Plant Operator Training

Mobile Crane Training Course

Operator training for mobile cranes — delivered in-company by experienced instructors, with a KeyOstas certificate. Course levels for novice, experienced and refresher operators.

KeyOstas certificate — valid 3 years Trusted since 1984 In-company — UK-wide Tutor-led, hands-on training
Key facts at a glance
3 levels
Course optionsNovice, experienced and refresher
In-company
DeliveryTutor-led at your site, UK-wide
KeyOstas cert
CertificationKeyOstas certificate, valid 3 years
LOLER
StandardTrained to LOLER and BS 7121
Course options

Choose the right mobile crane course level

Mobile crane training is delivered in-company. Durations vary with crane type and size — we will confirm an exact quote.

Experienced course

Experienced operators

3–5 days typical duration
  • For operators experienced on similar equipment.
  • Tutor-led, in-company on your equipment
  • Theory and hands-on practical training
  • Assessment and certificate included
Get a quote
Refresher course

Refresher operators

1–2 days typical duration
  • Re-training for current operators, recommended every 3–5 years.
  • Tutor-led, in-company on your equipment
  • Theory and hands-on practical training
  • Assessment and certificate included
Get a quote
The qualification
Quick answer

What is mobile crane training?

Mobile crane training prepares operators to set up and operate a mobile crane safely — siting, outriggers, load charts and lifting. It is delivered in-company under LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121, and leads to a KeyOstas certificate valid for three years.

For mobile crane operators
Delivered to LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121
Leads to a KeyOstas certificate, valid three years
Novice, experienced and refresher levels

Mobile crane operation is among the highest-risk lifting work: LOLER governs lifting operations, PUWER requires competent operators, and BS 7121 is the code of practice. The course covers crane set-up and siting, outriggers and ground bearing, load charts and duties, and controlled lifting. KeyOstas delivers it in-company with experienced instructors. Durations vary by crane type — talk to our team.

3 levels
Novice, experienced and refresher
LOLER / BS 7121
Trained to the lifting standards
3 years
KeyOstas certificate validity
Since 1984
KeyOstas training experience
Is it right for you

Is this the right mobile crane course?

KeyOstas trains mobile crane operators at every level, in-company.

Right for you if…

You have operators who need to learn to operate a mobile crane
You have experienced crane operators who need conversion or refresher training
You want operators trained to LOLER and BS 7121
You want training delivered in-company with your own crane
You need a recognised KeyOstas certificate of competence

A different course fits better if…

You operate an overhead or gantry crane — see overhead crane training
You need to sling loads and signal the crane, not drive it — see slinger signaller training
You need a CPCS card specifically — talk to us about your site’s requirements
After the course

What you will be able to do

By the end of the course your operators will be able to set up and operate a mobile crane safely.

Operate the crane

Set up the crane

Site the crane, deploy outriggers and assess ground bearing.

Read the load chart

Use the crane’s duties and load charts to plan a safe lift.

Lift under control

Carry out controlled lifts, avoiding snatch, swing and overload.

Work to the standard

Know the law

Understand LOLER, PUWER and the BS 7121 code of practice.

Work with the team

Work safely with slingers, signallers and the appointed person.

Be assessed

Meet the assessment standard in theory and practical operation.

Course content

What the mobile crane course covers

Delivered through tutor-led theory and hands-on practical operation, organised into four areas.

1

The crane and the law

  • Mobile crane types, controls and components
  • LOLER, PUWER and the BS 7121 code of practice
  • Operator responsibilities within the lifting team
2

Set-up and siting

  • Siting the crane and assessing ground conditions
  • Outriggers, mats and ground bearing pressure
  • Pre-use checks and reporting defects
3

Load charts and lifting

  • Reading crane duties and load / radius charts
  • Planning and carrying out controlled lifts
  • Avoiding overload, snatch and collision
4

The lifting team and assessment

  • Working with slingers, signallers and the appointed person
  • Recognised signals and communication
  • Theory and practical assessment
Assessment

How operators are assessed

Assessment is theory and practical, on the crane, by an experienced instructor.

THEORY

Theory assessment

A theory test covering the law, crane knowledge, load charts and safe lifting.

PRACTICAL

Practical assessment

A practical test of set-up, siting and controlled lifting, assessed on the crane.

On passing, operators receive a KeyOstas certificate, valid for three years, confirming mobile crane operator competence to the LOLER and BS 7121 standard.
Why KeyOstas

Why train your operators with KeyOstas?

In-company, delivered by experienced registered instructors. Here is what you get.

01

ITSSAR-accredited training provider

KeyOstas delivers to ITSSAR standards and the HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice, with TOPS registration on accredited courses.

02

Accredited or in-house certificate

Choose an ITSSAR-accredited certificate, or a KeyOstas in-house certificate — both delivered to the same L117 training standard.

03

Specialists since 1984

Four decades of health, safety and operator training, led by experienced, registered instructors.

04

In-company, UK-wide

Delivered at your premises on your own machines, anywhere in the UK, on dates that suit your operation.

05

Novice to refresher

Course levels for every operator — new starters, experienced operators converting machines, and refresher training.

06

One point of contact

From first enquiry to certification, a dedicated team handles your booking, machine requirements and any tailored content.

The plant operator range

Other plant operator courses

KeyOstas delivers the full range of plant and lifting operator training.

FAQ

Mobile Crane Training — frequently asked questions

Is mobile crane training a legal requirement?
LOLER and PUWER require that mobile crane operators are competent and adequately trained. Mobile crane training is how employers meet that duty; BS 7121 is the recognised code of practice for safe crane use.
What certificate do operators receive?
On passing, operators receive a KeyOstas certificate of competence, valid for three years, confirming mobile crane operator training to the LOLER and BS 7121 standard.
How long is the course?
Mobile crane course durations vary considerably with crane type and size — a novice course can run from five to ten days. We will confirm an exact duration and quote for your crane and operators.
Can you train on our own crane?
Yes. KeyOstas delivers mobile crane training in-company, on your own crane, in your real working environment.
How often is refresher training needed?
Refresher training is recommended every three to five years, in line with the certificate validity, and sooner after an incident or a change of crane or duties.
Do you train slingers and signallers too?
Yes. Safe lifting needs the whole team trained — see our slinger signaller and slinging & lifting operations courses.
Is KeyOstas an experienced training provider?
Yes. KeyOstas has delivered plant, lifting and operator training across the UK since 1984.

Train your mobile crane operators with KeyOstas

Talk to our team about in-company mobile crane training, delivered on your own crane anywhere in the UK.

Last reviewed: May 2026 — checked against the Safety Pass Alliance scheme and current course pricing.