National Commission for the
Certification of Crane Operators
Committed to Quality, Integrity, and Fairness in Testing since 1995

CERTIFICATIONS

Rigger

Rigger Level II Practical Exam Outline

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must pass a Practical Exam to be certified. Candidates may take their Written and Practical Exams in either order. Candidates have 12 months after they pass their first exam (Written or Practical) in which to pass the corresponding Written or Practical Exam.

SKILLS TESTED

Certified Rigger Level II Practical Exam

The Rigger Level II Practical Examination is comprised of two tasks. Candidates’ skills are tested in performing a level lift and rigging frame rotation. Candidates are allowed 15 minutes to complete the level lift task and 30 minutes to complete the frame rotation task.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Candidates must report to the test site at the scheduled time. The Test Site Coordinator is responsible for setting the testing schedule. During the Practical Examination, candidates are under the direction of the Examiner and must follow the Examiner’s directions at all times.

VIEW CANDIDATE VIDEO

PRACTICAL EXAM OUTLINE

The following sections describe the specific tasks candidates will be performing when taking the Practical Examination. It is important that candidates understand these instructions. If there is anything they do not understand, they should request clarification from the Examiner.

TASKS

The Level II Practical Exam consists of two tasks that can be performed in either order, as determined by the starting position of the rigging frame.

Once candidates have completed the Practical Exam, they must leave the testing area. Only personnel involved in the administration of the test are allowed in the test area.

TIME LIMITS

The Level Lift task has a time limit of 15 minutes and the Rigging Frame Rotation task has a time limit of 30 minutes.

UNSAFE ACTS

If at any time during the test (Rigger Level II only), you commit an unsafe act, you will be disqualified from continuing with the test. An “unsafe act” is defined as an action by a candidate that is uncontrolled or reckless, and is sufficient to cause safety concern for persons or property damage.

Binding is now defined as: “Occurs when rigging hardware is prohibited from finding its proper alignment with the direction of force that is being applied.”

The Examiner has the authority to stop the test at any time for reasons of safety. Please ask the Examiner if you have any questions.

If you are disqualified due to an unsafe act, you will not be permitted to take any additional practical exams that day.

PRE-TEST BRIEFING

Candidates will be shown a short video showing all the tasks they will be required to perform during the examination.

CANDIDATE ID AND SIGNATURE

Prior to beginning the examination, the Examiner will ask each candidate for a valid (not expired) government-issued photo identification that includes date of birth, such as a driver’s license.

The Examiner will ask if the candidate has read the Candidate Information and Instructions and will answer any questions. He/she will have the candidate sign the score sheet indicating that the candidate understands the instructions for the test.

PRE-TEST FAMILIARIZATION

  • All rigging slings and hardware are approved for use and do not require pre-use inspection.
  • A maximum of three minutes will be permitted to evaluate the rigging gear used for these tasks. A laminated picture of the Rigging Frame and a grease pencil are provided for your use. If you are ready in less than three minutes, please indicate that you are ready to begin.

TASK 1: LEVEL LIFT

  • At Examiner’s indication to start, at which point timing begins, select and then apply slings and/or hardware to attachment points of your choice on the rigging frame in order to hoist the load and execute a level lift.
  • You are permitted a maximum of two lifting attempts to achieve a position that is within one degree of true level. A measurement of greater than one degrees on your final attempt will result in a performance deduction.
  • If you are unsuccessful in your first attempt, you must return to the original starting position before starting a second attempt.
  • You must use at least three, but no more than four sling legs on the rigging frame.
  • When you have completed this task say “Done.” Your rigging setup will then be evaluated.
  • You will have a maximum time of 15 minutes to complete this task.
  • The Examiner will indicate when there are ten, five, and one minute(s) remaining for this task.

