Lorry Crane Course in Singapore: What You Learn and How the Test Works
Short answer: The lorry crane course in Singapore is the WSQ Operate Lorry Crane course. MOM has required every lorry crane operator to be certified under it since 1 September 2013. You learn to check, plan, set up, lift with and shut down a lorry crane, then sit a written test and a practical test. You must pass the written test before you can take the practical. At THT Academy the course takes 2 days (18 hours), test fees included.
Who needs the lorry crane course
Anyone who operates a lorry crane (also called a lorry loader) at work. MOM lists WSQ Operate Lorry Crane for employees who operate a lorry loader, and its circulars state that all lorry crane operators have to be certified under this course. Operators with at least 3 years of lorry crane experience can take the tests without attending the full course, through the Assessment Only Pathway. Our guide Do Lorry Crane Operators Need a Licence in Singapore? covers MOM’s rules in full.
What you learn: the 5 parts of the course
The course is built on the WSQ competency unit Operate Lorry Crane, which has 5 competency elements:
- Conduct routine checks: carry out pre-operation checks on the crane and lifting gear before work starts.
- Plan for lifting operations: work out the load, and use the crane’s load chart to make sure each lift is within the crane’s capacity.
- Set up the crane: check that the ground is suitable, position the crane for stability, and set up the outriggers.
- Lift and transfer the load: carry out the lift safely, following the correct communication signals.
- Shut down and secure the crane: stow the boom and outriggers and leave the crane secure.
The WSH Council’s technical notes for the course also list the topics it covers: WSH legislation, the roles of lifting personnel, lorry crane fundamentals, safe work practices, load estimation, rigging and signalling, risk assessment, standard operating procedures and emergency response.
How the lorry crane test works
- Written test first: multiple-choice questions on rigging and signalling, plus questions on reading a load chart.
- Practical test second: you operate the lorry crane through all 5 competency elements, and the assessor marks you Competent or Not Yet Competent.
- Order matters: you can only take the practical test after you pass the written test.
Learners who pass both receive a WSQ Statement of Attainment. THT Academy also issues a course pass, valid for 5 years from the assessment date.
Full course or Assessment Only Pathway?
| WSQ Operate Lorry Crane | Assessment Only Pathway | |
|---|---|---|
| For | New operators | Operators with at least 3 years of lorry crane experience |
| What you do | Full course, then the written and practical tests | The written and practical tests only |
| Time at THT Academy | 2 days (18 hours) | A 1-hour written test and a 1-hour practical test, in a morning or afternoon session |
| What to bring | No experience needed | A certificate of training from a manufacturer or training provider, or an employer’s letter confirming at least 3 years of relevant experience |
| Languages at THT Academy | English and Mandarin | English |
MOM’s circular states that experienced operators who fail the competency test will need to attend the full course.
MOM’s safe work rules you will use on the job
MOM’s circular on operating lorry cranes on public roads sets out safe work procedures for operators and employers. They include:
- Only trained and competent people may operate a lorry crane.
- Check the crane and its lifting gear every day before use.
- Have the crane and lifting gear inspected by an Authorised Examiner every 12 months, and keep a valid inspection certificate before work starts.
- Park the lorry crane on firm, stable ground and fully extend the outriggers.
- Mark out the lifting zone with warning signs and keep unauthorised people away from the crane.
- Keep enough clearance from overhead cables and structures at all times.
- Fully retract the boom to its home position before driving off.
- On public roads, follow LTA’s Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work Zones.
The lorry crane course at THT Academy
- Course: WSQ Operate Lorry Crane (course code TGS-2012500830)
- Duration: 2 days (18 hours), including test fees
- Languages: English and Mandarin
- Funding: English classes are eligible for SkillsFuture funding and SkillsFuture Credit for eligible learners. See the latest fee after funding on MySkillsFuture.
- Learner rating: 5.0 on MySkillsFuture (October 2026)
- Where: THT Academy, Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068
Fees and class dates are on the course page. Experienced operators can see the Assessment Only Pathway. Booking for a group? Contact us at sales@thtc.com.sg or 6269 5269.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the lorry crane course in Singapore?
At THT Academy, 2 days (18 hours), including the written and practical tests.
What is in the lorry crane test?
A written test with multiple-choice questions on rigging and signalling and questions on reading a load chart, followed by a practical test where you operate the lorry crane.
Do I have to pass the written test before the practical test?
Yes. You can only take the practical test after you pass the written test.
I have years of lorry crane experience. Do I need the full course?
Not if you have at least 3 years of lorry crane experience and can show proof. You can take the tests directly through the Assessment Only Pathway. If you fail, you will need to attend the full course.
Is the lorry crane course funded?
English classes of WSQ Operate Lorry Crane are eligible for SkillsFuture funding and SkillsFuture Credit for eligible learners. Classes in other languages are not funded.
What certificate do I get?
A WSQ Statement of Attainment. THT Academy also issues a course pass, valid for 5 years from the assessment date.
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