New applicants must obtain certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, an accredited non-profit organization that develops performance assessments for safe crane operations nationwide. Applicants seeking certification must pass written and practical exams administered by the NCCCO, as well as undergo a criminal background check, demonstrate physical fitness and comply with a substance abuse policy.

Individuals who currently hold active class C hoist machine operator licenses must meet the new requirements and obtain NCCCO certification by Sept. 30, 2009, to retain their licenses. "These new requirements will better ensure individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate the most advanced mobile cranes available," says commissioner-designate LiMandri, in a prepared statement. "Any type of crane is a complex piece of machinery that requires a unique set of skills, and these modernized tests accurately measure one's ability for the cranes being used today."

To obtain a class C license, an applicant must have at least two years of experience within three years prior to application under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed HMO in New York City or in another jurisdiction that regulates crane operators. These jurisdictions include California, Chicago, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Orleans, Omaha, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, West Virginia and Washington, DC. At least one of the required years of experience must be in New York City or another "dense urban environment," according to a prepared statement.