How to Get Excavator Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Operating an excavator requires specialized skills and training to work safely and efficiently, Gaining excavator certification demonstrates that you have the competency to handle these heavy-duty machines on a job site Here is a complete guide on how to get certified as an excavator operator

What is Excavator Certification?

Excavator certification provides training and testing to ensure operators have the skills to properly run excavation equipment. Certification programs are offered through various accredited organizations, associations, vocational schools, and equipment manufacturers.

The certification process generally includes:

• Classroom training covering excavator controls, safety, maintenance, and operating techniques
• Hands-on practice operating excavators
• Written exams testing operational knowledge
• Practical testing to demonstrate excavator proficiency

Upon completing all requirements, operators receive documentation showing their certification status Having an excavator operator certification on your resume can make you more employable and qualified for higher pay rates

Benefits of Getting Certified

There are many advantages to becoming a certified excavator operator:

• Increased safety – Certification ensures you operate excavators safely, reducing workplace accidents.

• Compliance with regulations – Many employers and projects require certified operators, especially on union or government jobs. Certification helps companies comply with labor laws.

• Enhanced employability – Certification shows employers you have the validated skills to take on excavator jobs right away.

• Higher earning potential – Certified operators typically command higher hourly wages and get hired more often than non-certified operators.

• Expanded career opportunities – Getting certified enables more job prospects and potential for advancement. Some supervisory roles require certification.

• Professional development – The training and testing process expands your capabilities and improves overall operating techniques.

• Confidence operating machinery – Hands-on practice time boosts real-world skills and confidence handling excavators.

In short, excavator certification provides the training, credibility, and qualifications needed to excel as an operator. The career benefits make getting certified extremely worthwhile.

How to Get Certified as an Excavator Operator

If you’re interested in operating excavators, here are the key steps to gaining industry certification:

Step 1: Determine if Certification Is Right for You

Make sure getting certified aligns with your career aspirations. Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy hands-on equipment operation and outdoor work?
• Am I detail-oriented with good hand-eye coordination?
• Do I have a safety-focused mindset?
• Am I willing to learn excavator best practices through certification courses?

If becoming a certified excavator operator matches your interests and skills, move forward confidently.

Step 2: Choose the Right Certification

Some things to consider when selecting your certification program:

• Type of excavator – Certify on the specific equipment you want to operate – basic excavator, mini excavator, articulated truck, etc.

• Industry association – Many trades offer recognized certification, like the NCCCO, NOAA, and NCCER. Look for an accredited organization.

• Manufacturer training – Excavator companies like Caterpillar, Komatsu and John Deere offer product-specific certification.

• Independent programs – Vocational colleges and online courses allow self-paced learning.

• Employer-specific training – Some companies provide in-house certification for their equipment and worksites.

• Course format – Choose classroom, online, or hands-on training formats suited to your learning style.

• Cost – Compare program costs, which range from $100-$3000 depending on depth and equipment covered.

Step 3: Enroll in the Course and Attend Training

Once you select your certification, enroll in the program. Key components of excavator operator certification include:

• Classroom learning – Covers safety policies, equipment mechanics, controls familiarization, maintenance, inspection procedures, and proper operating techniques for trenching, digging, lifting, driving, etc.

• Hands-on practice – Gives trainees supervised time running real excavators to build control skills and proficiency. May start on simulators first.

• Test preparation – Review sample exams and material likely to be covered on written and practical tests.

• Time commitment – Can range from a few days to several weeks depending on prior experience and course comprehensiveness.

Be sure to attend all the instructional sessions and take advantage of hands-on equipment time. The more you prepare, the easier it will be to pass your exams.

Step 4: Pass the Exams

To receive certification, operators must pass both a written knowledge test and a hands-on practical exam:

• Written exam – Covers safety policies, equipment specs, maintenance, pre-operational inspection, startup procedures, shutdown protocols, and workplace scenarios.

• Practical exam – Evaluates your ability to properly inspect equipment, start up, drive and steer, dig trenches, lift and place objects accurately, and shut down the excavator. Observers score you as you perform designated tasks.

The passing grade is typically 70-80% on the written and 80-90% on the practical test. Study hard and be confident for your testing – your career depends on it!

Maintaining Your Excavator Certification

Once certified, be sure to:

• Renew on schedule – Certifications expire and require renewal every 2-4 years through recertification courses.

• Document properly – Keep copies of your certification card, training certificates, and renewals for employer verification.

• Train on new equipment – Expand your skills by certifying on different excavator models. More certifications look great on a resume.

• Always exercise safety – Your certification signifies you operate excavators responsibly. Uphold those standards.

Advance your career over time by continually expanding your equipment knowledge and upholding your certified status.

Is Excavator Certification Necessary?

While voluntary in some cases, certification is required by many employers and states to legally operate excavators on worksites. Even if not mandatory, becoming certified provides benefits like higher pay, better training, and more job prospects.

The minimal time and cost investment is well worth it for the long-term advantages. For ambitious operators who want to demonstrate competency and companies that value safety, excavator certification is highly recommended if not an outright necessity.

Locate Excavator Certification Programs

Now that you know the process, here are places to find accredited certification programs:

• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
• Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECOS)
• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
• Manufacturers like Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo, etc.
• Private vocational colleges and heavy equipment schools
• Unions like the International Union of Operating Engineers
• Trade associations like Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
• Online training providers
• Employer in-house certification

With this guide, you now have the key steps and information needed to launch your excavator operator career by getting properly certified. The specialized training will equip you to excel at operating these massive and powerful machines with skill, safety, and confidence.