TASK 2: RIGGING FRAME ROTATION

  • At the Examiner’s indication to start, at which point timing begins, select and then apply slings and/or hardware to attachment points of your choice on the rigging frame. You must lift the frame clear of the ground and rotate the load 90 degrees under control.
  • You are permitted a maximum of three attempts to rotate the frame to a position that is within two degrees of true level. A measurement of greater than two degrees on your final attempt will result in a performance deduction.
  • A rope tied on the frame indicates which side must be in the final “up” position.
  • If you are unsuccessful during any rotation attempt, you must return to the original starting position before attempting the next rotation.
  • If the frame touches the ground during the first or second rotation attempt, you must return to the original starting position before attempting the next rotation.
  • You must initiate this task with a minimum of three slings but no more than four, and you must have tension on at least two pick points at the end of the task.
  • When you have completed this task say “Done.” Your rigging setup will then be evaluated.
  • You will have a maximum time of 30 minutes to complete this task.
  • The Examiner will indicate when there are ten, five, and one minute(s) remaining for this task.

SCORING CONSIDERATIONS

 

  • Torquing of hardware or nuts is not required; hand-tighten these items only.
  • Softeners shall not be used or provided for these tasks.
  • Do not point-load rigging on the frame.
  • Do not apply rigging at less than 30 degrees to the horizontal.
  • Any misapplication of slings or hardware during these tasks will result in performance deductions.
  • You are not permitted to attach rigging at the center of gravity.
  • You may not add, adjust, or remove rigging while the load is suspended.
  • A lifting attempt is defined as any movement of the frame from hoisting.
  • You are not allowed to climb on the rigging frame.
  • The Practical Examiner will remove the blocking when the frame is suspended.
  • A digital level may be used during these tasks.
  • At the conclusion of each task, break down all rigging components and return them to the rigging table.
  • Slings in Hardware—Full or partial overlapping of synthetic round or web slings in a hook, shackle, or other rigging hardware will be recorded as “Performed Correctly.”
  • Application of Swivel Hoist Rings—For securing swivel hoist rings, double nutting and double washering under the load is acceptable.
  • Location of Tag—If the you wrap the tag against the load while performing a choker or basket hitch, the hitch will be scored as “Performed Incorrectly.”
  • Maximum Twist in Sling—Any sling that has more than a half twist scored at the end of the task shall be marked as scoring deficiency.

Both Task 1 and Task 2

  • The rigging frame must be on either of its sides in the “L” position before starting.
  • “Lifting Attempts,” “Two-blocking,” and “Binding of Sling/Hardware” are recorded during the task; all other scoring elements are recorded after you are done with the task.
  • “Incorrectly Applied Hardware Connections” indicates that the rigging gear is not applied according to the recommendations of the applicable ASME B30 standards.
  • Kissing or softly touching the hook to the chain-fall housing is considered a performance deduction. Hard contact of the hook with the chain-fall housing will be recorded as an Unsafe Act.
  • The “Final Level” is the larger measurement of the two planes and is recorded after the you have finished the task and stated “done.”
  • The “Load” and “Hook” performance deficiencies are recorded after the task is completed.
  • Slings are allowed to touch the frame.
  • No rigging can be attached within 12 in. of the CG.
  • Application of the sling over the corner of the frame (also known as “point loading”) is considered an unsafe act while the load is freely suspended.
  • Movement of the frame due to hoisting is defined as a lifting attempt.

Task 1: Level Lift

  • The Level Lift Task is always performed first.
  • The Rigging Frame CG will not be directly under the hook at the start of the task.

Task 2: Rigging Frame Rotation

  • When using the chain hoist, the load chain must remain straight throughout the attempt. If the hoist load chain is not kept straight, it will be marked as an unsafe act and the exam will be terminated.
  • If you touch the frame on the ground (after lifting the frame completely off the ground), you must return to the starting position.
  • Touching the ground during the third attempt ends the task.
  • You may not rotate the frame on the ground more than 15 degrees before lifting the frame off the ground.

PRACTICAL SCORE REPORTING

All candidates receive score reports of their performance via email and their myCCO Portal account shortly following the submission of the electronic scoresheet.  

Both the practical examination and the scoring system have been validated and verified by CCO’s pilot testing program.