NCCCO CORE EXAM 1 AND EXAM 2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES | GRADED A+
Core Domains
• Site Conditions and Setup
• Operations and Safety
• Technical Knowledge and Standards
• Load Charts and Capacity Calculations
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination assesses the NCCCO Mobile Crane
Operator candidate's competency in crane setup, operations, safety regulations, and
load chart interpretation. The test evaluates knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart CC,
ASME B30.5 standards, wire rope safety factors, power line clearances, and load
capacity calculations. Questions emphasize application-level decision-making and
real-world lift planning. This disclaimer-labeled practice set is based on unofficial
study concepts and is not actual NCCCO exam content. Candidates must
demonstrate critical thinking regarding site hazards, operational limits, and safety
procedures.
Section One: Questions 1–150 (Exam 1)
Question 1
When reading a load chart, the listed capacity has an asterisk next to it. What
does this indicate?
A. The capacity is based on the crane's structural competence
B. The capacity is based on the crane's stability
C. The capacity requires outriggers to be fully extended
D. The capacity is only valid for on-rubber operations
A. The capacity is based on the crane's structural competence
RATIONALE: When a load chart lists a capacity with an asterisk, it indicates
that the capacity is based on the structural competence of the crane rather than
stability .
Question 2
,Of the following actions, which one will most likely cause a side load
condition?
A. Abruptly starting or stopping the swing
B. Lowering the boom slowly
C. Hoisting the load vertically
D. Telescoping the boom evenly
A. Abruptly starting or stopping the swing
RATIONALE: Abruptly starting or stopping the swing causes side loading.
Booms are designed for vertical loading; side loading can buckle the boom and is
prohibited unless the manufacturer specifically allows it .
Question 3
According to OSHA, with any hook, ball, or attachment at its lowest point, a
minimum of how many wraps must remain on the drum at all times?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
B. 2
RATIONALE: OSHA requires a minimum of two wraps remain on the drum
at all times when any hook, ball, or attachment is at its lowest point .
Question 4
What is the minimum distance a crane must maintain from powerlines rated
below 50 kV?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
B. 10 feet
RATIONALE: The minimum distance a crane must maintain from powerlines
rated below 50 kV is 10 feet .
,Question 5
What is the best procedure to follow if underground utilities are present?
A. Proceed with caution
B. Contact the utility company
C. Use a spotter
D. Reduce load capacity
B. Contact the utility company
RATIONALE: The best procedure when underground utilities are present is to
contact the utility company to ensure safe crane setup and operation .
Question 6
If a boom is reeved eccentrically to the block, the most common result would
be:
A. Twisting of the boom
B. Increased lifting capacity
C. Reduced load radius
D. Faster line speed
A. Twisting of the boom
RATIONALE: Reeving the boom eccentrically to the block causes twisting of
the boom, which is a dangerous condition .
Question 7
What is the safety factor for 6 x 19 IWRC wire rope?
A. 2:1
B. 3.5:1
C. 5:1
D. 7:1
B. 3.5:1
RATIONALE: The safety factor for 6 x 19 IWRC wire rope is 3.5:1 .
Question 8
What is the safety factor for rotation resistant wire rope?
, A. 2:1
B. 3.5:1
C. 5:1
D. 7:1
C. 5:1
RATIONALE: The safety factor for rotation resistant wire rope is 5:1 .
Question 9
Which of the following actions is most likely to cause two-blocking?
A. Telescoping the boom out
B. Lowering the boom
C. Swinging the load
D. Hoisting slowly
A. Telescoping the boom out
RATIONALE: Telescoping the boom out is most likely to cause two-blocking,
where the hook block contacts the boom tip. Anti-two-block devices warn or stop
the function before contact occurs .
Question 10
When is it safe to handle loads under powerlines?
A. Never
B. Only when the load cannot come closer than regulations allow
C. Only when a spotter is present
D. Only during daylight hours
B. Only when the load cannot come closer than regulations allow
RATIONALE: It is safe to handle loads under powerlines only when no part of
the crane or load can come closer than regulations allow .
