QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Qualification Title
New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3) with
strands in Cab Controlled Overhead Crane, Mini Crawler
Crane, Mobile Crane, Non Slewing Articulated Crane,
Remote Controlled Overhead Crane, Self-Erecting Tower
Crane, Tower Crane, Track Crawler Crane, and Truck
Loader Crane
Version
1.0
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
Cab Controlled
Overhead Crane: 50
Mini Crawler Crane:
55
Mobile Crane: 65
Non-Slewing
Articulated Crane: 60
Remote Controlled
Overhead Crane: 55
Self-Erecting Tower
Crane: 50
Tower Crane: 50
Track Crawler
Crane: 65
Truck Loader Crane:
60
NZSCED
030717
Strategic purpose
statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the crane industry with
individuals who can be employed as crane operators on a range of dynamic
and variable work sites.
The qualification is stranded according to type of crane to recognise the
specialist knowledge and practical skills required to operate each crane.
The crane industry as a whole, and the building and construction industry in
particular, will benefit from having people who have qualified in crane
operation for a range of types of cranes through a structured, recognised, and
consistent training programme. Graduates will be capable of working with
limited supervision.
Outcome Statement
Graduate
profile
Graduates are able to:
Sling regular loads safely using the correct lifting equipment on a worksite.
Communicate and collaborate with dogmen and other crane operator(s)
effectively using industry recognised methods during crane operations.
Maintain personal safety on the worksite, and during crane operations.
Identify hazards and work safely in and around a crane workplace.
Graduates with the relevant strand will also be able to operate one of the
following types of cranes, including lifting and placing regular loads, and
maintaining and servicing the crane:
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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1. Cab controlled overhead crane. They will also be able to lockout
and reinstate the crane following lockout.
2. Mini crawler crane. They will also be able to lockout and reinstate
the crane following lockout.
3. Mobile crane.
4. Non-slewing articulated crane. They will also be able to lockout
and reinstate the crane following lockout.
5. Remote controlled overhead crane. They will also be able to
lockout and reinstate the crane following lockout.
6. Self-erecting tower crane.
7. Tower crane.
8. Track crawler crane with a lattice boom and 30 tonne minimum
capacity.
9. Truck loader crane. They will also be able to lockout and reinstate
the crane following lockout.
Education
pathway
Strands Track Crawler Crane Operation, Mobile Crane Operation, and
Tower Crane Operation build on the New Zealand Certificate in Cranes
(Dogman Operations) (Level 3), and can lead to the New Zealand
Certificate in Cranes (Advanced Crane Operation) (Level 4).
The Track Crawler Crane strand may lead to the New Zealand Certificate in
Cranes (Piling and Foundation Operations) (Level 4).
Strands Remote Controlled Overhead Crane, Cab Controlled Overhead
Crane, and Truck Loader Crane can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in
Cranes (Dogman Operations) (Level 3).
Employment
pathway
Holders of this certificate will have the skills and knowledge to work as
crane operators specialising in the strand consistent with the type of crane
they are operating.

Cab controlled overhead crane operators may be involved with on
power stations and heavy maintenance industries.

Mini crawler crane operators may be involved in light construction work.

Non slewing articulated crane operators may be involved in general
construction, and light industry work.

Track crawler crane operators may be involved in heavy industry, and
piling and construction work.

Mobile crane operators may be involved in all areas of construction
work, house building, high rise buildings, placement of materials,
maintenance work, and heavy industry.

Remote controlled overhead crane operators may be involved in
workshop environments including heavy engineering, warehouses,
storage facilities, or production line work.

Self-erecting tower crane operators may be involved in small building
and residential sites, 3-4 storey building sites, and sites where tower
cranes are unable to access.

Tower crane operators may be involved in high rise environments, and
high rise building erection.

