Crane Operators
    $100 Application Fee
    $80 National Certification
    Rated Size
    Between 6 - 17.5 tons
    Experience
    Age 18 or older, 1 experience in the operation of equipment in this category, passage of a written exam and a practical exam* (if less than 1 year experience), and submit a current physical taken within the last 180 days of application.

    List of Crane Practical Exam Prep Courses 

    First Class Crane Operators
    $100 Application Fee
    $80 National Certification
    Rated Size
    All classes of cranes and hoists.
    Experience
    Age 18 or older, from 1 year experience in the operation of equipment in this category, passage of a written exam and a practical exam* (if less than 1 year experience), and submit a current physical taken within the last 180 days of application.

  • Passage of the exam and submit current physical
  • All classes of crane operators must obtain a 75% or higher to the pass examination.
  • License expire one year after the date of issuance.
  • 1st and 2nd - $150, 3rd - $50
  • The biennial physical examination report, or proof of passing an applicable physical examination shall be presented to the department every second renewal date after the original licensure date, and may not be dated more than 180 days prior to the renewal date of the license. DOT physicals accepted following same guidelines.
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