Important: We Don't Run Practical Exams
The Online Crane School prepares candidates for the written portion of crane certification. We don't administer practical exams or operate test sites. To locate an approved site, use the certifying body's own test-site search — our guide explains how.
How to find a practical test site →In the Days Before Your Practical
Tick these off at least a few days ahead so there are no surprises.
Confirm the details. Re-check the date, start time and exact address with the test site, and plan your route with time to spare.
Rehearse the hand signals. Run through the standard crane signals until each one is automatic — examiners and signal persons will use them.
Know the load chart. If you can, find out which crane model you'll be tested on and get familiar with that chart's layout and notes.
Pack your PPE. Hard hat, safety-toe boots and a high-visibility vest at minimum; ask the site whether gloves or eye protection are required.
Gather your paperwork. Bring a government-issued photo ID and anything the test site or certifying body tells you to have on hand.
Rest up. Get a full night's sleep. Fatigue shows up in jerky controls and missed instructions.
On Exam Day: What to Do in the Seat
These habits keep your score clean and your load under control.
Walk around the machine first
Do a pre-use inspection the way you would on a jobsite — look over wire rope, hooks, outriggers, tires or tracks and safety devices before you touch the controls.
Listen to every instruction
The examiner will describe each task. If anything is unclear, ask before you start rather than guessing mid-task.
Feather the controls
Smooth starts and stops beat speed. Sudden movements set the load swinging and cost you control.
Communicate the standard way
Respond to hand or voice signals correctly and stop immediately on any stop or emergency stop signal.
Place the load with intent
Keep the load inside the marked corridors and set it down accurately without dragging or bumping obstacles.
Recover calmly from mistakes
If something goes wrong, stop, reset and continue safely. One error rarely matters as much as how you handle the next move.
Pair This Checklist With Real Seat Time
No checklist replaces hours at the controls. If you're short on experience, read our guide to crane practical training and seat time for ways to build it before booking an exam.
And don't let the written exam slip while you organize the practical. Our mobile crane prep course and the rest of the crane course catalog are built to get you through the written side first time out.