NYC SIGN HANGER LICENSE EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE 2026/2027
SECTION 1: LICENSE CLASSIFICATION, SCOPE, AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS
1. Which NYC license classification authorizes a holder to hoist, lower, hang, or attach any
sign regardless of weight upon or on the outside of a building?
A) Master Sign Hanger license
B) Special Sign Hanger license
C) Filing Representative registration
D) General Contractor registration
Correct Answer: Master Sign Hanger license
Rationale: A Master Sign Hanger has the broadest sign-hanging authority under Article 415.
The authorization covers signs regardless of weight when they are hoisted, lowered, hung, or
attached upon or on the outside of a building. A Special Sign Hanger has limitations based on
sign area and weight.
2. What is the maximum sign face area authorized for a Special Sign Hanger when the
other applicable limit is also satisfied?
A) 75 square feet
B) 100 square feet
C) 150 square feet
D) 200 square feet
Correct Answer: 150 square feet
Rationale: A Special Sign Hanger may handle a sign not exceeding 150 square feet in area,
measured on one face only, and not exceeding 1,200 pounds. Both limits matter because
exceeding either limit moves the work outside the Special Sign Hanger authorization. The
Master classification does not impose these size and weight limits.
3. Which weight limit applies to a Special Sign Hanger's authorized sign-hanging work?
A) 750 pounds
B) 1,000 pounds
C) 1,100 pounds
D) 1,200 pounds
Correct Answer: 1,200 pounds
,Rationale: The Special Sign Hanger classification permits signs weighing no more than 1,200
pounds, provided the applicable area limit is also met. The weight restriction is independent
of the 150-square-foot face-area restriction. A sign exceeding either limit requires authority
beyond the Special classification.
4. Under the NYC Administrative Code, which type of sign is among the stated exemptions
from the sign-hanger license requirement?
A) Any sign weighing less than 1,200 pounds
B) A sign not exceeding 75 square feet and 25 pounds
C) Every illuminated sign
D) Every sign attached to a commercial building
Correct Answer: A sign not exceeding 75 square feet and 25 pounds
Rationale: Article 415 identifies a specific exemption for signs not exceeding 75 square feet in
area, measured on one face only, and not exceeding 25 pounds. The exemption requires
satisfaction of both limits. Merely being below the Special Sign Hanger limits does not
automatically make a sign exempt.
5. What experience requirement applies to an applicant for a Master Sign Hanger license?
A) Three years within five years
B) Four years within six years
C) Five years within seven years
D) Seven years within ten years
Correct Answer: Five years within seven years
Rationale: The Master Sign Hanger qualification requires satisfactory proof of at least five
years of practical sign-hanging experience within the seven years preceding the application.
The experience must be under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Sign
Hanger. This requirement is distinct from the Special Sign Hanger experience requirement.
6. Which experience requirement applies to a Special Sign Hanger applicant?
A) Two years within three years
B) Three years within five years
C) Four years within five years
D) Five years within seven years
Correct Answer: Three years within five years
Rationale: Special Sign Hanger applicants must establish at least three years of practical
sign-hanging experience within the five years preceding the application. The experience must
be under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed sign hanger. This is a lower
experience threshold than the Master classification.
,7. Beyond practical experience, what technical ability is specifically identified for sign-
hanger applicants?
A) Ability to design electrical transformers
B) Ability to prepare zoning legislation
C) Ability to read plans and specifications relating to sign construction and erection
D) Ability to perform professional engineering services
Correct Answer: Ability to read plans and specifications relating to sign construction and
erection
Rationale: The licensing qualifications specifically include knowledge and ability to read plans
and specifications related to sign construction and erection. This includes supporting
framework and other supports. Applicants must also understand sign-hanging practices and
be familiar with the equipment and tools used in the work.
8. Which additional knowledge is specifically required of a sign-hanger license applicant?
A) Knowledge of real-estate appraisal
B) Knowledge of the problems and practices of sign construction and hanging
C) Knowledge of tax accounting
D) Knowledge of architectural history
Correct Answer: Knowledge of the problems and practices of sign construction and
hanging
Rationale: Sign-hanger applicants are expected to understand the practical problems and
methods associated with sign construction and hanging. The qualification also requires
familiarity with plans, specifications, supporting framework, equipment, and tools. These
requirements connect licensing to actual competence in the trade.
9. A sign is 140 square feet on one face and weighs 1,100 pounds. Which license
classification can authorize its hanging, assuming all other requirements are satisfied?
