All students registering for the first time in the 2024/2025 school year must create a new account to register for class.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) not only work on regular construction building jobs, but also on infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, and ports, otherwise called non-building construction), and in mining and timber operations. A trained and experienced equipment operator provides the necessary skills for any project that requires moving and transporting heavy materials or that demands any kind of earthmoving. The CITC three-year curriculum prepares workers for a wide range of careers using a curriculum and hands-on training that covers each major piece of heavy equipment, as well as topics such as Civil Blueprint Reading, Soils, and Paving.

Note: It is crucial that students have the required physical textbooks and class materials by the first day of class. Students will be instructed on how to purchase the required e-text(s) on the first day of class. A student who does not have all required e-texts, textbooks and materials by the end of the second week may be dismissed from class and charged with an absence.  To purchase the stand alone NCCERConnect with e-text, students will need a Course ID #. Course ID will be provided by the course instructor. CITC Instructor will provide the Course ID no later than the first day of class. Students are expected to purchase the required e-texts during the first day of class.

CITC strives to offer a variety of class schedules and locations for students to select from. To ensure your place in a class of your choice CITC encourages your registration as soon as registration opens.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis. If the class you have selected is full, you will be transferred into the next available class at the CITC facility nearest your home zip code.

Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1

Students will begin the course with a thorough review core concepts for the construction industry including personal safety, basic tool safety, trade mathematics, blueprint reading, basic rigging, and appropriate communication skills for craft professionals. Students will then review construction site safety and equipment safety and its importance to working as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Students will be introduced to most types of equipment including equipment identification, maintenance and basic operational techniques, operation of utility tractors, and an introduction to earth moving and grades. Practical projects are assigned to practice skills. Includes OSHA 10, and First Aid/CPR Training.

BOOKS - HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR LEVEL 1
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) on the first day of class:
REQUIRED TEXT  Soft Cover ISBN 
NCCER Core Curriculum, 6th Edition 9780137483341
NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1, 3rd Edition 9780136638971

Western Washington Region

HEO Level 1

Location Course# Term Total Weeks Class Hours Day(s) Start Date End Date Start/End Time Class Dates Tuition Payment
Location - Tuition Course# Day(s) - Time Start Date - End Date
Ferndale 102 WTR 3 weeks 160 hrs Mon-Thu 01/27/25 02/21/25 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 01/27-01/30, 02/03-02/06, 02/10-02/13, 02/18-02/21 $14,450 Register
Ferndale
$14,450
Register
WTR - 3 weeks Mon-Thu - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 01/27/25 - 02/21/25

Heavy Equipment Operator Level 2

Students will review safe operations and practice of on-road dump trucks, scrapers, loaders, rough terrain forklifts and skid steers. Students will also review excavation math, interpret civil drawings, perform site work, and learn about techniques for working in various soil classifications.  An emphasis will be placed on site and operator safety.

 

BOOKS - HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR LEVEL 2
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) on the first night of class:
REQUIRED TEXT Soft Cover ISBN 
NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 2, 3rd Edition 9780133402513

Western Washington Region

HEO Level 2

Location Course# Term Total Weeks Class Hours Day(s) Start Date End Date Start/End Time Class Dates Tuition Payment
Location - Tuition Course# Day(s) - Time Start Date - End Date
Ferndale 202 WTR 3 weeks 160 hrs Mon-Thu 01/27/25 02/21/25 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 01/27-01/30, 02/03-02/06, 02/10-02/13, 02/18-02/21 $14,450 Register
Ferndale
$14,450
Register
WTR - 3 weeks Mon-Thu - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 01/27/25 - 02/21/25

Heavy Equipment Operator Level 3

Students will practice finishing and grading, use compaction equipment, and practice advanced operation techniques on dozers, backhoes, excavators and motor graders. Students will also review safe operations and practice on off-road dump trucks. The course also introduces students to crew leader skills.

BOOKS - HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR  LEVEL 3
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) on the first night of class:
REQUIRED TEXT Soft Cover ISBN
NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 3, 3rd Edition  9780133402568

Western Washington Region

HEO Level 3

Location Course# Term Total Weeks Class Hours Day(s) Start Date End Date Start/End Time Class Dates Tuition Payment
Location - Tuition Course# Day(s) - Time Start Date - End Date
Pullman 302 WTR 3 weeks 160 hrs Mon-Thu 02/03/25 02/27/25 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 02/03-02/06, 02/10-02/13, 02/18-02/21, 02/24-02/27 $14,450 Register
Pullman
$14,450
Register
WTR - 3 weeks Mon-Thu - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 02/03/25 - 02/27/25

As a part of our dedication and commitment to training, we take pride in delivering top quality instructors. CITC’s instructors are highly skilled journey-level workers who bring their knowledge and years of trade experience into the classroom. All CITC instructors have been certified certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Gary Davis started in the trade in 2003 and became a CITC faculty member in 2015.

Lonnie Dotson started in the trade in 1988 and became a CITC faculty member in 2019.

Matt Jones started in the trade in 1995 and became a CITC faculty member in 2011.

Denny Knudson has over 30 years experience in the construction industry and became a CITC faculty member in 2019.

Paul Kramer started in the trade in 1991 and became a CITC faculty member in 2011.