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A City of Chicago crane operator license is required for an individual to operate a crane in connection with any work that requires a building permit within the City of Chicago. Licensed crane operators must follow the ordinances, laws, and industry standards which provide for the safe operation of the types of cranes they are licensed to operate and notify the Department of Buildings of any accidents or safety issues.

Crane operator licenses are issued by the Board of Crane Operator Examiners though the Department of Buildings.

A crane operator license is required for an individual to operate a crane in connection with any work that requires a building permit within the City of Chicago. Licensed crane operators may be assisted by licensed apprentice crane operators working under their direct supervision and control.

A “crane” is any power-operated mechanical hoisting equipment with a manufacturer's rated capacity of one ton (2,000 pounds) or more that lifts, lowers, rotates or moves a load horizontally or vertically. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to:

The term “crane” does not include:

If you own or control a crane, it is illegal to employ anyone other than a licensed crane operator to operate it.

Yes, crane operators are licensed to operate specific types of equipment, which are listed on their crane operator license card.

The different license classifications are listed and described in the Rules Regarding Crane Operator Licenses.

Who may obtain a crane operator license?

Crane operator licenses are issued to individuals who have experience operating specific types of cranes, hold the required federal crane operator certifications, and have passed written and practical examinations.

What is required to obtain a crane operator license?

To obtain a crane operator license, an individual must pass both a written and practical examination demonstrating their knowledge of crane operations and safety practices as well as their competency and fitness to operate specific type(s) of crane(s).

A study guide for the crane operator written examination is available on the Continental Testing Services web site. 

To be eligible to take the written examination, an individual must:

An applicant’s work experience must be verified by a letter from their supervisor.

An applicant will not be allowed to take a practical examination before passing the written examination. 

How do I apply for a new crane operator license?

Starting in July 2022, crane operator license applications are submitted through the City of Chicago Inspections and Permits web portal.

Continental Testing Services processes crane operator license applications and administers written examinations on behalf of the Department of Buildings and can provide assistance after you begin an application on the web portal.

Starting in late May 2022, renewals are processed through the City of Chicago Inspections and Permits web portal.

A crane operator license cannot be renewed if it has been expired for 3 or more years. Individuals who were previously licensed as crane operators and are ineligible to renew may apply for a new license if they meet the qualifications.

Starting in late May 2022, requests to add equipment types to an existing crane operator license are processed through the City of Chicago Inspections and Permits web portal.

To add equipment types to an existing license, your existing license must be active and not within 3 months of expiration. You will be required to show proof that you are federally certified for the additional equipment type(s). You may be required to take additional written and/or practical examinations.

These fees apply to crane operator licenses:

Beginning in 2022, all crane operator licenses will be valid for five years from issuance or renewal.

Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 4-288: Crane Operators Rules Regarding Crane Operator Licenses Rules Regarding Crane Operations

E-Plan: Chicago's Online Building Permit System