Nevada crane operator certification

Who must be certified

The rules define a crane as a machine with a movable boom that lifts and lowers a load and moves it horizontally, with the lifting mechanism built into the machine. Section 618.402 says a person must be certified before operating a mobile crane or a tower crane, except a trainee covered by the provisional certificate rules below. The employer must make sure the operator holds a certificate from a certification program. The rule defines a crane operator as someone who holds such a certificate.

What a certification program is

A certification program is one the Division approves to certify mobile or tower crane operators. Each program gives the Division a blank copy of its certificate form. The form must carry an authorized representative's signature, an expiration date, the type of mobile or tower crane the holder may operate, and the program's name. The Division can withdraw approval, with 15 working days' notice, if the program lets its accreditation lapse or fails to send the proof of continuing accreditation or other information the Division requests. It may also limit the crane types a program is approved for. The text does not name the approved programs, so confirm with the Division that your certifier is on the current list.

Employer records

An employer keeps copies of each operator's certificates at its main office or at the operator's workplace. It keeps them during employment and for at least three years after. It must give the Division copies on request if the request comes within three years after the operator leaves.

Provisional certificates for trainees

An employer may issue a provisional certificate to someone who is not certified, after checking that the person meets the physical requirements for trainees in the standards the state adopts. It goes on a form the Division approves and names the crane type. It ends when the trainee becomes certified or five years after issue, whichever comes first, and may be renewed as often as needed while the physical requirements are met. The trainee keeps it and gives the Division a copy on request.

Under section 618.410 a provisional trainee must work under direct supervision. The supervising operator holds a certificate for the type of crane in use, watches the trainee and does nothing else, and stays in the immediate area within sight and able to communicate. A trainee may not operate a crane that is erecting or dismantling a tower crane.

Tower crane certificates of operation

The same chapter has separate sections on certificates of operation for tower cranes, and for cranes used to erect or dismantle them. Those concern the equipment, not the operator, and we did not summarize them. Read sections 618.365 to 618.385 if you work with tower cranes.

What this means for NCCCO study

The rule works through approved programs, so ask your certifier and the Division whether the national certification you plan to take is accepted for the crane type you run. Our Core exam guide explains what the NCCCO written exams cover. For a contrast, Washington puts a similar duty on employers through its construction crane rule.

How the free check fits

Nevada works through approved certification programs; the written knowledge you can practice here is the NCCCO Core. Take the free 10-question check to see your score by Core domain. No signup, every answer explained.

✓ Checked 26 Oct 2026 against Nevada Administrative Code chapter 618 (occupational safety and health), cranes sections 618.342 to 618.410, on the Nevada Legislature's site, in the copy marked revised 13 Apr 2026.

Sources

Show the list

• NAC chapter 618, Occupational Safety and Health, Nevada Legislature. Sections 618.3425, 618.3445, 618.402 to 618.410 and the tower crane headings. Copy marked revised 13 Apr 2026. Checked 26 Oct 2026.