There are four things you need to be able to say yes to before you apply. There is no experience requirement to sit the exams — you do not need hours in a seat to book them.
Be at least 18
That is the only age rule. No experience minimum sits alongside it.
Meet the medical requirements
Vision, hearing and general physical requirements, based on the crane safety standards. In practice your employer or a physician confirms these, usually before the practical exam rather than before the written.
Sign the substance abuse policy
You sign this as part of your exam application. It stays in force for as long as you hold the card, not just on exam day.
Sign the code of ethics
Same again — signed with the application, binding for the life of the certification. Read both properly rather than clicking through them.
Then apply and pay
You apply directly to the certifying organization and pay for each written exam and for the practical. See What certification costs for the current published fees.
Checked September 2026. Fees and requirements are set by the certifying organization and can change — confirm the current ones with them before you apply.