Crane Operators Safety Program FAQS

Class I

You may operate any size or weight of one or more of the following cranes provided you meet the testing and/or experience requirements for each particular crane type:

• Conventional
• Hydraulic
• Tower

Class II

You may operate a hydraulic crane of up to 100 tons lifting capacity with a maximum boom length of 150 feet regardless of mounting or means of mobility.

Class III

You are authorized to work as an apprentice, trainee, crane oiler, or driver under the direct supervision of a Class I or Class II Crane Operators Safety Program.

All applicants must submit a complete application with the following attached documents: (Click here for the application.).

Training:

• Documentation of successfully completing an approved in-house training course and a nationally approved certification;
• Documentation of passing an approved written general examination with a score of 75% or greater.

Documentation of passing an approved Law & Safety Examination covering the New Mexico Crane Operators Safety Program Act.

Application:

• Notarized documentation from employers and/or supervisors verifying required experience on the specific crane types (conventional, hydraulic, and/or tower) for which applying;
• Documentation of passing an approved practical examination on the specific crane types (conventional, hydraulic, and/or tower) for which applying.
• Note: There is no experience requirement or practical examination requirement for Class III licensure.
• Additional documents can be submitted with the experience. At least 36 months and more and 500 hours of experience within the last 3 years of operating a crane for Class I; Class II 36 months or more and 500 hours of experience within the last 3 years.

Proof of a physical examination within 12 months of the posted date of the application conducted in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. A copy of the medical card must be submitted with the application.

Proof of a detailed substance abuse report of the test performed within 12 months of the posted date of the application conducted in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

Payment of appropriate fees.

Class I

Must be 21 years or older.

Class II or III

Must be 18 years or older.

• The Crane Operators Safety Program Licensure Examining Council reviews all applications and either approves or disapproves your application.
• If your application is approved, a license will be issued and mailed to your home address unless otherwise specified in writing.
• If your application is not approved or is incomplete, you will be notified either in writing by mail or via email or by phone call.
• If for any reason your application is incomplete and not corrected by you within 6 months after the date of filing, the application shall be deemed withdrawn. You will then be required to reapply for licensure and pay a new application fee.
• If the council finds that you are ineligible for licensure in the applied-for classification because of experience or other deficiency, you may be offered the opportunity of licensure in a lesser classification. The department will notify you either in writing or by phone of such an offer, and, if you wish to accept licensure in the lesser classification, you must notify the department either in writing or via email within 30 days after receipt of the department’s written offer.

All licenses are valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance, at which time they must be renewed.

A list of all approved in-house training courses and refresher courses can be found on the Crane Operators Safety Program website.

Links to approved national certification programs can be found on the Crane Operators Safety Program website

Class I 

You must have at least 3 years of experience within the past 3 years in operating crane equipment.

• Your experience must include at least 500 hours of seat time on the specific crane types for which you desire licensure.
• Conventional experience must have been on conventional cranes with a manufacturer’s rating capacity equal to or greater than 50 tons and a boom length of 100 feet.
• Hydraulic experience must have been on hydraulic cranes with a manufacturer’s rating capacity equal to or greater than 100 tons and a boom length of 100 feet
• Tower experience must have been on tower cranes of any size or type.

Class II

You must have at least 3 years of experience within the past 3 years in operating hydraulic cranes over 10 tons and up to 100 tons lifting capacity with a maximum boom length 150 feet, regardless of mounting or means of mobility. Your experience must include at least 500 hours of seat time on a crane of the specified type.

Class III

No experience is required.

Approved testing organizations set their own examination fees within the following limits:

• The fee for an initial or subsequent general examination for any classification shall in no event exceed $50.
• The fees for an initial or subsequent Law & Safety Examination must not exceed $25.

Current fees and procedures for scheduling examinations should be obtained by contacting the appropriate testing organization. Contact information for approved testing organizations is listed on the Crane Operators Safety Act website.

Note: Renewal fees are identical to initial licensing fees provided a renewal application is filed on or before the expiration date of the license.

Late Fees
A late fee shall be payable to the Crane Operators Program unless a renewal application is filed on or before the expiration date of the license.

A late fee of $5 shall be paid for each month or portion thereof that the renewal application is past due.
A license that is not renewed on or before its expiration date, may be reinstated if a renewal application is submitted no more than 1 year after the expiration date of the license. The reinstatement fee is $100 and is in addition to renewal and late fees.