A) Special Sign Hanger
B) Filing Representative
C) No sign-hanger license can authorize it
D) Only a Professional Engineer
Correct Answer: Special Sign Hanger
Rationale: The sign is below both Special Sign Hanger limits: 150 square feet in area and
1,200 pounds in weight. Therefore, its size and weight fall within the Special classification.
Other project-specific requirements, permits, and equipment qualifications may still apply.
10. A sign is 140 square feet but weighs 1,300 pounds. Which conclusion is most accurate?
A) It automatically qualifies for Special Sign Hanger work
B) Its weight exceeds the Special Sign Hanger limit
, C) Its area must be reduced below 75 square feet
D) It is exempt because its area is below 150 square feet
Correct Answer: Its weight exceeds the Special Sign Hanger limit
Rationale: Although the sign's area is within the 150-square-foot Special limit, its 1,300-
pound weight exceeds the 1,200-pound maximum. Both restrictions must be satisfied for
Special Sign Hanger authority. The area alone therefore cannot establish authorization for
the work.
SECTION 2: LICENSING EXAMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
11. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, what examination sequence applies to
a new Master Sign Hanger applicant?
A) Practical exam only
B) Written exam followed by practical exam
C) Oral exam followed by written exam
D) Practical exam followed by an interview only
Correct Answer: Written exam followed by practical exam
Rationale: DOB states that a Master Sign Hanger applicant must pass written and practical
examinations. The written examination comes first, and successful completion leads to the
practical examination process. The official licensing information therefore distinguishes the
two examination components.
12. What type of questions does the Master Sign Hanger written examination use
according to DOB's published information?
A) Essay questions
B) Oral questions
C) Multiple-choice questions
D) Hands-on demonstrations only
Correct Answer: Multiple-choice questions
Rationale: The NYC Department of Buildings describes the written Master Sign Hanger
examination as consisting of multiple-choice questions. The examination assesses knowledge
of the NYC Administrative Code. It is separate from the practical examination that follows
successful completion of the written test.
13. What is the published passing score for the Master Sign Hanger written examination?
A) 60 percent
B) 65 percent
C) 70 percent
D) 80 percent
Correct Answer: 70 percent
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE 2026/2027
SECTION 1: LICENSE CLASSIFICATION, SCOPE, AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS
1. Which NYC license classification authorizes a holder to hoist, lower, hang, or attach any
sign regardless of weight upon or on the outside of a building?
A) Master Sign Hanger license
B) Special Sign Hanger license
C) Filing Representative registration
D) General Contractor registration
Correct Answer: Master Sign Hanger license
Rationale: A Master Sign Hanger has the broadest sign-hanging authority under Article 415.
The authorization covers signs regardless of weight when they are hoisted, lowered, hung, or
attached upon or on the outside of a building. A Special Sign Hanger has limitations based on
sign area and weight.
2. What is the maximum sign face area authorized for a Special Sign Hanger when the
other applicable limit is also satisfied?
A) 75 square feet
B) 100 square feet
C) 150 square feet
D) 200 square feet
Correct Answer: 150 square feet
Rationale: A Special Sign Hanger may handle a sign not exceeding 150 square feet in area,
measured on one face only, and not exceeding 1,200 pounds. Both limits matter because
exceeding either limit moves the work outside the Special Sign Hanger authorization. The
Master classification does not impose these size and weight limits.
3. Which weight limit applies to a Special Sign Hanger's authorized sign-hanging work?
A) 750 pounds
B) 1,000 pounds
C) 1,100 pounds
D) 1,200 pounds
Correct Answer: 1,200 pounds
,Rationale: The Special Sign Hanger classification permits signs weighing no more than 1,200
pounds, provided the applicable area limit is also met. The weight restriction is independent
of the 150-square-foot face-area restriction. A sign exceeding either limit requires authority
beyond the Special classification.
4. Under the NYC Administrative Code, which type of sign is among the stated exemptions
from the sign-hanger license requirement?
A) Any sign weighing less than 1,200 pounds
B) A sign not exceeding 75 square feet and 25 pounds
C) Every illuminated sign
D) Every sign attached to a commercial building
Correct Answer: A sign not exceeding 75 square feet and 25 pounds
Rationale: Article 415 identifies a specific exemption for signs not exceeding 75 square feet in
area, measured on one face only, and not exceeding 25 pounds. The exemption requires
satisfaction of both limits. Merely being below the Special Sign Hanger limits does not
automatically make a sign exempt.