Question 11
When working near powerlines, taglines and slings should be constructed of:
A. Steel cable
B. Polypropylene or polyethylene and webbing
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES | GRADED A+
Core Domains
• Site Conditions and Setup
• Operations and Safety
• Technical Knowledge and Standards
• Load Charts and Capacity Calculations
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination assesses the NCCCO Mobile Crane
Operator candidate's competency in crane setup, operations, safety regulations, and
load chart interpretation. The test evaluates knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart CC,
ASME B30.5 standards, wire rope safety factors, power line clearances, and load
capacity calculations. Questions emphasize application-level decision-making and
real-world lift planning. This disclaimer-labeled practice set is based on unofficial
study concepts and is not actual NCCCO exam content. Candidates must
demonstrate critical thinking regarding site hazards, operational limits, and safety
procedures.
Section One: Questions 1–150 (Exam 1)
Question 1
When reading a load chart, the listed capacity has an asterisk next to it. What
does this indicate?
A. The capacity is based on the crane's structural competence
B. The capacity is based on the crane's stability
C. The capacity requires outriggers to be fully extended
D. The capacity is only valid for on-rubber operations
A. The capacity is based on the crane's structural competence
RATIONALE: When a load chart lists a capacity with an asterisk, it indicates
that the capacity is based on the structural competence of the crane rather than
stability .
Question 2
,Of the following actions, which one will most likely cause a side load
condition?
A. Abruptly starting or stopping the swing
B. Lowering the boom slowly
C. Hoisting the load vertically
D. Telescoping the boom evenly
A. Abruptly starting or stopping the swing
RATIONALE: Abruptly starting or stopping the swing causes side loading.
Booms are designed for vertical loading; side loading can buckle the boom and is
prohibited unless the manufacturer specifically allows it .
Question 3
According to OSHA, with any hook, ball, or attachment at its lowest point, a
minimum of how many wraps must remain on the drum at all times?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
B. 2
RATIONALE: OSHA requires a minimum of two wraps remain on the drum
at all times when any hook, ball, or attachment is at its lowest point .
Question 4
What is the minimum distance a crane must maintain from powerlines rated
below 50 kV?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
B. 10 feet
RATIONALE: The minimum distance a crane must maintain from powerlines
rated below 50 kV is 10 feet .
,Question 5
What is the best procedure to follow if underground utilities are present?
A. Proceed with caution
B. Contact the utility company
C. Use a spotter
D. Reduce load capacity
B. Contact the utility company
RATIONALE: The best procedure when underground utilities are present is to
contact the utility company to ensure safe crane setup and operation .
Question 6
If a boom is reeved eccentrically to the block, the most common result would
be:
A. Twisting of the boom
B. Increased lifting capacity
C. Reduced load radius
D. Faster line speed
A. Twisting of the boom
RATIONALE: Reeving the boom eccentrically to the block causes twisting of
the boom, which is a dangerous condition .
Question 7
What is the safety factor for 6 x 19 IWRC wire rope?
A. 2:1
B. 3.5:1
C. 5:1
D. 7:1
B. 3.5:1
RATIONALE: The safety factor for 6 x 19 IWRC wire rope is 3.5:1 .
Question 8
What is the safety factor for rotation resistant wire rope?
, A. 2:1
B. 3.5:1
C. 5:1
D. 7:1
C. 5:1
RATIONALE: The safety factor for rotation resistant wire rope is 5:1 .
Question 9
Which of the following actions is most likely to cause two-blocking?
A. Telescoping the boom out
B. Lowering the boom
C. Swinging the load
D. Hoisting slowly
A. Telescoping the boom out
RATIONALE: Telescoping the boom out is most likely to cause two-blocking,
where the hook block contacts the boom tip. Anti-two-block devices warn or stop
the function before contact occurs .
Question 10
When is it safe to handle loads under powerlines?
A. Never
B. Only when the load cannot come closer than regulations allow
C. Only when a spotter is present
D. Only during daylight hours
B. Only when the load cannot come closer than regulations allow
RATIONALE: It is safe to handle loads under powerlines only when no part of
the crane or load can come closer than regulations allow .
Question 11
When working near powerlines, taglines and slings should be constructed of:
A. Steel cable
B. Polypropylene or polyethylene and webbing
