Excavator Training Course | 80-Hour Program
National Training, Inc.’s Excavator Training course consists of 80 clock hours and is normally completed in two weeks of full-time training. The course combines classroom, simulator, and hands-on instruction designed to build entry-level excavator operating skills.
Students who successfully complete all course requirements may receive a National Training Certificate of Completion and an academic transcript. Where applicable, students may earn NCCER Registry credentials after successfully completing required modules and assessments.
Completion does not make a graduate a licensed or certified heavy equipment operator and does not guarantee employment.
why choose this course?
you've got options
Train on one piece of equipment at a time, or take our Heavy Now Course to train on all 4. Choosing our excavator training courses allows you to focus only on excavator operation while still having the option to expand later.
nccer registry
Upon successful completion of the Excavator Course, students may receive a National Training Certificate of Completion.. Students who successfully complete the required NCCER modules and assessments earn an excavator credential recorded in the NCCER Registry. NCCER credentials are built on nationally recognized, industry-standard curriculum and are portable across employers nationwide. Credential attainment and employment are not guaranteed.
80 hours over two weeks
Our Excavator Course consists of classroom, simulator, and hands-on/lab training delivered over 80 clock hours, normally completed in two weeks of full-time training. The course is designed to help students build entry-level excavator operating skills and jobsite safety awareness.
Current Heavy Equipment Catalog — August 2026, Volume 13
Complete details of this course are contained in our Heavy Equipment Courses Catalog. Click on the catalog image to view and download the PDF version.
excavator COURSE SCHEDULE
80 Hour, 2 week Training Course
Upcoming Starting and Ending dates for our Excavator training classes are shown below
2026–2027
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Nov 9, 2026 | Nov 17, 2026 |
| Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 15, 2026 |
| Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 12, 2027 |
| Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 9, 2027 |
| Mar 1, 2027 | Mar 9, 2027 |
| Mar 29, 2027 | Apr 6, 2027 |
| Apr 26, 2027 | May 4, 2027 |
| May 24, 2027 | Jun 1, 2027 |
| Jun 21, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 |
| Jul 19, 2027 | Jul 27, 2027 |
| Aug 16, 2027 | Aug 24, 2027 |
| Sep 13, 2027 | Sep 21, 2027 |
| Oct 11, 2027 | Oct 19, 2027 |
COURSE BREAKDOWN AND CURRICULUM HOURS 2 WEEKS (80 HOURS)
“L” indicates lesson. Lessons are numbered sequentially.
RTE = Resident Training Exercises
RTL = Resident Training Classroom Lessons
CLASSROOM LESSONS
U.S. Department of Education defines a classroom hour as 1 clock hour which equals
50 minutes of instructor led training plus 10 minute break.
HANDS ON EQUIPMENT
PROJECTS & EXERCISES
Equipment Projects will utilize excavators.
excavator course tuition
- Course Fee Breakdown
- Tuition $4,995
- Non-Refundable Administration Fee $100
- Books/Supplies are included
- *NOTES:
- • Admin Fee: Non-refundable; maximum non-refundable charges will not exceed $100.
- • Lodging/Transportation: Optional; costs vary based on individual arrangements.
view our other individual heavy equipment courses
bulldozer
articulated loader
tractor loader backhoe
excavator
FAQs
Q1. How long do the excavator training courses take?
A1. National Training’s Excavator Training course is 80 clock hours. The course is typically completed in approximately two weeks, depending on the scheduled class calendar and successful completion of all required course hours.
The program is designed to provide hands-on, entry-level excavator training in equipment safety, machine inspection, start-up and shutdown procedures, basic controls, digging, trenching support, site preparation, material handling, and jobsite awareness.
Students must successfully complete the required 80 clock hours and applicable program requirements to receive a National Training Certificate of Completion. Where applicable, students may also receive NCCER Registry credentials for successfully completed modules.
National Training does not guarantee employment, wages, licensing, certification as a heavy equipment operator, or specific job placement outcomes.
Q2. Do I get certified after completing the excavator course?
A2. Students who successfully complete National Training’s Excavator Training course may receive a National Training Certificate of Completion.
Where applicable, students may also receive NCCER Registry credentials for successfully completed modules, based on course requirements, attendance, testing, and successful module completion.
National Training does not represent that completion of this course makes a student a licensed or certified heavy equipment operator. There is no state-issued heavy equipment operator license required for this course. Employment, wages, licensing, certification, or specific job placement outcomes are not guaranteed.
Q3. Why should I choose excavator training courses instead of the full Heavy Now program?
A3. National Training’s Excavator Training course may be a good option for students who want focused, hands-on training on one specific machine instead of a broader heavy equipment training program.
<>The Excavator Training course is 80 clock hours and is designed to help students develop entry-level skills in excavator safety, machine inspection, start-up and shutdown procedures, basic controls, digging, trenching support, site preparation, material handling, and jobsite awareness.
This course may be appropriate for students who:
- Want focused training on excavator operation
- Need training on one specific piece of equipment
- Already have experience with other types of heavy equipment
- Work for an employer that specifically needs excavator training
- Want a shorter training option than the full Heavy Now program
- Are interested in entry-level skills used in excavation, trenching support, grading support, utilities, land clearing, and site preparation
The Heavy Now program is a broader 208-clock-hour program that includes training on multiple types of heavy equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes, and articulated wheel loaders.
Students who want exposure to several machines and a more comprehensive heavy equipment training experience should consider the Heavy Now program. Students who only need excavator-focused training may prefer the 80-clock-hour Excavator Training course.
National Training does not guarantee employment, wages, licensing, certification as a heavy equipment operator, or specific job placement outcomes. Eligible graduates may receive job placement assistance.
Q4. Can I start working quickly after completing the excavator training courses?
A4. Completing National Training’s Excavator Training course may help students prepare for entry-level opportunities in construction, site development, utilities, land clearing, grading, excavation support, trenching support, and related industries. However, National Training does not guarantee employment, wages, how quickly a graduate may be hired, or any specific job placement outcome.
The Excavator Training course is designed to help students develop practical, entry-level skills in excavator safety, machine inspection, start-up and shutdown procedures, basic controls, digging, trenching support, site preparation, material handling, and jobsite awareness.
Eligible graduates may receive job placement assistance, including resume support, employer referrals, and guidance on pursuing entry-level heavy equipment operator opportunities. Hiring timelines depend on the graduate’s qualifications, attendance, performance, background, employer requirements, location, and current job market conditions.