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New York State crane operator license

Boom Angle editorial teamSources checked 3 min read

✓ Checked 26 Oct 2026 against the New York State Department of Labor Crane Exams page. That page does not list fees, prerequisites or the role of NCCCO, so this guide does not either. Where a detail matters for your application, confirm it with the department's License and Certificate Unit.

New York State runs its own crane operator licensing, and the Department of Labor gives its own operational exams. This guide covers the state license outside New York City. The city has a separate license, covered in the NYC Class A and B guide. The state-by-state hub puts both next to other states.

Who needs it

The Department of Labor says anyone operating a crane on construction, demolition or excavation work in New York State needs its Certificate of Competence. Once issued by the Commissioner of Labor, it authorizes operation anywhere in the state except New York City. The department calls it a state-mandated license and says it fits OSHA's crane certification standard. For how OSHA's rule treats government licenses, read the OSHA crane rule guide.

The classes

The license is issued by crane class, and some classes include others. Here is the department's scope for each, in our words:

  • Class A, unrestricted: all cranes with a fixed lattice boom, tower cranes, derricks and cranes with free fall. A Class A license allows operating any crane.
  • Class B, hydraulic: hydraulic cranes with a telescopic boom and swinging cab, with no limit on rated capacity, smaller self-erecting tower cranes, and boom trucks over 28 tons rated capacity. It also allows classes B, C and D.
  • Class C, boom truck: telescopic boom cranes, generally truck mounted, up to 28 tons rated capacity. It allows C and D.
  • Class D, restricted boom truck: often called sign hangers, up to 3 tons and 125 feet of boom. It allows D only.
  • Class F, line truck: digger derricks up to 15 tons and 65 feet of boom with a non-conductive tip, for electrical work only. It allows F only.

Class E is shown as reserved. Match the class to the machine, because "New York license" does not mean every crane.

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How to apply and test

Applications are online through the department's MPWR system. You make a NY.gov ID, log in, upload documents, pay and follow the status. The department runs operational exams for the classes above. Practical exam dates are booked only through the License and Certificate Unit, by phone or its published email. The department posts practical exam schedules by season, so ask the License and Certificate Unit for the next dates. The department also posts a test outline for each class that explains how you are evaluated and what equipment is used. Read the outline for your class before you apply.

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How the free check fits

The state exam is practical, so this site cannot prepare you for it. What carries over is knowledge: load charts, rigging, site setup and signals are what any crane operator needs. The free written check shows your score by domain on the NCCCO Core outline. Many operators also hold NCCCO cards for employers or other states, and the certification requirements guide explains how that differs from a state license. We have not confirmed whether New York accepts NCCCO results toward its license, so ask the department.

Sources

Show the list
  • Crane Exams, New York State Department of Labor. Requirement, classes A to F, online MPWR applications, and practical exam booking. Checked 26 Oct 2026.

Facts checked 26 October 2026 against the sources listed above. If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.

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