Heavy Equipment Operations with CDL License

7 Months – Total Clock Hours: 720

2025 /2026 Tuition:  $13,505

2026 / 2027 Tuition:  $13,910

Start dates:  1/6/2026, 7/26/2026, & 1/6/2027

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Valid Driver’s License, Criminal RecordCheck, Child Abuse Clearance.

Program Overview

This program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of operation and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment. The topics of study include an introduction to the broad field of the construction industry and the many job opportunities available. Safety during maintenance and operation procedures will be emphasized.

The program will address how to perform trench work and how to prepare layout, excavate, and backfill building sites. Students will also be taught related OSHA rules and regulations. This training will prepare students for work in suchoccupations as heavy equipment operation, road construction, quarry work, landscaping, and a host of other employmentfields. Students can obtain their CDL Class A license through this program.

Maximum # of Students Per Class: 20

Program starts in January and July. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

ENTRY-LEVEL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Construction Equipment Operator
• Dump Truck Driver
• Paving, Surface, and Tamping Equipment Operator
• Material Moving Worker

Course Descriptions

HEC-106 – INTRODUCTION TO HEAVY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
This course introduces students to the essential principles of heavy equipment maintenance. Students will learn how to identify and address minor mechanical issues before they escalate into major failures. Emphasis is placed on understanding the machinery they will operate, including routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting techniques. This foundational knowledge ensures students are prepared to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently.  (36 Lecture Hours – 36 Lab Hours)

HCD-107 – CDL Theory and Driving

In this course, students are introduced to the core concepts required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The curriculum covers CDL theory, safety regulations, and vehicle operation fundamentals. Students will also receive hands-on driving instruction to build the skills necessary for safe and competent operation of CDL-class vehicles. This course prepares students for both the written and practical components of the CDL examination. (56 Lecture Hours – 88 Lab Hours)

HES-110 – INTRO TO SAFETY AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
In Intro to Safety and Heavy Equipment Operations, students will be taught the safety aspects of being around Heavy Equipment as they get introduced into the equipment and how to perform basic maneuvers with them. Those pieces will include Excavators, Bulldozers, Backhoes, Skid Steers, Loaders, Haul Units, and a Grader. They will also be taught in this course what the typical expectations are from employers. Students in this course may continue driving CDL Vehicles to prepare for their CDL License tests. (24 Lecture Hours – 48 Lab Hours)

HEW-120 – INTRODUCTION TO SITE WORK
The Introduction to Site Work course contains information on the processes that go into land development. This includes reading grade stakes, civil drawings, excavation math, and how to layout their own projects. Students will design their own land development plan, then figure out how long it would take to complete that job. In addition, students will be taught how to use GPS technology for a machine control system. Students in this course may also continue driving CDL Vehicles to Prepare for CDL License Tests. (72 Lecture Hours – 150 Lab Hours)

HFG-166 – FINISHING AND GRADING
Finishing and Grading highlights the equipment modules and techniques to proficiently operate at a safe, but production pace. These equipment modules include backhoes, excavator, bulldozers, loaders, skid steers, haul trucks, and rollers. Students in this course will demonstrate their abilities to thoughtfully plan out a job to increase production. In this course, students may begin testing for their NCCER Equipment Certifications and Class- A CDL based on their current skill levels. (46 Lecture Hours – 92 Lab Hours)

HEE-198 – PROFICIENCY EXAMS
Proficiency Exams will primarily focus on students’ ability to fine- and hone their Equipment Operating skills and complete testing for their NCCER Equipment Operation Certifications. They will be expected to also complete their CDL Tests by this time as well. (12 Lecture Hours-60 Lab Hours)