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What is the requirements for operating heavy equipment?

i am asking this because i would like operator. #construction #career

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David’s Answer

My experience reflects the path of joining the International Union of Operating Engineers. I began my career as an apprentice and after less than 4 years, or 6000 hours, I became a journeyman. I would be happy to tell you of some of my experiences

David recommends the following next steps:

Sign up to take test for the operating engineer, which is once a year
Pass test and go to the training sites
Become involved in the union and your training
Always try to better your skills
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David’s Answer

I would recommend contacting the nearest union hall for operators.  They provide free training and job searching  along with excellent benefits.  The union opens an apprenticeship program usually once a year at the beginning and then you can take an aptitude test.  You need to have a high school diploma or equivalency.    Pride is your work and a positive attitude is a plus!
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Ken’s Answer


Essential Information

Heavy equipment operators, also known as operating engineers, use machines when working on construction and transportation projects. Operators typically need to complete a formal training program to learn how to properly use equipment. Operators may also need to have a commercial driver's license.

Required EducationApprenticeship or postsecondary programOther RequirementsCommercial driver's licenseProjected Job Growth (2014-2024)*10% (operating engineers and other construction equipment operators)Average Salary (2015)*$49,110 (operating engineers and other construction equipment operators)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education Requirements for Heavy Equipment Operators

Heavy equipment operators may complete an apprenticeship program or a college program in heavy equipment operation. These programs combine in-class instruction with hands-on training. While vocational school and junior college programs generally last 1-2 years, apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete because they include instruction on multiple types of equipment and include paid on-the-job training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that those completing apprenticeships may have better employment opportunities because they learn about a wider variety of equipment than students in a college program (www.bls.gov).

Classroom Training

Both apprenticeships and college programs generally begin with classes on safety procedures and policies. Safety training courses cover guidelines set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Topics include protective safety equipment and pre-operational procedures. Some courses may provide instruction on how to remove hazardous waste.

Other courses may include equipment maintenance and light repair. Topics such as lubricating parts and joining parts together using a soldering iron or welding torch may be discussed. Courses may also cover gasoline and diesel engines.

Hands-on Training

Hands-on training focuses on having students use equipment, so they gain operating experience. Operators may be taught how to grade, landscape and excavate earth using tractors, bulldozers and backhoes. Techniques may include scraping, compacting and using the controls on the equipment.

Additional Requirements

Because heavy equipment operators may need to transport machinery to and from the job site, programs may require students to earn their commercial driver's license (CDL). CDL requirements are set by each state. Obtaining a CDL usually involves paying a fee, obtaining a temporary permit and passing vision, written and driving tests. In some states, a person may also have to pass a medical examination.

Career Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded an annual average salary of $49,110 for operating engineers in 2015. At that time, the highest-paying industries for these workers were support activities for road transportation, scientific research services, medical and surgical hospitals, and electric power generation.

The BLS projected that employment opportunities for construction equipment operators would increase by 10% between 2014 and 2024. Candidates available to work in metropolitan areas and who have experience operating more than one type of equipment were expected to have the most favorable prospects.

Heavy equipment operators use heavy equipment in a variety of settings, but primarily in the construction of roads, buildings, and many other structures. Heavy equipment operators are usually required to possess a commercial driver's license and may also be required to have a high school diploma and complete equipment training.

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MICHAEL’s Answer

It depends on where you are going to work, but basic knowledge of the following will help you alot.

  1. Good in math you will have to figure out loads you carry and do grades calculations.
  2. Take the OSHA 10 hour Health and Safety Course. this is the most important part.
  3. Some staes or cities will require you to get an Operators licence.
  4. also study the OSHA trenching and excavation requirements along with watching a lot of videos on you tube to stay current with operating styles.
  5. Start with the excavator first, this is the hardest piece of machinery. Master this one and all the rest will fall into place.
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Juan’s Answer

In our industry I have seen with many past employers that the requirements differ for the type and size of the equipment. For example if you wanted to operate small equipment vs large equipment vs load handling equipment, your experience, certification and knowledge would differ. An example would be an extended boom forklift vs a carrier deck movile crane. Both are equipment and both are load handling, but both very different, in operation and requirements. Typically what I have seen for the forklift throught me career is an NCCER certification, general knowledge and experience ranging from 1-4 yrs and a cdl in some cases. I have seen flaggers, helpers and labor type team members attain experience while on the job, aquire the certification and begin their journey. For the carrier deck, most of not all companies operating in the construction and industrial areas require a certification from an ANSI approved training organization such as NCCCO and NCCER, before you can even be considered to operate the crane. Then there are in house qualifications/tests that one must pass on each type of equipment as well.
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