NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Core
Practice Test STUDY GUIDE 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <LATEST VERSION>
Section 1: Site, Setup, and Operations (Questions 1-30)
1. Who has the primary authority to stop crane operations if a safety concern is identified?
A. The oiler
B. The signal person
C. The crane operator
D. The project manager
2. Before traveling a crane on site with a load, the operator must ensure:
A. The load is as high as possible for ground clearance.
B. The travel route is pre-planned and clear of personnel and hazards.
C. The load is suspended directly over the front.
D. Travel speed does not exceed 10 mph.
3. According to OSHA, a formal inspection of all critical parts of the crane (a "shift inspection")
must be performed:
A. Weekly
B. At the beginning of each shift
C. Monthly
D. Only after assembly
4. The primary purpose of outrigger pads or cribbing is to:
A. Level the crane.
B. Increase the crane's lifting capacity.
C. Distribute the crane's load to the supporting surface.
D. Provide a visual warning zone.
,5. When setting up on soft or unstable ground, the operator should FIRST:
A. Consult the load chart.
B. Consult the manufacturer's instructions and/or a qualified person.
C. Use larger outrigger floats.
D. Reduce the crane's radius.
6. A crane's load moment indicator (LMI) or rated capacity indicator (RCI) is:
A. A device that automatically prevents overloads.
B. An aid to the operator but does not replace the need to use the load chart.
C. Required only for lifts over 80% of capacity.
D. Used to measure wind speed.
7. The boom angle indicator is critical because it directly affects the crane's:
A. Line speed.
B. Rated capacity for a given radius.
C. Fuel consumption.
D. Hydraulic pressure.
8. When making a lift, the operator should ensure the load is hoisted enough to clear
obstacles by a minimum of:
A. 1 inch
B. 6 inches
C. 2 feet
D. A safe distance, typically considered to be at least 24 inches.
9. A "powerline safety meeting" is required by OSHA when operating within:
A. The working radius of the crane.
B. 20 feet of a power line.
C. The Table A clearance distance.
D. 50 feet of any hazard.
10. The best practice for avoiding two-blocking is to:
A. Rely on the anti-two-block device.
B. Maintain visual contact with the hook and ensure there is sufficient spare rope on the drum.
C. Hoist at very slow speeds.
D. Use a headphone radio.
11. Swing brake drift is most dangerous when:
A. Lifting near the crane's maximum capacity.
,B. Operating on a slope.
C. The load is over personnel.
D. The boom is at a low angle.
12. The primary reason for avoiding sudden, jerky movements when handling a load is to:
A. Save fuel.
B. Minimize wear on the crane.
C. Reduce dynamic loading and maintain control of the load.
D. Comply with noise ordinances.
13. When receiving signals from a signal person, the operator should move the load only
when:
A. They agree with the signal.
B. Signals are understood and agreed upon.
C. The superintendent is present.
D. The signal is given via radio.
14. If communication with the signal person is lost, the operator should:
A. Continue the lift to clear the area.
B. Lower the load and wait for communication to be re-established.
C. Use the horn to get attention.
D. Ask a nearby worker for signals.
15. The area of the rigging that is most susceptible to damage from sharp edges is the:
A. Shackle pin.
B. Wire rope at the contact point.
C. Hook throat.
D. Load block sheave.
16. Side-loading of the boom is dangerous because it can cause:
A. Increased fuel efficiency.
B. Structural damage or boom failure.
C. Faster hoisting speeds.
D. Reduced operator visibility.
17. The term "boom hoist jump" refers to:
A. A rapid increase in boom angle.
B. A safety device on the boom hoist cylinder.
C. A sudden, uncontrolled drop of the load.
, D. A sudden movement caused by the release of hydraulic pressure when changing the boom
angle.
18. When picking a load that has been sitting on the ground, the initial action should be to:
A. Hoist as fast as possible.
B. Apply just enough tension to the slings to take out the slack, then check stability.
C. Lift it a few feet and then stop to check the load chart.
D. Swing the load immediately.
19. The primary reference for a crane's capabilities and limitations is the:
A. Operator's manual and load chart.
B. Company safety policy.
C. Signal person's instructions.
D. Previous operator's notes.
20. Crane mats are used primarily to:
A. Improve traction for mobile crane travel.
B. Provide a stable, uniform bearing surface.
C. Mark the swing radius of the crane.
D. Protect underground utilities.
21. A Level 1 signal person is qualified to signal for:
A. All lifts, including blind picks.
B. Routine lifts where the operator has a direct view of the load.
C. Lifts involving multiple cranes.
D. Operations near power lines only.
22. The rated capacity of a crane decreases as:
A. Boom length decreases.
B. Outriggers are extended.
C. The load radius increases.
D. The load weight decreases.
23. Before traveling a crane with the boom erected, you must check the manufacturer's
instructions for the allowable travel speed and boom location, and ensure:
