
The C2 crane licence is the most common entry-level slewing crane licence in Australia, covering mobile cranes up to 20 tonnes - and the c6 crane ticket picks up where it leaves off, covering slewing mobile cranes up to 60 tonnes. Same family of crane, different capacity classes.
Shamrock Training in Northgate Brisbane runs all four slewing crane classes - C2, C6, C1, and C0 - delivered by trainers who have operated slewing cranes on real construction and civil projects across Queensland. If you've been told you need a C2 crane licence and you're not sure which class applies to your work, call us before you book and we'll confirm it in five minutes.
DURATION
5 days
PREREQUISITE
N/A
OUTCOME
C2 licence
PRICE
TBD
The difference is the maximum rated capacity of the crane. The c2 crane licence covers slewing mobile cranes up to 20 tonnes, the C6 covers up to 60 tonnes, the C1 covers up to 100 tonnes, and the C0 covers cranes over 100 tonnes. Higher classes generally include the lower slewing mobile crane classes. Shamrock Training runs C2 and C6 courses weekly from Northgate Brisbane. C1 and C0 are available - contact us to confirm scheduling and availability.
Anyone required to operate a slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes as part of their work must hold a valid C2 High Risk Work Licence (TLILIC0022).
This includes:
Workers entering crane operations for the first time
Civil and construction workers who operate or will operate slewing mobile cranes on site
Anyone directed by their employer to hold a C2 HRWL
The C2 crane licence covers slewing mobile cranes up to 20 tonnes - machines capable of rotating 360 degrees and lifting heavy loads across various angles on site. Holding a C2 HRWL also authorises you to operate non-slewing mobile cranes and vehicle loading cranes, making it one of the most versatile entry points into crane operation in Australia. Without a valid C2 HRWL, you cannot legally operate a slewing mobile crane on any Australian worksite.
Anyone required to operate a slewing mobile crane up to 60 tonnes must hold a valid C6 High Risk Work Licence (TLILIC0023).
This includes:
Workers currently holding a c2 crane licence who need to operate cranes beyond 20 tonnes
Workers on major civil, infrastructure, or mining projects where cranes up to 60 tonnes are in use
Anyone directed by their employer to hold a C6 HRWL
The C6 also authorises you to operate lower-capacity slewing mobile cranes including C2 class, non-slewing mobile cranes, vehicle loading cranes, and reach stackers - making it a strong foundation for a long-term career in crane operations. After completing your assessment, you must apply directly to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) for your licence within the required timeframe. A separate government fee applies.
Theory:
Slewing crane types, fundamental concepts, and components
Load calculations and movements - reading and applying load charts to real lift scenarios
Lift planning - radius, height, and complex lift requirements
Ground bearing pressure assessment and crane set-up requirements
Supporting multi-crane lift operations
Pre-operational crane check requirements
Hazard and risk identification for slewing crane operations
Safety regulations, standards, and WHS requirements for high-risk crane work
Operator maintenance responsibilities
Practical:
Pre-operational crane checks
Crane set-up - outriggers, levelling, and configuration for lifts
Performing crane lifts at different radii and slewing positions
Reading and applying load charts during live crane operations
Communication and signalling - working with ground crew using whistle signals and hand signals
Identifying and managing hazards during crane operations
Operator maintenance on the crane
Shutting down the crane and carrying out post-operational checks
Call us with your crane model and its lifting capacity. We'll confirm whether you need a C2 crane licence, C6, C1, or C0 in five minutes. Booking the wrong class wastes your time and money - we sort that out before you book, not after.
Shamrock Training runs slewing crane courses from the Northgate Brisbane training centre, near Brisbane Airport. Workers travel from across Brisbane and South East Queensland for their C2 and C6 crane tickets. On-site training is available for project-based crews - contact us to confirm requirements and availability.
COURSE DETAILS
Are crane operators well paid?
Yes, crane operators are among the highest paid plant operators in Australia, with experienced slewing crane operators on major civil and infrastructure projects in Brisbane often earning well above standard construction rates. Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane delivers all crane licence classes from C2 through to CT tower crane, opening access to these higher-paying roles.
What skills do crane operators need?
Crane operators need strong spatial awareness, load chart reading ability, precise machine control, clear communication with dogmen and riggers, and thorough understanding of lift planning and WHS obligations. These skills are built into all crane licence courses delivered by Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane across C2, C6, C1, C0, CN, CV, and CT classifications.
What is the highest paid crane operator?
Tower crane operators and high-capacity slewing crane operators holding C1 and C0 licences are generally the highest paid in Australia, with experienced operators on major Brisbane infrastructure projects earning over $150,000 per year. Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane delivers both the CT tower crane licence and all slewing mobile crane classes up to C0.
What is the difference between Class C and Class D cranes?
In the Australian HRWL classification system, C class covers slewing mobile cranes with C2, C6, C1, and C0 progressing through increasing capacity, while D class is not a standard Queensland crane licence category. Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane delivers all C class slewing mobile crane licences (TLILIC0022) with WHSQ-issued licences on completion.
What are the responsibilities of a crane operator?
A crane operator is responsible for pre-operational machine inspections, reading and applying load charts, executing lifts safely in coordination with dogmen and riggers, managing site hazards, and complying with lift plans and WHS obligations. All of these responsibilities are covered across the crane licence courses delivered by Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane.
What is a C2 crane?
A C2 crane licence is the entry-level slewing mobile crane HRWL in Queensland, authorising the holder to operate slewing mobile cranes up to 20 tonnes capacity. Shamrock Training in Northgate, Brisbane delivers the C2 crane licence (TLILIC0022) as the starting point for operators building toward higher crane classifications.
Book Your Training in Brisbane
We run courses weekly from our Northgate training centre, with flexible weekday and weekend availability. Demand is high, especially before major project starts across key industrial areas. Have a question about which ticket suits your role? Check our FAQs → or get in touch directly.
Need on-site training? Our trainers can travel anywhere in Queensland.