New Crane Operator License Ordinance for City of Chicago

The "comply by" date of March 1, 2016 for the City of Chicago's Crane Operator Licensing Ordinance that passed in late 2013 is fast approaching for those who want to be licensed. The ordinance requires any person operating crane equipment within city limits that has a rated lifting/hoisting capacity of over 2,000 pounds to obtain a Chicago Crane Operators License. The ordinance requires that there are two exams, Class I and Class II, depending on the equipment being used.

Class I Cranes

• Tower Crane - Hammerhead
  
• Tower Crane - Luffing Boom
  
• Tower Crane - Self-erecting
  
• Friction Crawler Crane or Friction Truck Crane
  
• Hydraulic Crawler Crane of Hydraulic Truck Crane with Lattice Boom
  
• Hydraulic Mobile Crane: rough terrain or all-terrain
  
• Mobile Crane: boom truck (This crane is used by the Roofing Industry)
  
• Industrial Crane or Carry Deck Crane
  
• Spider Crane
  
• Chicago Boom, Drumhoist or Derrick
  
• Rack and Pinion Skips
  
• Other Class I Cranes or hoisting equipment

Class II Cranes

• Articulating Crane - Knuckleboom
  
• Multi-Purpose Machine with Hook / winch and or hoisting attachments
  
• Forklift / Lull with hook / winch
  
• Powered Operated Floor Cranes / Deck Type Cranes
  
• Overhead Crane
  
• Monorail / Gantry Crane
  
• Mast Climbing work platforms with boom
  
• Powered window washing unit when erecting
  
• Track Backhoes when erecting
  
• Service Mechanic Trucks when erecting
  
• Other Class II Cranes
  

Chicago Crane Certification Exams

Regardless of Class I or Class II status, a written and practical exam must be taken in order to obtain a certification. The only exception to this is that the Monorail/Gantry Crane, Mast Climbing work platforms with Boom and Powered window washing unit when erecting equipment does not require a practical exam. The written and practical exams were developed by City of Chicago representatives, Continental Testing, and the Operators Union, Local 150.

The following information is needed to qualify for the written exam:

• Valid ID - applicant must be 21 years or older;
  
• Social Security Number;
  
• Work Experience - applicant must have documented at least 2,000 hours during the past 48 months as a crane operator, OR the applicant must have evidence of completion of a crane apprenticeship program recognized by the City of Chicago Board of Crane Operators Examiners;
  
• No Suspensions - applicant cannot have a crane operator's or comparable license suspended or revoked by ANY jurisdiction. The City of Chicago Commissioner Department of Builders may waive this requirement after a full investigation;
  
• No Drug Abuse - application cannot have history of substance abuse in the past three years. Applicant must show successful completion of a certified substance abuse rehabilitation program if there has been such a history;
  
• Physical Ability;
  
• Communicate in English - applicant must have the ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level that allows for effective communication on the job site;
  

Practical Crane Operator Licensing Exam

The Practice Exam is administered by The Operators Union Local 150 at their site in Countryside, IL. The operator may use their own crane, provided it has current registration and inspection certificates, and is suitable for use in the exam. The Practical exam requires safety review, set-up, communications and signaling, and demonstration of safe operation while performing tasks suitable for each type of crane.

Resources & Applications for Written Exams

The City of Chicago has created a study guide that includes written and practical examination requirements, information abut Class I and Class II classes, and sample questions. Candidates must receive a 70 or higher to pass the written exam. Candidates are eligible to take the practical exam after passing the written exam. Each written test is three hours long and consists of 65 questions in the areas of types of equipment, operating practices, rigging and signaling, inspections, safe working loads, OSHA regulations and hoisting safety. 

Avoid Fines

Fines for not complying with this new licensing requirements range from $1,000 to $10,000 for the crane operator and $2,000 to $30,000 for the company.

More Information for Chicago Crane Certification Requirements can be found on the City of Chicago Crane Certification Page - Licensing Info.