Truck loader crane operators may be involved on worksites where
goods and materials require loading and unloading, any situation where
loads are required to be moved following transport, or on worksites to
place loads and components.
All crane operators can progress to become advanced crane operators or to
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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work in piling and foundation operations.
Qualification
Developer
The Skills Organisation
Qualification Specification
Qualification award
This qualification may be awarded by The Skills Organisation and accredited
organisations arranging training leading to the qualification under section 5 of
the Industry Training Act 1992.
The formal document certifying the award of this qualification bears the NZQF
logo, which indicates the qualification is a quality assured New Zealand
qualification. It will also include the name and logo of The Skills Organisation
and the accredited organisation.
Review period
36 months
Arrangements for
managing
consistency
A portfolio of evidence of assessment against qualification outcomes must
be submitted to The Skills Organisation by the end of February for the
preceding year. The portfolio will consist of the following:
1. Samples of candidate’s performance. This may be demonstrated
through submission of completed assessment activities contained in
the The Skills Organisation training and assessment resources.
Completed Log Books or company documentation, required for unit
standards 3789 and 3801 must also be submitted as part of
candidate’s evidence.
2. Where The Skills Organisation assessment resources are not used,
samples of the assessment activities, resources, and materials,
along with any marking schedules used.
A panel made up of crane industry representatives and moderators has
been constituted to support the consistency process. Their role is to
conduct a review of the portfolios of evidence to determine consistency with
qualification outcomes.
The Skills Organisation will implement remedial processes with a
programme provider or employer, in a supportive environment, where a
decision is inconsistent with qualification outcomes.
The panel will report results of portfolio review of evidence to the party that
submitted the portfolio within 4 weeks of receipt. The costs of determining
consistency with qualification outcomes will be met by The Skills
Organisation.
Consistency of assessment against the mandatory unit standards is
covered by the relevant Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR).
The CMR for each standard is noted on that standard.
For full details of any of the above, contact The Skills Organisation direct
phone 09 525 2590, or by email - reviewcomments@skills.org.nz.
Credit transfer and
recognition of prior
learning
arrangements
The Skills Organisation recognises prior learning achieved within both
formal and informal settings.
For full details, contact The Skills
Organisation direct phone 09 525 2590, or by email
reviewcomments@skills.org.nz.
Credit transfer will be automatic where assessment standards are used for
assessment within programmes of study or training leading to a
qualification.
Candidates who have gained credit for the outcomes listed below through
achievement of the qualifications listed will be granted credit for the
outcome in this qualification.
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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Outcomes in this Qualification
Also contained in
Qualifications listed below
Sling regular loads safely using
the correct lifting equipment
(Standard 3789)
New Zealand Certificate in
Cranes (Dogman Operations)
(Level 3)
Communicate and collaborate
with crane operator(s) effectively,
using industry recognised
methods during crane operations
(Standard 3789)
New Zealand Certificate in
Cranes (Self Erecting Tower
Crane Erection) (Level 3)
Maintain personal safety while on
the worksite, and during crane
operations (Standard 3789)
New Zealand Certificate in
Cranes (Tower Crane Erection)
(Level 4)
Minimum standard
of achievement and
standards for grade
endorsements
(where applicable)
Achieved
Prerequisites to
meet regulatory
body or legislative
requirements
(where applicable)
Candidates must complete a minimum of 200 hours working as mobile
crane operators in the workplace prior to assessment of mobile crane
operation (Standard 3795).
Candidates must complete a minimum of six months full time equivalent
documented experience working as Dogmen over a maximum of 2 years in
a workplace where cranes are operating, prior to assessment of slinging
regular loads safely using the correct lifting equipment on a worksite, and
communicating and collaborating during crane operations (Standard 3789).
Candidates must complete a minimum of 140 hours working as crawler
crane operators in the workplace prior to assessment of track crawler crane
with a lattice boom and 30 tonne minimum capacity operation (Standard
27676).
Assessment must be carried out in an actual crane workplace, and not a
simulated workplace environment.
Other conditions
for qualification
Candidates must be able to sling regular loads safely using the correct
lifting equipment, and communicate and collaborate during crane operations
(Standard 3789) before learning to operate a tower crane (Standard 3794),
a lattice boom track crawler crane (Standard 27676), a self-erecting tower
crane (Standard 20208), or a mini-crawler crane (Standard 26505).
Candidates must have knowledge of crane industry skills (Standard 3788)
before learning to operate a mobile crane (Standard 3795).
Candidates must be able to sling regular loads safely using the correct
lifting equipment, and communicate and collaborate during crane operations
(Standard 3789), and have knowledge of crane industry regulatory
requirements (Standard 3787) before learning to operate a non-slewing
articulated crane (Standard 24511).
All tasks are to be carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety in
Employment (HSE) Act 1992; equipment manufacturer’s instructions;
government and local government legislation, regulations and bylaws;
company quality management systems; and The Crane Safety Manual
(available from Opportunity Training).
Conditions relating to specific outcomes
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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Qualification Outcomes
(including indicative
credit values for each
outcome)
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
Sling regular loads safely
using the correct lifting
equipment on a worksite
3789
Mandatory
497
Mandatory
10 credits
Communicate and
collaborate with dogmen
and other crane operator(s)
using industry recognised
methods during crane
operations on a worksite.
10 credits
Maintain personal safety
while on the worksite, and
during crane operations.
5 credits
Identify hazards and work
safely in and around a
crane workplace.
17593
5 credits
Operate one of the
following types of
cranes:
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a cab
controlled overhead crane,
and maintain and service
the crane.
3788
Mandatory
3790
25043
Lockout and reinstate the
crane following lockout.
25 credits
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a mini crawler
crane, and maintain and
service the crane.
3788
Mandatory
26505
25043
Lockout and reinstate the
crane following lockout.
25 credits
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a mobile
crane, and maintain and
service the crane.
3787
Mandatory
3788
3795
35 credits
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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Lift and place regular loads
safely using a non-slewing
articulated crane, and
maintain and service the
crane.
3788
Mandatory
24511
25043
Lockout and reinstate the
crane following lockout.
30 credits
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a remote
controlled overhead crane,
and maintain and service
the crane.
3788
Mandatory
3800
25043
Lockout and reinstate the
crane following lockout.
20 credits
Life and place regular
loads safely using a selferecting tower crane, and
maintain and service the
crane.
3788
Mandatory
20208
20 credits
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a tower crane,
maintain and service the
crane.
3788
Mandatory
3794
20 credits
Lift and place loads safely
using a track crawler crane
with a strut boom, and 30
tonne minimum, and
maintain and service the
crane.
3787
Mandatory
3788
27676
35 credits
Lift and place regular loads
safely using a truck loader
crane, and maintain and
service the crane.
3788
Mandatory
16617
25043
Lockout and reinstate the
crane following lockout.
30 credits
Qualification Reference 1790
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012
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