Alberta · designated trade
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane
3-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 3-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Mobile crane operators service and operate booms that are mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames as well as traveling, fixed or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 3 periods (levels)
- Period 1:
- 1620 hours work experience
- 6 weeks classroom instruction (subject to the training institute)
- Period 2:
- 1800 hours work experience
- Period 3:
- 1620 hours work experience
- 6 weeks classroom instruction
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 6 weeks in period 1 (subject to the training institute)
- 6 weeks in period 3
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1620 hours in period 1 and 3
- 1800 hours in period 2
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs
- Recognized programs offered by:
- Budd Coutts Apprenticeship and Education Centre (International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955) Budd Coutts Apprenticeship and Education Centre
Related Trade Certificates
- Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck
- Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
- Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Wellhead Boom Truck
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 54 months and 7560 hours of verifiable Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
- Who can work in a designated trade?
- Classes of Individuals - Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 70%
- Period 2: 80%
- Period 3: 90%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
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