The C0 crane ticket is for operators who need to work with a slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes. A slewing mobile crane is a mobile crane with a boom or jib that can slew, which means it can rotate around its base or centre point while carrying out lifting work.The C0 is often called an open crane ticket. In plain English, it is the class for operators working above the 100-tonne cut-off. You may also see people type it as a CO licence, but the official WorkSafe Victoria class code is C0, with a zero.The split works like this:
- C1 crane ticket: slewing mobile cranes up to 100 tonnes
- C0 crane ticket: slewing mobile cranes over 100 tonnes
That makes the 100-tonne line the main difference between the two licence classes.
C1 vs C0 at a glance
The C1 crane ticket and C0 crane ticket both fall within the slewing mobile crane licence stream. The difference is capacity.
| Licence class | What it covers | National unit |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Slewing mobile crane up to 100 tonnes | TLILIC0021 |
| C0 | Slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes | TLILIC0020 |
A 100-tonne crane sits within C1. Once the crane exceeds 100 tonnes, the operator needs the higher C0 class.
What this means on site
The licence class is based on the crane’s rated capacity, not only the load being lifted that day.That means you need to check:
- The crane’s Maximum Rated Capacity
- The lift plan
- The site requirements
- The licence class required for the plant being operated
A lift may be well under 100 tonnes, but if the crane itself is rated above 100 tonnes, the operator generally needs the C0 class.
When do you need a crane ticket over 100 tonnes?
You need the C0 class when the slewing mobile crane you are operating has a capacity exceeding 100 tonnes.This may come up on larger projects where bigger cranes are used for heavier or more complex lifts. You are more likely to see C0 requirements in:
- Civil infrastructure projects
- Shutdowns and industrial works
- Precast and heavy construction
- Mining or major plant work
- Wind, energy, or large-scale installation projects
These jobs often use larger crawler cranes, all-terrain cranes, or heavy slewing mobile cranes where the 100-tonne line is quickly passed.
Why the 100-tonne line changes the licence you need
The 100-tonne cut-off is a licensing boundary. It isn’t based on how confident you feel or how often you’ve used cranes before.
Bigger cranes bring more planning
A larger slewing mobile crane can involve:
- Larger counterweights
- Longer boom configurations
- More detailed load charts
- Ground-bearing pressure checks
- Tighter communication between the operator, dogger, rigger, and lift supervisor
The higher class is there because the risk profile changes. The work is heavier, the crane setup can be more complex, and mistakes can have significantly more serious consequences.
Is a C0 the same as an open crane ticket?
Yes. In common industry language, C0 is often called an open crane ticket because it covers slewing mobile cranes over 100 tonnes.That said, use the official class code when you are checking a job ad, booking training, or confirming site access. Look for:
- C0
- High Risk Work licence
- TLILIC0020
- Slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes
“Open crane ticket” is widely understood, but “C0 slewing mobile crane licence” is more precise.
Can you skip C1 and go straight to C0?
The national TLILIC0020 unit does not list a prerequisite unit on training.gov.au. That does not mean C0 is the right starting point for every learner.Many operators build experience through lower crane classes before moving into over-100-tonne work. Employers may also ask for proof of recent crane experience, site exposure, logbooks, Verification of Competency, or previous work around larger lifts.
A better question to ask
Before booking, ask yourself:
- Have I worked around slewing mobile cranes before?
- Do I understand lift planning and load charts?
- Am I confident communicating with doggers, riggers, and supervisors?
- Do I need C0 for a current role, future role, or employer requirement?
If you have already worked with C2, C6, or C1 cranes, a C0 crane ticket may be the next step. If you are new to crane work, you may need to start with a lower mobile crane licence class or related High Risk Work training first.Not sure which ticket you need? Enquire now and tell us what work you’re doing.
How dogging and rigging fit into crane work
On many lifts, the crane operator works closely with a licensed dogger or rigger.A dogger helps with slinging techniques, load estimation, lifting gear selection, and directing the crane operator when the operator cannot see the load clearly. Rigging work can also be needed where loads, structures, or lifting methods require more involved setup.
Licence classes still matter
Holding a slewing crane licence does not automatically mean you can carry out every dogging or rigging task on site. The licence class needs to match the work you are doing.This is especially important on over-100-tonne crane work, where the lift plan, communication method, exclusion zones, ground setup, and load control need to be clear before the crane starts moving.
Choosing the right mobile crane licence
If you are choosing between C1 and C0, start with the equipment you need to operate.
Choose C1 if
A C1 crane ticket may be the better fit if you operate slewing mobile cranes up to 100 tonnes. This can suit operators working with larger mobile cranes that still fall under the 100-tonne limit.
Choose C0 if
A C0 crane ticket is needed if your work involves slewing mobile cranes over 100 tonnes, or if your employer needs you to hold an open crane ticket for larger projects.You may also need to check whether another mobile crane license class fits your work better. For example, CN applies to non-slewing mobile cranes over 3 tonnes, while C2 and C6 apply to smaller slewing mobile cranes up to 20 tonnes and up to 60 tonnes.The safest approach is to match the licence to the crane, not the job title. A “crane operator” role can mean very different things depending on the plant, capacity, site, and lift type.
Take the next step with CTI
Construction Training International Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation, RTO No 7107, offering nationally recognised construction and High Risk Work licence training.If you are comparing a C1 crane ticket with a C0 crane ticket, CTI can help you work out which course fits your current experience and the type of crane work you want to do next.View calendar and choose a date that suits you.