5. What experience requirement applies to an applicant for a Master Sign Hanger license?
A) Three years within five years
B) Four years within six years
C) Five years within seven years
D) Seven years within ten years
Correct Answer: Five years within seven years
Rationale: The Master Sign Hanger qualification requires satisfactory proof of at least five
years of practical sign-hanging experience within the seven years preceding the application.
The experience must be under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Sign
Hanger. This requirement is distinct from the Special Sign Hanger experience requirement.
6. Which experience requirement applies to a Special Sign Hanger applicant?
A) Two years within three years
B) Three years within five years
C) Four years within five years
D) Five years within seven years
Correct Answer: Three years within five years
Rationale: Special Sign Hanger applicants must establish at least three years of practical
sign-hanging experience within the five years preceding the application. The experience must
be under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed sign hanger. This is a lower
experience threshold than the Master classification.
,7. Beyond practical experience, what technical ability is specifically identified for sign-
hanger applicants?
A) Ability to design electrical transformers
B) Ability to prepare zoning legislation
C) Ability to read plans and specifications relating to sign construction and erection
D) Ability to perform professional engineering services
Correct Answer: Ability to read plans and specifications relating to sign construction and
erection
Rationale: The licensing qualifications specifically include knowledge and ability to read plans
and specifications related to sign construction and erection. This includes supporting
framework and other supports. Applicants must also understand sign-hanging practices and
be familiar with the equipment and tools used in the work.
8. Which additional knowledge is specifically required of a sign-hanger license applicant?
A) Knowledge of real-estate appraisal
B) Knowledge of the problems and practices of sign construction and hanging
C) Knowledge of tax accounting
D) Knowledge of architectural history
Correct Answer: Knowledge of the problems and practices of sign construction and
hanging
Rationale: Sign-hanger applicants are expected to understand the practical problems and
methods associated with sign construction and hanging. The qualification also requires
familiarity with plans, specifications, supporting framework, equipment, and tools. These
requirements connect licensing to actual competence in the trade.
9. A sign is 140 square feet on one face and weighs 1,100 pounds. Which license
classification can authorize its hanging, assuming all other requirements are satisfied?
A) Special Sign Hanger
B) Filing Representative
C) No sign-hanger license can authorize it
D) Only a Professional Engineer
Correct Answer: Special Sign Hanger
Rationale: The sign is below both Special Sign Hanger limits: 150 square feet in area and
1,200 pounds in weight. Therefore, its size and weight fall within the Special classification.
Other project-specific requirements, permits, and equipment qualifications may still apply.
10. A sign is 140 square feet but weighs 1,300 pounds. Which conclusion is most accurate?
A) It automatically qualifies for Special Sign Hanger work
B) Its weight exceeds the Special Sign Hanger limit
, C) Its area must be reduced below 75 square feet
D) It is exempt because its area is below 150 square feet
Correct Answer: Its weight exceeds the Special Sign Hanger limit
Rationale: Although the sign's area is within the 150-square-foot Special limit, its 1,300-
pound weight exceeds the 1,200-pound maximum. Both restrictions must be satisfied for
Special Sign Hanger authority. The area alone therefore cannot establish authorization for
the work.
SECTION 2: LICENSING EXAMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
11. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, what examination sequence applies to
a new Master Sign Hanger applicant?
A) Practical exam only
B) Written exam followed by practical exam
C) Oral exam followed by written exam
D) Practical exam followed by an interview only
Correct Answer: Written exam followed by practical exam
Rationale: DOB states that a Master Sign Hanger applicant must pass written and practical
examinations. The written examination comes first, and successful completion leads to the
practical examination process. The official licensing information therefore distinguishes the
two examination components.
12. What type of questions does the Master Sign Hanger written examination use
according to DOB's published information?
A) Essay questions
B) Oral questions
C) Multiple-choice questions
D) Hands-on demonstrations only
Correct Answer: Multiple-choice questions
Rationale: The NYC Department of Buildings describes the written Master Sign Hanger
examination as consisting of multiple-choice questions. The examination assesses knowledge
of the NYC Administrative Code. It is separate from the practical examination that follows
successful completion of the written test.
13. What is the published passing score for the Master Sign Hanger written examination?
A) 60 percent
B) 65 percent
C) 70 percent
D) 80 percent
Correct Answer: 70 percent
