Iowa Rigger Qualification Examination
Advanced 100-Question Practice Exam
2026 | Questions & Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam
Prep & Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of determining the center of gravity before
lifting an asymmetrical load?
A. To determine the sling color
B. To ensure the load hangs in a predictable orientation
C. To reduce the crane's rated capacity
D. To eliminate the need for tag lines
Answer: B. To ensure the load hangs in a predictable orientation
Rationale: The center of gravity determines how a suspended load will balance.
If the rigging arrangement does not account for it, the load can tilt, rotate, or
shift unexpectedly.
2. A wire-rope sling has a manufacturer-rated vertical capacity of 8,000 lb.
What is the primary concern when using it in a choker configuration?
, A. The sling becomes twice as strong
B. The choker configuration can reduce rated capacity
C. The sling automatically becomes proof-tested
D. The crane capacity increases
Answer: B. The choker configuration can reduce rated capacity
Rationale: Sling capacity depends on configuration, hitch angle, diameter,
material, and other conditions. The applicable manufacturer's capacity must be
used rather than assuming vertical capacity.
3. What happens to the tension in each leg of a two-leg bridle when the
included angle between the legs becomes smaller?
A. Tension decreases
B. Tension remains constant
C. Tension increases
D. Tension becomes zero
Answer: A. Tension decreases
Rationale: For a symmetric two-leg arrangement, tension depends on the angle
between the legs. A smaller included angle generally means the legs are closer
to vertical and therefore experience lower tension.
4. A load weighs 20,000 lb and is suspended equally from two sling legs. If
each leg makes a 30° angle from the horizontal, approximately how much
tension is present in each leg?
A. 5,000 lb
B. 10,000 lb
C. 20,000 lb
D. 40,000 lb
Answer: C. 20,000 lb
Rationale: For equal legs, vertical support is 2T sin(30°). Thus 20,000 = 2T(0.5),
giving T = 20,000 lb per leg.
, 5. Why should a rigger avoid allowing a sling to run over a sharp corner
without protection?
A. It increases the crane's boom angle
B. It can damage or sever the sling
C. It increases load stability
D. It reduces sling temperature
Answer: B. It can damage or sever the sling
Rationale: Sharp edges can cut, abrade, crush, or otherwise damage sling fibers
or wire rope. Proper corner protection is required where needed to prevent
damaging contact.
6. Which factor is most important when selecting a shackle for a lifting
application?
A. Paint color
B. Manufacturer's rated capacity and application requirements
C. Overall appearance
D. Pin length alone
Answer: B. Manufacturer's rated capacity and application requirements
Rationale: Shackles must be selected according to their rated working load limit,
configuration, loading direction, and applicable manufacturer requirements.
7. A load is lifted with a sling arrangement in which one leg is substantially
shorter than the other. What is the principal concern?
A. Unequal load distribution
B. Automatic load equalization
C. Reduced crane radius
D. Increased sling flexibility
Answer: A. Unequal load distribution
Rationale: Unequal sling lengths can cause uneven loading, unexpected load tilt,
and potentially overload individual components.
, 8. What is the purpose of a tag line during a lift?
A. To increase sling capacity
B. To control load rotation and movement from a safe position
C. To replace the crane hook
D. To increase the load's center of gravity
Answer: B. To control load rotation and movement from a safe position
Rationale: Tag lines can help control suspended loads, particularly against
rotation caused by wind or other forces. Personnel must remain positioned
safely while using them.
9. What should a rigger do if the identification tag on a synthetic sling is
missing or illegible?
A. Estimate its capacity from appearance
B. Use it only for half its expected capacity
C. Remove it from service until its capacity can be positively established
D. Use it for light loads only
Answer: C. Remove it from service until its capacity can be positively established
Rationale: Without reliable identification, the sling's rated capacity and
specifications cannot be verified. Guessing capacity creates an unacceptable
lifting hazard.
10.What is the effect of increasing the horizontal component of tension in a
sling system?
A. It can increase forces acting on the load and rigging
B. It eliminates sling tension
C. It always increases lifting capacity
D. It has no effect
Answer: A. It can increase forces acting on the load and rigging
Rationale: Sling geometry can create substantial horizontal forces. These forces
must be considered when evaluating rigging, attachment points, and the load
itself.