A. The boom is fully extended for balance.
B. The load is secured to the hook.
C. The boom is properly supported and secured for travel.
D. A signal person leads the way.
Practice Test STUDY GUIDE 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <LATEST VERSION>
Section 1: Site, Setup, and Operations (Questions 1-30)
1. Who has the primary authority to stop crane operations if a safety concern is identified?
A. The oiler
B. The signal person
C. The crane operator
D. The project manager
2. Before traveling a crane on site with a load, the operator must ensure:
A. The load is as high as possible for ground clearance.
B. The travel route is pre-planned and clear of personnel and hazards.
C. The load is suspended directly over the front.
D. Travel speed does not exceed 10 mph.
3. According to OSHA, a formal inspection of all critical parts of the crane (a "shift inspection")
must be performed:
A. Weekly
B. At the beginning of each shift
C. Monthly
D. Only after assembly
4. The primary purpose of outrigger pads or cribbing is to:
A. Level the crane.
B. Increase the crane's lifting capacity.
C. Distribute the crane's load to the supporting surface.
D. Provide a visual warning zone.
,5. When setting up on soft or unstable ground, the operator should FIRST:
A. Consult the load chart.
B. Consult the manufacturer's instructions and/or a qualified person.
C. Use larger outrigger floats.
D. Reduce the crane's radius.
6. A crane's load moment indicator (LMI) or rated capacity indicator (RCI) is:
A. A device that automatically prevents overloads.
B. An aid to the operator but does not replace the need to use the load chart.
C. Required only for lifts over 80% of capacity.
D. Used to measure wind speed.
7. The boom angle indicator is critical because it directly affects the crane's:
A. Line speed.
B. Rated capacity for a given radius.
C. Fuel consumption.
D. Hydraulic pressure.
8. When making a lift, the operator should ensure the load is hoisted enough to clear
obstacles by a minimum of:
A. 1 inch
B. 6 inches
C. 2 feet
D. A safe distance, typically considered to be at least 24 inches.
9. A "powerline safety meeting" is required by OSHA when operating within:
A. The working radius of the crane.
B. 20 feet of a power line.
C. The Table A clearance distance.
D. 50 feet of any hazard.
10. The best practice for avoiding two-blocking is to:
A. Rely on the anti-two-block device.
B. Maintain visual contact with the hook and ensure there is sufficient spare rope on the drum.
C. Hoist at very slow speeds.
D. Use a headphone radio.
11. Swing brake drift is most dangerous when:
A. Lifting near the crane's maximum capacity.
,B. Operating on a slope.
C. The load is over personnel.
D. The boom is at a low angle.
12. The primary reason for avoiding sudden, jerky movements when handling a load is to:
A. Save fuel.
B. Minimize wear on the crane.
C. Reduce dynamic loading and maintain control of the load.
D. Comply with noise ordinances.
13. When receiving signals from a signal person, the operator should move the load only
when:
A. They agree with the signal.
B. Signals are understood and agreed upon.
C. The superintendent is present.
D. The signal is given via radio.
14. If communication with the signal person is lost, the operator should:
A. Continue the lift to clear the area.
B. Lower the load and wait for communication to be re-established.
C. Use the horn to get attention.
D. Ask a nearby worker for signals.
15. The area of the rigging that is most susceptible to damage from sharp edges is the:
A. Shackle pin.
B. Wire rope at the contact point.
C. Hook throat.
D. Load block sheave.
16. Side-loading of the boom is dangerous because it can cause:
A. Increased fuel efficiency.
B. Structural damage or boom failure.
C. Faster hoisting speeds.
D. Reduced operator visibility.
17. The term "boom hoist jump" refers to:
A. A rapid increase in boom angle.
B. A safety device on the boom hoist cylinder.
C. A sudden, uncontrolled drop of the load.
, D. A sudden movement caused by the release of hydraulic pressure when changing the boom
angle.
18. When picking a load that has been sitting on the ground, the initial action should be to:
A. Hoist as fast as possible.
B. Apply just enough tension to the slings to take out the slack, then check stability.
C. Lift it a few feet and then stop to check the load chart.
D. Swing the load immediately.
19. The primary reference for a crane's capabilities and limitations is the:
A. Operator's manual and load chart.
B. Company safety policy.
C. Signal person's instructions.
D. Previous operator's notes.
20. Crane mats are used primarily to:
A. Improve traction for mobile crane travel.
B. Provide a stable, uniform bearing surface.
C. Mark the swing radius of the crane.
D. Protect underground utilities.
21. A Level 1 signal person is qualified to signal for:
A. All lifts, including blind picks.
B. Routine lifts where the operator has a direct view of the load.
C. Lifts involving multiple cranes.
D. Operations near power lines only.
22. The rated capacity of a crane decreases as:
A. Boom length decreases.
B. Outriggers are extended.
C. The load radius increases.
D. The load weight decreases.
23. Before traveling a crane with the boom erected, you must check the manufacturer's
instructions for the allowable travel speed and boom location, and ensure:
A. The boom is fully extended for balance.
B. The load is secured to the hook.
C. The boom is properly supported and secured for travel.
D. A signal person leads the way.
