ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Make sure no crane operator works with an expired licence
The Spanish tower crane operator licence, issued by the regional authority and valid throughout Spain, lasts five years and is renewed for equal periods on proof of the requirement named in Annex VI (Annex VI, section 6.2, of ITC MIE-AEM-2, Royal Decree 836/2003). Crane inspections also check the operator's licence.
Operating the tower cranes covered by the technical instruction ITC MIE-AEM-2 requires the tower crane operator licence (carné de operador de grúa torre) (Annex VI, section 2, of Royal Decree 836/2003). The cranes must be operated at all times by a crane operator, and a licence issued under Annex VI is valid throughout Spain (Article 7). It is issued by the competent authority of the autonomous community once the requirements are proven (Annex VI, section 6.1).
To obtain it, applicants must be of legal age, have the necessary knowledge and pass a medical examination of visual acuity, sense of orientation, balance, hearing and psychological aptitude. Knowledge is proven in one of these ways: a compulsory secondary education certificate or equivalent plus a theory and practice course of at least 200 hours (50 theory and 150 practice) at an authorised provider and an exam by the autonomous community; a vocational training qualification or professional certificate covering the subject; certification by a body accredited under UNE-EN ISO 17024; or recognition of a qualification obtained in another EU Member State (Annex VI, sections 3 and 4).
The licence is valid for five years and can be renewed for equal periods, subject to proof of the requirement that the consolidated text refers to as "section 3.c)" of Annex VI (section 6.2). Inspections of tower cranes also check the operator's accreditation (Annex III, point 9.5).
At a glance
| Validity | Five years (Annex VI, section 6.2) |
|---|---|
| Renewal | For equal five-year periods (section 6.2) |
| Issued by | The competent authority of the autonomous community (section 6.1) |
| Scope | All of Spain (Article 7) |
| Minimum age | Legal age (section 3) |
| Theory and practice course | At least 200 hours: 50 theory and 150 practice (section 4.1) |
Who is responsible?
The crane user, meaning its owner or lessee, is responsible for its use and custody and for proper maintenance (section 2.19 of the ITC). The crane operator is the person with the knowledge and authorisation to operate it (section 2.22) and needs the licence to do so (Annex VI, section 2).
If the deadline passes
The licence is valid for five years (section 6.2) and operating a tower crane requires holding it (section 2 of Annex VI), so it is wise to apply for renewal before it expires.
What must be proven to renew
Section 6.2 of Annex VI refers to "section 3.c)" of the same annex for renewal. In the current wording of section 3, letter c) is certification by an accredited body, while the medical examination appears as requirement number 3. Ask the competent authority of your autonomous community which documents it requires for renewal.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add an entry for each crane operator and set the due date to the expiry date on the licence.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself.
- The operator can upload the renewed licence through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the site manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the tower crane operator licence valid?
- Five years; it can then be renewed for equal periods (Annex VI, section 6.2, of Royal Decree 836/2003).
- Is it valid throughout Spain?
- Yes, a licence issued under Annex VI is valid throughout Spain (Article 7 of ITC MIE-AEM-2).
- Who issues the licence?
- The competent authority of the autonomous community, once the requirements of section 3 of Annex VI are proven (section 6.1).
- How long is the course?
- At least 200 hours: a 50-hour theory module and a 150-hour practical module. (section 4.1).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for tower crane operator licence (Spain)
A ready template for tower crane operator licence (Spain) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each tower crane operator licence (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each tower crane operator licence (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.