Heavy Equipment Operator- Excavator
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
An excavator operator masters all concepts and procedures involved in the operation of excavators. This includes basic daily preventive maintenance, safety checking, and control of the machine. He/she identifies attachments and uses the excavator to perform the appropriate work-related tasks.
Duration
Not specified
Credits
Not specified
Cost
Not specified
Format
Hybrid
What You'll Learn
AI-generatedKey competencies developed through this program
- Hands-onOperate excavator controls and systems following safety protocols in construction and excavation work environments.Developing
- Hands-onPerform daily preventive maintenance inspections on excavators using manufacturer specifications and industry standards.Developing
- Hands-onExecute excavation tasks including trenching, grading, and material handling using appropriate attachments under supervision.Developing
- KnowledgeApply safety procedures and hazard identification protocols when conducting pre-operational safety checks on excavators.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate excavator boom, stick, and bucket controls to perform precise digging and placement operations.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate understanding of excavator operational capacities and limitations in varied terrain and working conditions.Developing
- Hands-onHandle attachment changes and equipment setup following manufacturer guidelines and safety requirements.Developing
- MindsetCommit to workplace safety practices and professional conduct when operating heavy equipment on job sites with other personnel.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret site plans and work orders to execute excavation tasks according to project specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify excavator attachments and their appropriate applications for various work-related tasks and site conditions.Emerging
Skills developed through this program
- Apply heavy equipment safety practices to protect the operator and others on the worksite
- Perform basic excavator operational techniques including machine controls startup shutdown and travel
- Establish and maintain grades and perform site work using the excavator
- Identify soil types and apply earthmoving principles to support excavation operations
- Perform excavation math calculations to support site grading and volume estimation
- Execute excavator operations including digging trenching material handling and site cleanup
Occupations this program prepares you for
- Agricultural Equipment Operators45-2091.00
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining47-5022.00
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators53-1043.00
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining47-5044.00
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators47-2071.00
Detailed information about this program
Focus Statement An excavator operator masters all concepts and procedures involved in the operation of excavators. This includes basic daily preventive maintenance, safety checking, and control of the machine. He/she identifies attachments and uses the excavator to perform the appropriate work-related tasks. Overview l Two-hour closed-book examination l May use a basic function, non-printing calculator l No extra papers, books, notes or study materials are allowed Minimum passing score is 75.
What you need to earn this credential
No requirements listed.
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.