# How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Texas Requirements For Working As A Heavy Equipment Operator 2. Why Are Certifications Required? 3. What About A Driver’s License? 4. Physical Fitness 5. Drug Tests 6. Are You Considering A Career As A Heavy Equipment Operator In Texas? 7. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![How To Become A Heavy Equipment Operator In Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/how-to-become-a-heavy-equipment-operator-in-texas-300x158.jpg) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities for construction equipment operators are projected to experience [steady growth](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-equipment-operators.htm) through 2033. Most jobs in the sector require a high school diploma in addition to specialized training and licensing, though some opportunities for on-the-job training are available.  There are many reasons to be interested in a career as a heavy equipment operator, especially in Texas. But just as it can open many doors, it’s important to recognize that such a position can also increase your risk of incurring a [workplace injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/workplace-injury-lawyer/). In fact, heavy equipment-related accidents are the [third leading cause](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17126367/) of fatalities among construction workers. ## Texas Requirements For Working As A Heavy Equipment Operator A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate is the basic educational requirement for starting a career as a heavy equipment operator.  Skill training, in which you familiarize yourself with the safe operation of heavy machinery, is also necessary. Specialized training programs are available through operators’ unions, apprenticeships, and some technical colleges within the state.  Several certifications may also be required to show that a candidate has the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to operate potentially dangerous equipment. Certifications help teach safe operational practices that help decrease the risk of serious harm, such as [spinal cord injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/).  Some necessary certifications may include the following: - National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certificate - Certificate of Formal Training - National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Certification Passing a Qualifying Exam from the Texas Department of Transportation may also be required. Furthermore, operators must also be able to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. That may require passing other written tests with a minimum score of 70% in addition to operating equipment under supervision.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Why Are Certifications Required? Training and certification are needed to prevent heavy equipment accidents. Some of the risks involved with heavy machine operation include the following: - Rollover accidents - Poor equipment maintenance - Improper rigging - Improper load handling - Inexperienced or poorly trained operators Accidents involving heavy equipment can be deadly and put many people at risk, which is a major reason why employers are required to provide [workers’ compensation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/) benefits to those who have been injured on the job, regardless of who is at fault.  ## What About A Driver’s License? A current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is also required to become a heavy equipment operator since equipment must often be driven from one job site to another. Any duty that includes operating a trailer of over 10,000 pounds also requires a CDL.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Physical Fitness Some employers may also have fitness requirements in place for their workers to operate heavy equipment. Professional operators spend many hours operating dangerous equipment in challenging environments. These conditions can cause physical and mental fatigue, which makes the need to maintain basic fitness levels something that cannot be overlooked.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Drug Tests Employers may also require random drug testing for heavy equipment operators. [Employer drug testing](https://efte.twc.texas.gov/drug_and_alcohol_policies.html) is legal in Texas, and company policies may include pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random screenings, and “for cause” testing. Be that as it may, employees are still afforded some protections under state and federal laws.  ## Are You Considering A Career As A Heavy Equipment Operator In Texas? Heavy equipment operators work under dangerous conditions for long hours. Despite the risks, these types of construction jobs are highly sought for their good pay and opportunities.  The certifications and training required to become a heavy equipment operator are in place to protect the drivers, all on-site workers, and reduce the risk of personal injury. ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Workplace Accidents Blog Posts: [![What You Should Know About Underwater and Hyperbaric Welding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Underwater-and-Hyperbaric-Welding-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-underwater-and-hyperbaric-welding/) [What You Should Know About Underwater and Hyperbaric Welding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-underwater-and-hyperbaric-welding/) Underwater and hyperbaric welding are some of the most dangerous jobs in the maritime industry. These types of welding [![How a Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Severance Package in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/How-a-Lawyer-Can-Help-Negotiate-a-Severance-Package-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-a-lawyer-can-help-negotiate-a-severance-package-in-houston/) [How a Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Severance Package in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-a-lawyer-can-help-negotiate-a-severance-package-in-houston/) Are you being offered a severance package after leaving your job in Houston, TX? Severance agreements can be complex [![Unique Workplace Challenges for Healthcare Workers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Unique-Workplace-Challenges-for-Healthcare-Workers-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/unique-workplace-challenges-for-healthcare-workers/) [Unique Workplace Challenges for Healthcare Workers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/unique-workplace-challenges-for-healthcare-workers/) Common career paths in the healthcare industry include physicians and nurses. Yet, there are hundreds of careers [![https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/minimum-amount-of-auto-insurance-coverage-required-in-texas/](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Most-Dangerous-Jobs-in-the-U.S.-According-to-OSHA-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-us-according-to-osha/) [Most Dangerous Jobs in the U.S. According to OSHA](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-us-according-to-osha/) It’s no secret that certain careers are riskier than others. Wondering if your job is one of the riskiest in --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-become-a-heavy-equipment-operator-in-texas/