Course for tower crane operator's licence

Training at ERGON

For many years, our centre has been comprehensively involved in organising training courses for tower crane operators. In addition, we also offer a course for the maintenance of the above machines. Both types of the aforementioned training courses conclude with an examination for a UDT licence.  

Course description for operating cranes  

The course programme includes theoretical classes held in a lecture hall and practical classes held on our Centre's practice yard, equipped with a construction crane. During the lectures, students learn about the construction, properties and classification of cranes, as well as about load handling. In addition to this, future operators will learn about the operation of the machines, the scope of their duties, health and safety and fire safety regulations, as well as what to do in the event of an accident at work or equipment failure. They will also learn about the UDT (Office of Technical Inspection) and its guidelines for crane authorisations.  

The training programme mainly includes: 

• construction of tower cranes; 
• information on positions working with the operator (i.e. hooker, signalman);  
• Health and safety regulations for the position of tower crane operator; 
• knowledge of UDT technical supervision; 
• electrical and mechanical protection; 
• types of tower cranes (including high-speed, stationary and rail-mounted); 
• the specifics of crane control (wireless and from the cab); 
• duties of persons operating building cranes; 
• practical classes on cranes. 

How do you get certified as a crane operator? 

In order to obtain a certificate as a tower crane operator, trainees must take a state examination after completing the relevant course, which is conducted by an examination board appointed by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT). This form of knowledge check involves a written knowledge test as well as the demonstration of relevant practical skills related to the safe operation of construction cranes. A positive result from this examination confers the necessary certification to legally undertake work as a tower crane operator. Our training gives participants the chance to gain the benefits to operate tower cranes of any type, regardless of the machine's rated capacity or height. We also take care of all formalities related to the UDT, which includes registering students for the exam, as well as setting the exam date. 

Form of examination and validity of the UDT certificate 

The theoretical examination takes the form of a test. The practical exam takes place on a building site and covers the mechanical manoeuvring and handling skills of a loaded crane. The UDT qualification document obtained after passing the exam is valid for 5 years. Three months before its expiry date, this qualification can be renewed by submitting a special application to the UDT. 

Conditions of admission to training 

In order to start the course, you should meet the following specific requirements:

• have a certificate issued by an occupational physician stating that there are no contraindications to work as a tower crane operator; 
• have a minimum of primary education; 
• have at least a communicative command of Polish (a sworn translator can be provided for the examination); 
• be at least 18 years old. 

What is a tower crane? 

A tower crane is a type of crane that consists of a tower (referred to as a vertical mast) mounted on a stationary or mobile chassis and a pivoting or horizontal boom. The main advantage of tower cranes is the long reach of the boom and the fact that they facilitate construction work in industrial and residential construction. With their help, materials are transported and steel structures are assembled. In addition to this, these machines are equipped with several drives, each of which is responsible for the movement of a different component (i.e. lowering, rotation, lifting). Tower and mobile cranes fall into the category of construction equipment. 

What types of cranes do we distinguish between? 

We can divide tower cranes on the basis of various factors. 

With regard to the type of installation, we distinguish between: 

• fast-mounting cranes; 
• cranes assembled in parts. 

With regard to the type of boom, we distinguish between: 

• outrigger cranes; 
• cantilever cranes.  

Due to the method of installation we have: 

• mobile cranes; 
• stationary cranes. 

With regard to the location of the rotation mechanism, we distinguish between: 

• top slewing cranes; 
• low-speed cranes. 

With regard to the intended use, we distinguish between: 

• tractor-mounted cranes; 
• trailer-mounted cranes; 
• cranes mounted in the central load area of the vehicle; 
• rear-mounted cranes (on the vehicle behind the load bed);  
• cranes mounted behind the driver's cab (on the vehicle);  
• cranes used for loading timber, which are commonly referred to as 'forestry cranes'; 
• general-purpose cranes (rigidly attached to a vehicle). 

About us 

Our ERGON Centre for the Improvement of Human Resources has been on the labour market for many years, and our experience was gained before the establishment of the institution and goes back much longer. The main focus of our sector-specific activities is the provision of comprehensive training services intended for different target groups, depending on the profession. Our offer includes UDT, HDS, G1, G2, G3 training, as well as courses in fire-fighting, occupational health and safety and first aid.

The company's main objectives are to provide customers with the training services they desire at the highest possible level. The training space we create operates with the cooperation of qualified instructors with many years of methodological practice and practical experience, who consistently ensure the satisfaction of participants and the quality of education.

We operate on the basis of cooperation with institutions such as the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers or the Office of Technical Inspection, with whose experts we jointly agree on curricula in accordance with the requirements for specific licences. We attach great importance to the level of our training, which is why we invest in modern equipment for our training classrooms.   

Where do the courses take place? 

Our training courses for tower cranes are conducted primarily in Warsaw, where our main branch is located. However, in the case of organised groups, we are also available at other locations throughout the country, adapting the location and schedule of the course to the client's needs. 

Price list for training 

The price of the tower crane operator course depends on the number of students who decide to take part in the training. Each participant will receive training materials with the most important information and a set of exam questions with answers, which is also included in the course cost.  

Other training on offer 

In our training centre you will also find training courses for the UDT authorisations of other types of cranes, i.e.: 

• mobile and portable cranes; 
• stationary cranes; 
• rail-mounted cranes; 
• mobile cranes; 
• railway cranes and on railway vehicles; 
• floating cranes; 
• deck cranes. 

It is also worth noting that, in addition to operator qualifications, our offer also includes a course on maintenance qualifications for tower and high-speed cranes. We also have courses on: 

• scaffolder; 
• Health, Safety and Security; 
• welding; 
• altitude skills; 
• aviation; 
• UDT, TDT and WDT authorisations; 
• G1, G2, G3. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Questions and answers

When does a crane licence expire?

Authorisations issued to tower crane operators by the Office of Technical Inspection remain valid for a period of five years, but can be renewed by applying for this. 

What types of cranes are there?

With regard to the intended use, we can distinguish between the following categories of cranes: cranes mounted on tractors, cranes mounted on trailers, cranes mounted in the centre of the vehicle's load compartment, cranes mounted at the back of the vehicle (on the vehicle behind the load bed), cranes mounted behind the driver's cab (on the vehicle), cranes for loading timber, which are commonly referred to as 'forestry' cranes, and cranes for general purposes (rigidly attached to the vehicle).