Rhode Island crane operator license

License categories for cranes

The rule lists many categories. The ones that matter most for cranes are these.

• Lattice crane: lattice boom cranes, derricks, stiff legs, Chicago booms, gin poles and tower cranes.
• Hydraulic crane: cranes and machines with a hydraulically telescoping main boom, plus items such as spider cranes, manipulators and winches.
• Full license: all hoisting and excavating equipment. It goes to someone who has held a regular Rhode Island hoisting license for at least two years and passes the exam for it.

The list also has categories for aerial lifts, overhead electric cranes, telehandlers, sign cranes and others. The rule says an unrestricted license is valid for multiple employers, while a restricted license covers only the holder's single employer on that employer's own premises. Someone running equipment with an attachment needs the license category for the task being done.

Exam, application and term

The rule says exams are held every 30 days, or sooner if the director decides, and the passing score is 70 percent. An application needs a DOT medical card, an affidavit of work history, one photo and a non-refundable fee of $75. No license goes to anyone under 18. Someone who holds a restricted license may apply at any time to be examined for more equipment types.

A license shows its issue date and expires on the holder's birthday every two years. It can be renewed within the two years after that date by paying the renewal fees plus $12 for each month of the delinquency, and no re-examination is allowed during that period. If it is not renewed within two years, the person must take the exam again. A person with a pending violation cannot sit the exam until the fine or violation is settled. The operator must carry the license while operating, and must not lend or pledge it.

Trainees

The operator trainee license in this rule is written for excavating equipment, not for cranes. It is valid for two years, with the trainer limited to one trainee at a time. Do not read it as a crane trainee route. Ask the Department about crane training before you plan around it.

Exemptions

The rule lists professions exempt from the hoisting license when working within their profession, including federal engineers, public utility operators, agriculturists, fishers and horticulturists. Forklifts and similar trucks are exempt unless used in construction. The rule says tree service companies and the people who work for them are not exempt.

What this means for NCCCO study

The rule describes a state exam and does not mention NCCCO in the text we read. Your state study is for that exam, and we found no published outline to summarize. If your employer also wants national certification for OSHA purposes, see our Core exam guide. Load chart reading is shared ground, so the load chart guide helps either way.

How the free check fits

Rhode Island sets its own exam; 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 the current version of Rhode Island rule 260-RICR-30-15-8, Examining and Licensing of Hoisting Engineers, on the Secretary of State's rules site. The site marks it active, effective 9 Aug 2026.

Sources

Show the list

• 260-RICR-30-15-8, Examining and Licensing of Hoisting Engineers, Rhode Island Department of State. Active version, effective 9 Aug 2026. Checked 26 Oct 2026.