Print

Obtain a: NYC Class C1, C2 or C3 Hoist Machine Operator License

UPDATE: New License Application Requirement 
New License Application Service Notice - Starting September 7, 2021, all new license applications are required to be submitted online at www.nyc.gov/dobnow. See the New License Application User Guide for step-by-step directions.

Step 1: License Criteria

To become a New York City-licensed Class C Hoist Machine Operator, you must:

  • Meet the License Qualifications (see Step 2)
  • You must apply for and pass the appropriate National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) written and practical examinations (see Step 3)
  • You must apply for and pass the background investigation (see Step 4)
  • You must apply for your license (see Step 5)

Step 2: License Qualifications

All applicants applying for a Class C Hoist Machine Operator license must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years old
  • Be able to read and write the English language
  • Be fit to perform the work authorized by the license
  • Have good moral character so as not to adversely impact your ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Hoisting Machine Operator
  • Have at least two (2) years of experience within the three (3) years prior to application under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Hoist Machine Operator in New York City or another jurisdiction within the United States that regulates crane operators. The experience must have been obtained on hoisting machines of a type, size, and capacity authorized to be operated by the Class C Hoisting Machine Operator license sought. Additionally, the two (2) years of experience must include but not be limited to outrigger placements incorporating at least one hundred (100) crane set ups. All set-ups must have occurred at a jobsite, crane yard, training center, or other location acceptable to the commissioner.
  • At least one (1) year of the qualifying experience must have been in New York City or in an urban area of comparable density, and, for applications for a Class C1 Hoisting Machine Operator license submitted on or after July 1, 2019, have been in the operation of wheel mounted cranes with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 3 tons.

    Areas of comparable density to that of New York City, as identified by the Department, include:
    • New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Area
    • Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Area
    • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Area
    • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Area
    • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Area
    • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Area
    • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Area

Step 3: Exam Requirements

To become a licensed Class C Hoist Machine Operator you must pass the appropriate National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) written and practical examinations for the type of machinery you intend to operate. Candidate handbooks and application information can be found on their websites – NCCCO, www.nccco.org.

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

To obtain a Class C1 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for both of the following:

  • Mobile cranes, large telescopic boom cranes (swing cab) (TLL)
  • Mobile cranes, small telescopic boom cranes (fixed cab) (TSS)

TTo obtain a Class C2 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for the following:

  • Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF)

To obtain a Class C3 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for:

  • Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF)
HMO License Class NCCO Test
C1 Swing – TLL and
Fixed - TSS
C2 Fixed Cab - BTF
C3 Fixed Cab - BTF

Step 4: Background Investigation

Once you have obtained a NCCCO certification, you must pass a background investigation. Submit the documents listed below, either by mail (priority mail, FedEx, UPS or another trusted delivery service) or drop-off to:

NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing & Exams Unit
ATTN: Exams
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

*Note: Drop-off your application package between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm.*

You must include all the following for your application to be processed:

  • Original NCCCO certification card as cited above
  • LIC50 or LIC51 application
    *NOTE: Applicants with a home address outside of New York City’s five (5) boroughs must complete the LIC50 Authorization for Service of Process by Agent. Applicants may also fill out the LIC51 Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by Email even if they reside within the City of New York.*
  • National Certification Practical Exam Results showing type of equipment on which you were tested (Friction or Non-Friction)
  • Proof of Certification of Compliance with substance abuse provisions. The Department will provide a substance abuse policy compliance document for you to complete during your appointment
  • Typed & notarized letter from the applicant listing the name, address and telephone number of the laboratory that performed the substance abuse test and consent for the laboratory to the release such information to the Department
  • Employment Verification Forms from all licensed Hoisting Machine Operators that supervised your work during the years you are claiming as experience.
    *NOTE: The Experience Verification Forms must come from the licensed Hoisting Machine Operator who supervised your work during that time, not from Human Resources. The supervising licensee must hold at minimum, the class of license for which you are applying.*
  • Social Security History of Earnings for the years you are claiming as experience. This is NOT the Social Security Statement.
    *NOTE: There is a fee charged by the Social Security Administration for this service. You must request the report to be run by ‘company name'. You may request the information by mail or in-person (ordinarily you can receive this instantly in person).Visit the http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7050.html for more information.
  • Union Extracts for the years you are claiming as experience, if applicable
  • Driver’s License (If license is from outside of NY, applicant must submit a driving abstract from the Department of Motor Vehicles in state of license issuance).
  • Birth Certificate, Current Passport or Green Card
  • Social Security Card
  • Proof of Residence (Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Lease, or Deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person with whom you are residing with;
    NOTE: Cell phone bills will not be accepted.*
  • $500.00 background fee (cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or Amex payable to Department of Buildings)

Step 5: Obtaining The License Card

If the Department determines you meet all the qualifications and you pass the background investigation, you will receive an approval letter from the Licensing & Exams Unit. Once deemed qualified, you must send an email to LicensingAppointments@buildings.nyc.gov to obtain an appointment to receive your license card. Your email must include a PDF scan of your approval letter. You should receive a reply within 15 business days.

For more information, visit the Department website at nyc.gov/buildings.

How To

Forms