NYC SIGN HANGER LICENSE EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND
PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
• Licensing Authority, Scope & Exemptions
• Qualifications, Experience & Background Investigation
• Sign Construction, Supports & Structural Considerations
• Rigging, Hoisting, Lifting & Lowering Operations
• Job-Site Safety, Fall Protection & Public Protection
• Plans, Specifications, Permits & Documentation
• Electrical, Illuminated Signs & Trade Coordination
• Inspection, Troubleshooting & Defective Conditions
Introduction
This assessment evaluates the candidate's mastery of essential concepts required
for the NYC Master and Special Sign Hanger License Examinations. It measures
knowledge of licensing authority, scope and exemptions, qualifications, sign
construction and supports, rigging operations, job-site safety, permits, and
documentation. The exam employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
designed to simulate real-world sign-hanging challenges. Emphasis is placed on
applying NYC Administrative Code Article 415 and Article 401 requirements to
ensure safe and compliant operations. Success requires not only recall of code
provisions but also critical thinking skills necessary for effective decision-making
on the job site.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Which NYC agency primarily regulates sign hanger contractor licensing?
A. NYC Department of Transportation
B. NYC Fire Department
,C. NYC Department of Buildings
D. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
C
RATIONALE: The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) administers and
enforces licensing, permitting, and safety requirements for sign hanger contractors
.
2. Under NYC Administrative Code §28-415.3, what authority does a Master
Sign Hanger license provide?
A. To install only signs under 75 square feet
B. To install only illuminated signs
C. To hoist, lower, hang, or attach any sign, irrespective of weight, upon or on the
outside of a building
D. To perform all electrical work associated with signs
C
RATIONALE: A Master Sign Hanger has the broadest sign-hanging authority
under the NYC classification system. Electrical work itself requires the appropriate
electrical license and permit .
3. A Special Sign Hanger is authorized to hoist, lower, hang, or attach exterior
signs that do not exceed which limits?
A. 100 square feet and 1,000 pounds
B. 150 square feet and 1,200 pounds
C. 200 square feet and 1,500 pounds
D. 75 square feet and 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: A Special Sign Hanger may perform work on signs not
exceeding 150 square feet measured on one face and not exceeding 1,200 pounds .
4. A sign measures 149 square feet on one face and weighs 1,205 pounds.
Which conclusion is most accurate?
A. A Special Sign Hanger may perform the work because the area is below 150
square feet
,B. A Special Sign Hanger may perform the work if a foreman is present
C. The sign exceeds the Special Sign Hanger weight limitation and requires a
Master Sign Hanger
D. The sign is automatically exempt because it is below 150 square feet
C
RATIONALE: The Special Sign Hanger limitation is conjunctive—the sign
must not exceed either 150 square feet OR 1,200 pounds. Exceeding either limit
requires a Master Sign Hanger .
5. Which of the following is an exemption from the NYC sign hanger licensing
requirement?
A. A 100-square-foot sign weighing 20 pounds
B. A 70-square-foot sign weighing 25 pounds
C. A 75-square-foot sign weighing 30 pounds
D. A 100-square-foot sign weighing 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: One exemption applies to signs not exceeding 75 square feet
measured on one face and not exceeding 25 pounds .
6. A sign is 75 square feet on one face and weighs exactly 25 pounds. Which
statement is correct?
A. A sign hanger license is always required
B. It qualifies for the size-and-weight exemption
C. Only a Master Sign Hanger may install it
D. Only an electrician may install it
B
RATIONALE: The exemption uses "not exceeding" 75 square feet and "not
exceeding" 25 pounds, so a sign exactly at both limits qualifies .
7. Which sign is exempt because of its method of support?
A. A wall-mounted sign
B. A roof-mounted sign
, C. A sign supported directly on the ground
D. A projecting sign
C
RATIONALE: Signs supported directly on the ground are specifically listed
among the exemptions .
8. Which type of sign is specifically exempt from the sign hanger licensing
requirement?
A. Advertising signs
B. Directional signs
C. Illuminated signs
D. Roof signs
B
RATIONALE: Directional signs are expressly identified as an exemption
under NYC regulations .
9. Temporary signs erected during construction or alteration and related to
that work are:
A. Always prohibited
B. Exempt from the sign hanger licensing requirement
C. Required to be installed only by an electrician
D. Limited to 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: Temporary signs erected during construction or alteration and
related to such work are specifically exempt .
10. Which governmental employees are covered by an exemption when
erecting or placing signs?
