Tower Crane Operator Certification Exam
Practice (NCCCO) Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a tower crane’s counterweight?
a) Increase lifting height
b) Balance the load
c) Extend the boom length
d) Improve wind resistance
Rationale: Counterweights are used to balance the crane and prevent
tipping when lifting loads.
2. When should a pre-shift inspection of a tower crane be performed?
a) Weekly
b) Monthly
c) Before each shift
d) Only after repairs
,Rationale: A pre-shift inspection ensures that the crane is safe and
operational before use.
3. Which factor primarily affects a crane’s load chart ratings?
a) Operator experience
b) Boom length and radius
c) Weather conditions
d) Load type
Rationale: Load charts are based on the crane’s configuration, including
boom length and radius from the center of rotation.
4. Which signal indicates “Stop” when using hand signals?
a) Arm extended upward
b) Arm raised vertically with palm forward
c) Swinging arm in a circle
d) Waving hand side to side
Rationale: The standard hand signal for "Stop" is arm raised vertically with
the palm facing forward.
5. What is the maximum allowable wind speed for operating a tower
crane, unless otherwise specified?
a) 20 mph
b) 30 mph
c) 40 mph
d) 50 mph
,Rationale: Operating tower cranes above 30 mph wind can be unsafe; the
exact limit may vary per manufacturer.
6. Which component of a tower crane allows it to rotate 360 degrees?
a) Boom
b) Counterweight
c) Slewing unit
d) Hook
Rationale: The slewing unit allows the crane to rotate horizontally.
7. What is the purpose of the anti-two-block device?
a) Limit crane rotation
b) Prevent the hook block from hitting the boom tip
c) Increase lifting capacity
d) Reduce wind sway
Rationale: The anti-two-block device prevents damage or accidents caused
by the hook block striking the boom tip.
8. Which load condition is considered unsafe?
a) Lifting below rated capacity
b) Side loading the crane
c) Using proper rigging
d) Operating on level ground
Rationale: Side loading a crane can cause tipping or structural failure.
, 9. What should you do if a load starts swinging uncontrollably?
a) Increase speed
b) Lower the load immediately and stop
c) Swing the load in the opposite direction
d) Ignore and continue
Rationale: Uncontrolled swinging can be dangerous; lowering the load safely
is the correct action.
10. What is the main purpose of tower crane guy wires?
a) Lift heavy loads
b) Increase boom length
c) Stabilize the crane
d) Control slewing speed
Rationale: Guy wires are used to provide stability, especially for tall or free-
standing cranes.
11. How often must tower crane inspections be documented?
a) Daily
b) Weekly
c) Each inspection, including pre-shift and periodic
d) Only after repairs
Rationale: Documentation of inspections ensures compliance with safety
regulations and maintenance tracking.
Practice (NCCCO) Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a tower crane’s counterweight?
a) Increase lifting height
b) Balance the load
c) Extend the boom length
d) Improve wind resistance
Rationale: Counterweights are used to balance the crane and prevent
tipping when lifting loads.
2. When should a pre-shift inspection of a tower crane be performed?
a) Weekly
b) Monthly
c) Before each shift
d) Only after repairs
,Rationale: A pre-shift inspection ensures that the crane is safe and
operational before use.
3. Which factor primarily affects a crane’s load chart ratings?
a) Operator experience
b) Boom length and radius
c) Weather conditions
d) Load type
Rationale: Load charts are based on the crane’s configuration, including
boom length and radius from the center of rotation.
4. Which signal indicates “Stop” when using hand signals?
a) Arm extended upward
b) Arm raised vertically with palm forward
c) Swinging arm in a circle
d) Waving hand side to side
Rationale: The standard hand signal for "Stop" is arm raised vertically with
the palm facing forward.
5. What is the maximum allowable wind speed for operating a tower
crane, unless otherwise specified?
a) 20 mph
b) 30 mph
c) 40 mph
d) 50 mph
,Rationale: Operating tower cranes above 30 mph wind can be unsafe; the
exact limit may vary per manufacturer.
6. Which component of a tower crane allows it to rotate 360 degrees?
a) Boom
b) Counterweight
c) Slewing unit
d) Hook
Rationale: The slewing unit allows the crane to rotate horizontally.
7. What is the purpose of the anti-two-block device?
a) Limit crane rotation
b) Prevent the hook block from hitting the boom tip
c) Increase lifting capacity
d) Reduce wind sway
Rationale: The anti-two-block device prevents damage or accidents caused
by the hook block striking the boom tip.
8. Which load condition is considered unsafe?
a) Lifting below rated capacity
b) Side loading the crane
c) Using proper rigging
d) Operating on level ground
Rationale: Side loading a crane can cause tipping or structural failure.
, 9. What should you do if a load starts swinging uncontrollably?
a) Increase speed
b) Lower the load immediately and stop
c) Swing the load in the opposite direction
d) Ignore and continue
Rationale: Uncontrolled swinging can be dangerous; lowering the load safely
is the correct action.
10. What is the main purpose of tower crane guy wires?
a) Lift heavy loads
b) Increase boom length
c) Stabilize the crane
d) Control slewing speed
Rationale: Guy wires are used to provide stability, especially for tall or free-
standing cranes.
11. How often must tower crane inspections be documented?
a) Daily
b) Weekly
c) Each inspection, including pre-shift and periodic
d) Only after repairs
Rationale: Documentation of inspections ensures compliance with safety
regulations and maintenance tracking.
