Illinois Crane Operators

A City of Chicago crane operator license is required for an individual to operate a crane in connection with any work that requires a building permit within the City of Chicago. Licensed crane operators must follow the ordinances, laws, and industry standards which provide for the safe operation of the types of cranes they are licensed to operate and notify the Department of Buildings of any accidents or safety issues.

To obtain a crane operator license, an individual must pass both a written and practical examination demonstrating their knowledge of crane operations and safety practices as well as their competency and fitness to operate specific type(s) of crane(s).

To be eligible to take the written examination, an individual must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have worked as a crane operator for at least 2,000 hours during the preceding 48-month period or have completed an apprenticeship program that is recognized by the Board of Crane Operator Examiners
• Not have had a crane operator or comparable license suspended or revoked
• Have no history of substance abuse during the previous 3 years or have successfully completed a certified substance abuse rehabilitation program
• Be physically able to safely operate a crane
• Read, write, and speak English at a level that allows effective job site communication
• Have a current and valid federal crane operator certification for the type(s) of cranes to be licensed

Crane operator licenses are issued by the Board of Crane Operator Examiners though the Department of Buildings.

(Chicago – Department of Buildings – Crane Operator License.)

The term “crane” does not include:

• Dedicated pile drivers
• Straddle cranes
• Sideboom cranes
• Elevators
• Powered window washing units unless the unit is used to erect portions of a building
• Skid steers
• All-terrain forklifts unless the forklift is configured to hoist and lower (by means of a winch or hook) and horizontally move a suspended load
• Mast-climbing work platforms, but it shall include booms attached to mast- climbing work platforms if the boom has a manufacturer’s rated capacity of one ton (2,000 pounds) or more
• Any equipment listed in subsection (c) of 29 C.F.R. 1926.1400
• Variations of the equipment listed above
• Other equipment designed in Rules promulgated by the Building Commissioner

(Chicago – Department of Buildings – Crane Operator License.)