The Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) is designed to provide members of the International Union of Operating Engineers a means to obtain a valid and reliable certification that accurately assesses their competence in crane operations, thereby directly promoting a safer jobsite environment for the worker, the public, and the industry.

Requirements for certification include the following:

• Be a member in good standing with the International Union of Operating Engineers.
• Possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card or a state issued Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Medical Card.
• Comply with the OECP’s substance abuse policy.  
• Have 1,000 hours of documented crane-related experience and/or training in the last five (5) years.  Note: For tower cranes, 500 hours of this 1,000 hour requirement must be in documented, tower crane-related experience and/or training. 
• Pass written examinations (mobile crane candidates must pass the mobile crane written examination; overhead crane candidates must pass the overhead crane written examination; and tower crane candidates must pass the tower crane written examination).
• Pass practical examination(s).

Written examinations include those assessing knowledge particular to mobile cranes (including both lattice and telescopic boom cranes), knowledge particular to overhead cranes, and others assessing tower crane knowledge.

Candidates who pass the written examination(s), and who meet all other eligibility requirements, may then attempt the associated practical examination(s) for that particular crane type.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the OECP Main Office at 951-351-4001, by visiting the OECP website here, or e-mail at oecp@oecp.org.