Crane Operator Certification & Training
COMING SOON!
Alvin College’s Craning Principles (CECNSE 1011) is built for students with little to no heavy equipment experience. This one-week course can help you build foundational knowledge and readiness and can be used in place of the typical 3 to 5 years of heavy equipment experience often expected before entering an NCCCO certification program.
Just as important, build the skills employers want for crane operations, rigging, and signal person work with fast, hands-on training at Alvin College. These Continuing Education courses are designed for students who want to enter the construction industry quickly, learn safety-focused best practices, and take a direct path toward NCCCO certification readiness through Advanced Craning (CECNSE 2070).
If you are searching for crane training near Alvin, TX, rigging training, signal person training, or NCCCO certification prep near Houston, Alvin College offers a local, convenient option with short course lengths, hands-on practice, and employer-connected training partners.
Career Opportunities
Completing Craning Principles or Advanced Craning at Alvin College can support entry-level and advancing roles such as:
- Crane Operator
- Rigger
- Signal Person (Signalman)
This training can also support related construction and industrial careers, including:
- Ironworker
- Pipefitter
- Laborer
- Millwright
Why Alvin College?
Students choose Alvin College for crane training because it is built for speed, value,
and real workforce outcomes.
Fast training: Each course is only one week, ideal for working adults and career changers.
Lower cost: Typically $1,000 to $2,000 less than many competitors.
Local and convenient: Training is held at 120 Crouch St. Alvin, TX, located just minutes from Alvin College's main campus.
Two-course pathway: Start with CECNSE 1011 if you are new to heavy equipment, then advance to CECNSE
2070 when you are ready.
NCCCO-focused preparation: CECNSE 2070: Advanced Craning supports preparation for NCCCO Crane Operator Certification,
a key step toward crane operator employment.
In-house testing: Testing is conducted on site, so students do not have to travel across Houston or
to Freeport.
Employer connections: Strong workforce connections help students move from training to job opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age
- Students must be able to obtain and wear full PPE for hands-on training, including hard hat, eye protection, gloves, reflective vest and steel-toed shoes (PPE is not provided by the training program).
Registration
- Click here to submit an application for the program
- Select "Cranes" under Topic Code and press search.
- Complete the Crane Application
- Once the application is completed, you can reach out to the office by calling 281-756-3787 or emailing: CEWD@alvincollege.edu
- Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
Required Courses and Descriptions
Fundamentals of craning principles used by equipment operators.Topics include types of cranes, cables, jobs, rigging, techniques, types of lifts, and safety concerns when making a lift. Upon successful completion, students will be able to identify the safety concerns associated with lifting loads; rig a load for lifting; perform a safety check before a load is lifted; and identify the equipment required to make a lift.
This advanced course expands on basic craning principles and develops the skills needed for complex crane operations in challenging environments. Students will study load charts, multi-crane lifts, rigging plans, inspections, and site coordination. Instruction covers Occupational Safety and Health Administration and American National Standards Institute/American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards, crane setup for specialized lifts, and communication protocols. Through simulation and hands-on practice, students enhance proficiency, judgment, and readiness for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators written and practical certification examinations.
Upcoming Classes
Craning Principles
| Course(s) | Date(s) | Time | Day(s) | Faculty |
|
CECNSE-1011-01 Craning Principles |
03/02/2026- 03/06/2026 |
8:00AM- 8:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
|
CECNSE-1011-02 Craning Principles |
04/06/2026- 04/10/2026 |
8:00AM- 8:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
|
CECNSE-1011-03 Craning Principles |
04/27/2026- 05/01/2026 |
8:00AM- 8:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
Advanced Craning
| Course(s) | Date(s) | Time | Day(s) | Faculty |
|
CECNSE-2070-01 Advance Craning |
03/16/2026- 03/20/2026 |
9:00AM- 5:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
|
CECNSE-2070-01 Advance Craning |
04/13/2026- 04/17/2026 |
9:00AM- 5:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
|
CECNSE-2070-01 Advance Craning |
05/04/2026- 05/08/2026 |
9:00AM- 5:00PM |
M-F | A. Johnston/J. Guarin |
Program Investment
Tuition & Fees:
Craning Principles: In-District $2,400.00 | Out-of-District $2,435.00
Advanced Craning: In-District $3,300.00 | Out-of-District $3,335.00
Tuition and fees are subject to change.