Advanced 100-Question Practice Exam
2026 | Questions & Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam
Prep & Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of determining the center of gravity before
lifting an asymmetrical load?
A. To determine the sling color
B. To ensure the load hangs in a predictable orientation
C. To reduce the crane's rated capacity
D. To eliminate the need for tag lines
Answer: B. To ensure the load hangs in a predictable orientation
Rationale: The center of gravity determines how a suspended load will balance.
If the rigging arrangement does not account for it, the load can tilt, rotate, or
shift unexpectedly.
2. A wire-rope sling has a manufacturer-rated vertical capacity of 8,000 lb.
What is the primary concern when using it in a choker configuration?
, A. The sling becomes twice as strong
B. The choker configuration can reduce rated capacity
C. The sling automatically becomes proof-tested
D. The crane capacity increases
Answer: B. The choker configuration can reduce rated capacity
Rationale: Sling capacity depends on configuration, hitch angle, diameter,
material, and other conditions. The applicable manufacturer's capacity must be
used rather than assuming vertical capacity.
3. What happens to the tension in each leg of a two-leg bridle when the
included angle between the legs becomes smaller?
A. Tension decreases
B. Tension remains constant
C. Tension increases
D. Tension becomes zero
Answer: A. Tension decreases
Rationale: For a symmetric two-leg arrangement, tension depends on the angle
between the legs. A smaller included angle generally means the legs are closer
to vertical and therefore experience lower tension.
4. A load weighs 20,000 lb and is suspended equally from two sling legs. If
each leg makes a 30° angle from the horizontal, approximately how much
tension is present in each leg?
A. 5,000 lb
B. 10,000 lb
C. 20,000 lb
D. 40,000 lb
Answer: C. 20,000 lb
Rationale: For equal legs, vertical support is 2T sin(30°). Thus 20,000 = 2T(0.5),
giving T = 20,000 lb per leg.
, 5. Why should a rigger avoid allowing a sling to run over a sharp corner
without protection?
A. It increases the crane's boom angle
B. It can damage or sever the sling
C. It increases load stability
D. It reduces sling temperature
Answer: B. It can damage or sever the sling
Rationale: Sharp edges can cut, abrade, crush, or otherwise damage sling fibers
or wire rope. Proper corner protection is required where needed to prevent
damaging contact.
6. Which factor is most important when selecting a shackle for a lifting
application?
A. Paint color
B. Manufacturer's rated capacity and application requirements
C. Overall appearance
D. Pin length alone
Answer: B. Manufacturer's rated capacity and application requirements
Rationale: Shackles must be selected according to their rated working load limit,
configuration, loading direction, and applicable manufacturer requirements.
7. A load is lifted with a sling arrangement in which one leg is substantially
shorter than the other. What is the principal concern?
A. Unequal load distribution
B. Automatic load equalization
C. Reduced crane radius
D. Increased sling flexibility
Answer: A. Unequal load distribution
Rationale: Unequal sling lengths can cause uneven loading, unexpected load tilt,
and potentially overload individual components.
, 8. What is the purpose of a tag line during a lift?
A. To increase sling capacity
B. To control load rotation and movement from a safe position
C. To replace the crane hook
D. To increase the load's center of gravity
Answer: B. To control load rotation and movement from a safe position
Rationale: Tag lines can help control suspended loads, particularly against
rotation caused by wind or other forces. Personnel must remain positioned
safely while using them.
9. What should a rigger do if the identification tag on a synthetic sling is
missing or illegible?
A. Estimate its capacity from appearance
B. Use it only for half its expected capacity
C. Remove it from service until its capacity can be positively established
D. Use it for light loads only
Answer: C. Remove it from service until its capacity can be positively established
Rationale: Without reliable identification, the sling's rated capacity and
specifications cannot be verified. Guessing capacity creates an unacceptable
lifting hazard.
10.What is the effect of increasing the horizontal component of tension in a
sling system?
A. It can increase forces acting on the load and rigging
B. It eliminates sling tension
C. It always increases lifting capacity
D. It has no effect
Answer: A. It can increase forces acting on the load and rigging
Rationale: Sling geometry can create substantial horizontal forces. These forces
must be considered when evaluating rigging, attachment points, and the load
itself.
