How to Be Elevator Operator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 8, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Elevator operators have an important job, as they are responsible for helping people safely travel between floors in a building. The duties of an elevator operator include operating the elevator, monitoring the elevator's movement, and ensuring all passengers are safe. If an elevator operator fails to perform their job, there can be serious consequences.

For instance, passengers could be trapped in the elevator due to mechanical failure or malfunction, which can lead to physical and emotional distress. if the elevator is not operated properly, it can cause serious injury or even death due to accidental falls. It is thus essential to properly train elevator operators to ensure their safety and that of the passengers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require elevator operators to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take an elevator safety course. Many employers offer courses on the safe operation of elevators and escalators, which may be required for employment.
Obtain a license. Depending on the state, elevator operators may need to be licensed in order to operate an elevator. Requirements vary from state to state, but most require a written exam and practical exam.
Complete an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship program is the best way to gain experience working with elevators and escalators. Most programs require at least two years of on-the-job training before a full license can be obtained.
Obtain on-the-job training. Many employers offer on-the-job training to new elevator operators, which allows them to learn the ropes and get comfortable with the equipment before taking the license exam.
Become certified. After completing an apprenticeship program or on-the-job training, many employers require their elevator operators to become certified in order to continue working. Certification is usually achieved by passing a written exam and practical exam.

Being an effective and competent elevator operator requires dedication and a high level of organization. Staying ahead of the job means staying up-to-date with all the latest safety regulations and being familiar with the equipment. It also involves regularly monitoring and maintaining the elevator, as well as being aware of any potential problems that may arise.

A successful elevator operator must take responsibility for their own learning, keeping track of any changes in requirements or technology and staying informed on relevant topics. To stay competent, elevator operators should also take advantage of available resources such as continuing education classes and certification programs to ensure their skills remain sharp. Finally, an effective elevator operator must have excellent communication and customer service skills to ensure a pleasant experience for passengers.

By taking all of these steps, an elevator operator can stay ahead and remain competent in their field.

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Job Description

Monitor elevator operations, such as transport of passengers and freight in an elevator cab.
Operate elevator controls to open and close doors, and to move the cab to the designated floor.
Monitor elevator performance and diagnose malfunctions, such as overloaded circuits and jammed doors.
Answer passengers questions as necessary.
Operate emergency stop buttons in case of accidents or other emergencies.
Assist passengers with special needs, such as those with mobility issues.
Follow safety protocols, including adhering to weight limits for elevators and monitoring passengers for any suspicious behavior.
Keep elevator cab clean and presentable to passengers.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations and safety codes.
Maintain records of elevator maintenance and repair logs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Good customer service skills
Knowledge of safety regulations
Ability to multitask
Excellent communication skills
Good organizational skills
Ability to troubleshoot problems
Ability to work well with a team
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Mechanical aptitude
Ability to lift heavy loads

Being an effective elevator operator requires a range of skills, but the most important of all is excellent customer service. Having a friendly and courteous attitude is essential for any elevator operator, as it helps to put passengers at ease and make them feel welcome. Good communication skills are also important, as they allow an operator to respond quickly to passengers' requests and answer any questions they may have.

elevator operators must be able to use problem solving skills to quickly identify the source of an issue and work to resolve it. Finally, elevator operators must be familiar with the buildings layout and the various controls in order to safely transport passengers to their intended destination. All these skills combined ensure that passengers have a safe and comfortable ride in the elevator.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience in operating elevators?
How comfortable are you dealing with challenging customer requests?
What safety protocols do you follow when operating an elevator?
Can you explain how to identify and rectify mechanical problems related to elevators?
How would you handle difficult customers in a professional manner?
Are you familiar with the local building codes pertaining to elevators?
How do you handle emergencies related to elevator operations?
How do you prioritize tasks when multiple elevators require servicing?
How would you handle a situation where an elevator remains stuck between two floors?
Describe your approach to preventive maintenance of elevators.

Common Tools in Industry

Cable Cutter. A tool used for cutting electric wires. (E. g. Klein Tools Cable Cutter)
Digital Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage and resistance. (E. g. Fluke Digital Multimeter)
Ratchet Wrench. A wrench with a ratchet mechanism to loosen and tighten bolts. (E. g. Craftsman Ratchet Wrench)
Screwdriver. A tool used for driving screws into or out of an object. (E. g. Craftsman Precision Screwdriver)
Socket Wrench. A wrench with a socket that fits over a nut or bolt head to loosen or tighten it. (E. g. Tekton Socket Wrench Set)
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails, fit parts, and break apart objects. (E. g. Estwing Hammer)
Pliers. A tool used for gripping, bending and twisting wires and other objects. (E. g. Channellock Pliers)
Cable Stripper. A tool used for removing insulation from electrical wires. (E. g. Klein Tools Cable Stripper)
Drill. A tool used to create holes in materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. (E. g. Black & Decker Drill)
Safety Glasses. Protective eyewear that shields the user's eyes from potential hazards. (E. g. Uvex Skyper Safety Glasses)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)
National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII)
American Association of Elevator Contractors (AAEC)
International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC)
National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESA)
Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF)
Elevator World, Inc. (EWI)
International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)

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Common Important Terms

Elevator Control System. A system that controls the operation of elevators in a building to ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers.
Elevator Maintenance. The process of inspecting, testing, and repairing an elevator system to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Elevator Inspector. An individual certified by state or local government to inspect and certify elevators for safety and code compliance.
Elevator Safety Code. A set of laws and regulations designed to protect the safety of passengers in elevators.
Elevator Parts. The components of an elevator system, such as motors, cables, doors, and control panels.
Elevator Traffic Analysis. The process of studying the movement of passengers through an elevator system in order to improve efficiency and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many buttons are typically found in an elevator?

Most elevators have between 4 and 6 buttons, with the standard being 5 buttons. These buttons usually include the ground floor, lobby, and up to three additional floors.