A. Private contractors working for the City
B. City employees and employees of City departments or agencies
C. Any New York State employee
D. Any federal employee
B
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND
PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
• Licensing Authority, Scope & Exemptions
• Qualifications, Experience & Background Investigation
• Sign Construction, Supports & Structural Considerations
• Rigging, Hoisting, Lifting & Lowering Operations
• Job-Site Safety, Fall Protection & Public Protection
• Plans, Specifications, Permits & Documentation
• Electrical, Illuminated Signs & Trade Coordination
• Inspection, Troubleshooting & Defective Conditions
Introduction
This assessment evaluates the candidate's mastery of essential concepts required
for the NYC Master and Special Sign Hanger License Examinations. It measures
knowledge of licensing authority, scope and exemptions, qualifications, sign
construction and supports, rigging operations, job-site safety, permits, and
documentation. The exam employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
designed to simulate real-world sign-hanging challenges. Emphasis is placed on
applying NYC Administrative Code Article 415 and Article 401 requirements to
ensure safe and compliant operations. Success requires not only recall of code
provisions but also critical thinking skills necessary for effective decision-making
on the job site.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Which NYC agency primarily regulates sign hanger contractor licensing?
A. NYC Department of Transportation
B. NYC Fire Department
,C. NYC Department of Buildings
D. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
C
RATIONALE: The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) administers and
enforces licensing, permitting, and safety requirements for sign hanger contractors
.
2. Under NYC Administrative Code §28-415.3, what authority does a Master
Sign Hanger license provide?
A. To install only signs under 75 square feet
B. To install only illuminated signs
C. To hoist, lower, hang, or attach any sign, irrespective of weight, upon or on the
outside of a building
D. To perform all electrical work associated with signs
C
RATIONALE: A Master Sign Hanger has the broadest sign-hanging authority
under the NYC classification system. Electrical work itself requires the appropriate
electrical license and permit .
3. A Special Sign Hanger is authorized to hoist, lower, hang, or attach exterior
signs that do not exceed which limits?
A. 100 square feet and 1,000 pounds
B. 150 square feet and 1,200 pounds
C. 200 square feet and 1,500 pounds
D. 75 square feet and 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: A Special Sign Hanger may perform work on signs not
exceeding 150 square feet measured on one face and not exceeding 1,200 pounds .
4. A sign measures 149 square feet on one face and weighs 1,205 pounds.
Which conclusion is most accurate?
A. A Special Sign Hanger may perform the work because the area is below 150
square feet
,B. A Special Sign Hanger may perform the work if a foreman is present
C. The sign exceeds the Special Sign Hanger weight limitation and requires a
Master Sign Hanger
D. The sign is automatically exempt because it is below 150 square feet
C
RATIONALE: The Special Sign Hanger limitation is conjunctive—the sign
must not exceed either 150 square feet OR 1,200 pounds. Exceeding either limit
requires a Master Sign Hanger .
5. Which of the following is an exemption from the NYC sign hanger licensing
requirement?
A. A 100-square-foot sign weighing 20 pounds
B. A 70-square-foot sign weighing 25 pounds
C. A 75-square-foot sign weighing 30 pounds
D. A 100-square-foot sign weighing 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: One exemption applies to signs not exceeding 75 square feet
measured on one face and not exceeding 25 pounds .
6. A sign is 75 square feet on one face and weighs exactly 25 pounds. Which
statement is correct?
A. A sign hanger license is always required
B. It qualifies for the size-and-weight exemption
C. Only a Master Sign Hanger may install it
D. Only an electrician may install it
B
RATIONALE: The exemption uses "not exceeding" 75 square feet and "not
exceeding" 25 pounds, so a sign exactly at both limits qualifies .
7. Which sign is exempt because of its method of support?
A. A wall-mounted sign
B. A roof-mounted sign
, C. A sign supported directly on the ground
D. A projecting sign
C
RATIONALE: Signs supported directly on the ground are specifically listed
among the exemptions .
8. Which type of sign is specifically exempt from the sign hanger licensing
requirement?
A. Advertising signs
B. Directional signs
C. Illuminated signs
D. Roof signs
B
RATIONALE: Directional signs are expressly identified as an exemption
under NYC regulations .
9. Temporary signs erected during construction or alteration and related to
that work are:
A. Always prohibited
B. Exempt from the sign hanger licensing requirement
C. Required to be installed only by an electrician
D. Limited to 25 pounds
B
RATIONALE: Temporary signs erected during construction or alteration and
related to such work are specifically exempt .
10. Which governmental employees are covered by an exemption when
erecting or placing signs?
A. Private contractors working for the City
B. City employees and employees of City departments or agencies
C. Any New York State employee
D. Any federal employee
B
