NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Practice Exam Questions
With Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
What is the primary purpose of a digger derrick?
A. To excavate trenches for pipelines
B. To lift, place, and set poles and materials while drilling holes
C. To compact soil around utility poles
D. To transport heavy equipment between job sites
Correct Answer: B. To lift, place, and set poles and materials while drilling holes
Rationale: A digger derrick is specifically designed for drilling holes, setting utility poles,
and lifting associated materials. It combines augering and lifting capabilities, making it
indispensable in utility line construction and maintenance.
Before beginning operations, the operator's first responsibility is to:
A. Start the engine and warm it up
B. Review the load chart
C. Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection
D. Extend the outriggers
Correct Answer: C. Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection
Rationale: OSHA and NCCCO standards require operators to perform a thorough
inspection before each shift. This helps identify defects, leaks, damaged components,
or unsafe conditions before operation begins.
,What is the purpose of outriggers?
A. To improve fuel efficiency
B. To stabilize the equipment during lifting operations
C. To increase boom speed
D. To reduce tire wear
Correct Answer: B. To stabilize the equipment during lifting operations
Rationale: Outriggers widen the machine's base of support, significantly increasing
stability and reducing the likelihood of tip-over during lifting and drilling operations.
Which document provides the maximum allowable load for specific boom
configurations?
A. Operator's logbook
B. Maintenance manual
C. Load chart
D. Inspection checklist
Correct Answer: C. Load chart
Rationale: The load chart specifies lifting capacities based on boom length, angle,
radius, and outrigger position. Operators must consult it before every lift.
Who is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of a digger derrick?
A. The signal person
, B. The employer
C. The operator
D. The site supervisor
Correct Answer: C. The operator
Rationale: Although many personnel contribute to safety, the operator has final authority
and responsibility for ensuring the equipment is operated safely.
What should be done if a load weight is unknown?
A. Estimate conservatively
B. Lift slowly to test capacity
C. Determine the exact weight before lifting
D. Use maximum capacity
Correct Answer: C. Determine the exact weight before lifting
Rationale: Guessing load weight can lead to overload conditions, structural failure, or
tip-over. Exact weight must always be known before lifting.
When must outriggers be fully extended unless the load chart states otherwise?
A. Only during drilling
B. During all lifting operations
C. Only when lifting poles
D. Only on uneven ground
Correct Answer: B. During all lifting operations
With Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
What is the primary purpose of a digger derrick?
A. To excavate trenches for pipelines
B. To lift, place, and set poles and materials while drilling holes
C. To compact soil around utility poles
D. To transport heavy equipment between job sites
Correct Answer: B. To lift, place, and set poles and materials while drilling holes
Rationale: A digger derrick is specifically designed for drilling holes, setting utility poles,
and lifting associated materials. It combines augering and lifting capabilities, making it
indispensable in utility line construction and maintenance.
Before beginning operations, the operator's first responsibility is to:
A. Start the engine and warm it up
B. Review the load chart
C. Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection
D. Extend the outriggers
Correct Answer: C. Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection
Rationale: OSHA and NCCCO standards require operators to perform a thorough
inspection before each shift. This helps identify defects, leaks, damaged components,
or unsafe conditions before operation begins.
,What is the purpose of outriggers?
A. To improve fuel efficiency
B. To stabilize the equipment during lifting operations
C. To increase boom speed
D. To reduce tire wear
Correct Answer: B. To stabilize the equipment during lifting operations
Rationale: Outriggers widen the machine's base of support, significantly increasing
stability and reducing the likelihood of tip-over during lifting and drilling operations.
Which document provides the maximum allowable load for specific boom
configurations?
A. Operator's logbook
B. Maintenance manual
C. Load chart
D. Inspection checklist
Correct Answer: C. Load chart
Rationale: The load chart specifies lifting capacities based on boom length, angle,
radius, and outrigger position. Operators must consult it before every lift.
Who is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of a digger derrick?
A. The signal person
, B. The employer
C. The operator
D. The site supervisor
Correct Answer: C. The operator
Rationale: Although many personnel contribute to safety, the operator has final authority
and responsibility for ensuring the equipment is operated safely.
What should be done if a load weight is unknown?
A. Estimate conservatively
B. Lift slowly to test capacity
C. Determine the exact weight before lifting
D. Use maximum capacity
Correct Answer: C. Determine the exact weight before lifting
Rationale: Guessing load weight can lead to overload conditions, structural failure, or
tip-over. Exact weight must always be known before lifting.
When must outriggers be fully extended unless the load chart states otherwise?
A. Only during drilling
B. During all lifting operations
C. Only when lifting poles
D. Only on uneven ground
Correct Answer: B. During all lifting operations
