What it is: a supplemental safety manual for mobile crane operators. The publisher describes it as using ISO and ANSI standard graphics and safety warnings, covering personnel handling and safe operation, with an illustrated hand signals section. Publisher: AEM (the Association of Equipment Manufacturers).
Where to get it: AEM store. It is sold, not free. Checked September 19, 2026. AEM also sells a companion video; that video is not on the exam's reference list.
Proof that the exam uses it
The certifying body's Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook, revision 1/25 (PDF) lists this in its Reference List (listed as AEM Mobile Crane Safety Manual, with shop.aem.org). That list states that the most recent versions of the listed references are used by the body's written examination committee to verify the accuracy of test questions. Source checked October 15, 2026. Ask the certifying body for the current edition of the handbook before you rely on this, because the list can change.
What it is good for
- A short, graphic overview of operator preparation, the pre-shift check and safe operation.
- Hand signals as drawings.
This article describes the document in our own words. It does not reproduce the standard or book. Buy or borrow the current edition from the publisher to read it.
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