Excavator COURSE

2 WEEK 80 HOUR COURSE

National Training is thrilled to offer an expanded range of training courses specifically designed to meet a wider variety of needs. As a Heavy Equipment Operator School, we understand that not everyone wants to train on multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously. That is why we have developed individual 2-week training courses for four different types of heavy equipment: bulldozer, articulated loader, excavator, and tractor loader backhoe. Our excavator training courses are especially popular for students who want to specialize in digging, trenching, and site preparation.

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

After successful completion of the Excavator Course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and an entry into the NCCER Registry for the excavator. This means your excavator training courses are backed by nationally recognized standards that employers trust.

start working sooner

Our Excavator Course consists of classroom, simulator, and hands-on/lab training. In just 2 weeks, you could be up and running as an Excavator Operator! With focused excavator training courses, students gain real-world seat time and the confidence to begin working quickly.

Bulldozer operator training

Excavator COURSE CATALOG

Complete details of this course are contained in our Excavator Course Catalog. Click on the catalog image to view and download the PDF version.

Heavy Courses Catalog Cover Aug 2025

excavator COURSE SCHEDULE

80 Hour, 2 week Training Course

Upcoming Starting and Ending dates for our Excavator training classes are shown below

 2026

 

Start End

January 5, 2026

January 13, 2026

February 2, 2026

February 10, 2026

March 2, 2026

March 10, 2026

March 30, 2026

April 07, 2026

April 27, 2026

May 05, 2026

May 26, 2026

June 02, 2026

June 22, 2026

June 30, 2026

 

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.

Course ID Description Hours
Orientation 1
RTL-1 Heavy Equipment Safety 8
RTL-2 Excavator Controls, Pre-Operation Inspection 2
RTL-3 Excavator Types, Uses and Components 2
RTL-4 Excavator Safety, Inspection and Service Guidelines 2
RTL-5 Basic Startup and Operating Procedures 2
RTL-6 Basic Maneuvers and Operations 2
RTL-7 Loading a Transport Unit 2
RTL-8 Low-bed Trailer 2
RTL-9 Excavator Simulator Training and Exercises 25
Job Placement Assistance 1
Class Graduation and Exit Interview 1
Total Classroom Theory 50

HANDS ON EQUIPMENT

PROJECTS & EXERCISES

Equipment Projects will utilize bulldozers.

Course ID Description Hours
RTE-1 Heavy Equipment Safety – Performance Tasks 2
RTE-2 Prestart Inspection and Preventative Maintenance on an Excavator 4
RTE-3 Startup, Warm-up, and Shutdown Procedures 4
RTE-4 Excavator Basic Maneuvers 10
RTE-5 Excavator Operation 10
Total Hands On Equipment Projects & Exercises 30
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS 80
Excavator Driver Training | Earth Movers School – NTI National Training Institute
Train safely on National Training's Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator
Excavators Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator School

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. The excavator course is a 2-week, 80-hour program that combines classroom learning, simulator practice, and hands-on training to prepare students for the job.

Q2. Do I get certified after completing the excavator course?

A2. Yes. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, and their name is entered into the NCCER Registry, which is nationally recognized by employers.

Q3. Why should I choose excavator training courses instead of the full Heavy Now program?

A3. If you prefer to focus only on one machine at a time, or specifically want to master excavator operation first, this course is the best fit. The Heavy Now program covers multiple machines, but this option provides targeted training.

Q4. Can I start working quickly after completing the excavator training courses?

A4. Yes. In just 2 weeks, the course prepares you to become a job-ready Excavator Operator with practical skills and recognized credentials.