1926.1427(c): Crane Operator Certification and Licensing
Employers must ensure each crane operator is certified or licensed. Where a state or local government issues operator licenses that meet the rule's testing criteria, the operator must hold that license, valid for the period set by the licensing office but no longer than 5 years; otherwise the operator must be certified under paragraph (d) or (e). The employer must provide required certification or licensing at no cost to employees.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1427(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $117,195 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (5), OR (2), WI (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1427(c) ("Operator certification and licensing") is one requirement inside 1926.1427 Operator training, certification, and evaluation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 9 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(c) Operator certification and licensing. The employer must ensure that each operator is certified or licensed to operate the equipment as follows: 12 citations
(1) Licensing. When a state or local government issues operator licenses for equipment covered under subpart CC, the equipment operator must be licensed by that government entity for operation of equipment within that entity's jurisdiction if that government licensing program meets the following requirements: 1 citations
(i) The requirements for obtaining the license include an assessment, by written and practical tests, of the operator applicant regarding, at a minimum, the knowledge and skills listed in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section.
(ii) The testing meets industry-recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, facilities/equipment, and personnel.
(iii) The government authority that oversees the licensing department/office has determined that the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section have been met.
(iv) The licensing department/office has testing procedures for re-licensing designed to ensure that the operator continues to meet the technical knowledge and skills requirements in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section.
(v) For the purposes of compliance with this section, a license is valid for the period of time stipulated by the licensing department/office, but no longer than 5 years.
(2) Certification. When an operator is not required to be licensed under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the operator must be certified in accordance with paragraph (d) or (e) of this section. 6 citations
(3) No cost to employees. Whenever operator certification/licensure is required under this section, the employer must provide the certification/licensure at no cost to employees.
(4) Provision of testing and training. A testing entity is permitted to provide training as well as testing services as long as the criteria of the applicable governmental or accrediting agency (in the option selected) for an organization providing both services are met.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1427.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
Top states: MI (5), OR (2), WI (2), AZ (1), NH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SIGNATURE CARPENTRY | LINDEN, MI | $70,000 |
| CPX2023XRS480X0081 - VALLEY CRANE SERVICE LLC | TUCSON, AZ | $26,786 |
| GL CONSTRUCTION OF MADISON LLC | VERONA, WI | $12,676 |
| 317738838 - PINNACLE INNOVATION LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY CO... | MEDFORD, OR | $5,533 |
| DA REAL ESTATE CONSULTING, LLC | PONTIAC, MI | $1,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1427(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1427(c).
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Frequently asked questions
Does a crane operator need a license or certification?
Yes. The employer must ensure each operator is certified or licensed as described in the rule.
How long is a government license valid?
For the period stipulated by the licensing office, but no longer than 5 years.
Who pays for crane operator certification?
The employer must provide required certification or licensure at no cost to employees.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1427 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.