Determine which of OSHA's three operator qualification pathways (state/local license, accredited testing-organization certification, or audited employer program) a given crane operator relies on, and confirm its validity period under 29 CFR 1926.1427.

Steps

1. Pull 1926.1427 from osha.gov and identify which of the three qualification pathways in paragraph (c) applies to the operator: government license (c)(1), accredited testing-org certification (d), or audited employer program (e).
2. For a government license, confirm the issuing jurisdiction's licensing program meets the criteria in (c)(1)(i)-(iv) and note the license is valid for the period the licensing body sets, capped at 5 years by (c)(1)(v).
3. For accredited testing-org certification (e.g., NCCCO), confirm it is valid for 5 years under (d)(4) and portable among employers per (d)(3).
4. For an audited employer program, confirm it is NOT portable between employers per (e)(6)(i), and check that the program has been audited within the required 3-month/3-year cycle under (e)(3).
5. Separately confirm the employer has completed the equipment-specific evaluation required by paragraph (f), which is distinct from and required in addition to certification/licensing.