NCCCO Mobile Crane Exam 2026 |Complete 100+
Practice Questions with Verified Correct Answers
& Detailed Explanations
Question 1
What action does a signal person intend the operator to perform if he extends his arm at
shoulder height, makes a fist with his hand, and sticks his/her thumb up?
A. Boom down
B. Swing
C. Boom up
D. Extend boom
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Standard Method hand signal for "Boom Up" is: extend arm at
shoulder height, make a fist with the hand, and point the thumb upward. This signals
the operator to raise the boom .
Question 2
When hoisting personnel, within what percentage of level must a telescopic boom crane
be in order for the gross ratings in the load chart to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 8%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A crane must be set up within 1% of level for the load chart ratings to
remain valid. Exceeding this can compromise stability and invalidate the published
capacities .
Question 3
The load line of the crane you're operating contacts an energized power line. There's no
sign of any other danger, such as fire. What should you do?
A. Climb down carefully from the crane cab
B. Jump down, feet together
pg. 1
,C. Stay in the cab until the lines are de-energized
D. Get as far away from the crane as possible
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the load line contacts an energized power line, the operator should
remain in the crane cab until the lines are de-energized. The cab provides a Faraday
cage protection from electrical current. Exiting the cab could create a path to ground
and cause electrocution .
Question 4
According to OSHA 1926.1413, how many randomly distributed broken wires in
rotation-resistant rope are cause for replacement of the rope?
A. 1 broken wire in 6 rope diameters
B. 2 broken wires in 30 rope diameters
C. 3 broken wires in one strand in one lay
D. 2 broken wires in 6 rope diameters
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: OSHA 1926.1413 requires replacement of rotation-resistant wire rope
when there are 2 broken wires in 6 rope diameters or 4 broken wires in 30 rope
diameters. Rotation-resistant rope has stricter removal criteria than standard wire
rope .
Question 5
What is the net capacity of a crane on main boom unless the manufacturer states
otherwise?
A. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging and all
attachments
B. The capacity listed in the load chart plus the weight of the rigging and all attachments
C. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging and all
attachments not in use
D. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging alone
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Net capacity is defined as the gross capacity minus the weight of the
rigging and all attachments. This includes the hook block, slings, shackles, spreader
bars, and any other lifting gear. The net capacity is what remains for the actual load
being lifted .
pg. 2
,Question 6
What may happen to a properly rigged load when lifted off the ground unless the
operator takes account of boom deflection?
A. It could swing out away from the crane
B. It could swing in towards the crane
C. It could raise absolutely vertically
D. It could shift in its rigging
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Boom deflection causes the boom to bend downward under load, which
increases the load radius. As the boom deflects, the load will swing out away from the
crane. Operators must account for this to maintain proper positioning .
Question 7
What Standard Method hand signal is being illustrated?
A. Swing
B. Stop
C. Emergency Stop
D. Travel
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The hand signal described (arm extended with index finger pointing in
the direction of travel) indicates the "Swing" command .
Question 8
Who should an operator respond to a "stop" signal from?
A. Appointed signal person only
B. Project manager only
C. Superintendent only
D. Anyone
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The operator must respond to a "stop" signal from anyone. The "stop"
hand signal must be obeyed at all times, regardless of who gives it .
Question 9
Which area do truck cranes without a 5th outrigger generally have no lifting capacity
unless the manufacturer states otherwise?
A. The side
pg. 3
, B. The rear
C. The front
D. The outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Truck cranes without a 5th outrigger generally have no lifting capacity
over the front unless the manufacturer states otherwise. The front quadrant is less stable
because the outriggers do not extend forward .
Question 10
What is the definition of "operating radius"?
A. The distance from the base of the boom to the center of the load
B. The distance from the front of the crane to the center of gravity of the load
C. The distance from the center of rotation of the crane to the center of the load
D. The distance from the center of rotation of the crane to the center of gravity of the
load
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Operating radius is the horizontal distance from the center of rotation of
the crane to the center of gravity of the suspended load. This is a critical measurement
used in load chart calculations .
Question 11
What applies to the capacities below the bold line shown on a load chart?
A. They are based on the structural strength of the crane
B. They must not be used
C. They are based on the stability of the crane
D. They should only be used if the crane is set up on outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Load chart capacities below the bold line are based on the stability of the
crane (tipping). Capacities above the bold line are based on the structural strength of the
crane. The bold line separates stability-limited from structural-limited capacities .
Question 12
In which quadrant are rough terrain crane capacities generally greater?
A. Over the front
B. Over the rear
pg. 4
Practice Questions with Verified Correct Answers
& Detailed Explanations
Question 1
What action does a signal person intend the operator to perform if he extends his arm at
shoulder height, makes a fist with his hand, and sticks his/her thumb up?
A. Boom down
B. Swing
C. Boom up
D. Extend boom
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Standard Method hand signal for "Boom Up" is: extend arm at
shoulder height, make a fist with the hand, and point the thumb upward. This signals
the operator to raise the boom .
Question 2
When hoisting personnel, within what percentage of level must a telescopic boom crane
be in order for the gross ratings in the load chart to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 8%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A crane must be set up within 1% of level for the load chart ratings to
remain valid. Exceeding this can compromise stability and invalidate the published
capacities .
Question 3
The load line of the crane you're operating contacts an energized power line. There's no
sign of any other danger, such as fire. What should you do?
A. Climb down carefully from the crane cab
B. Jump down, feet together
pg. 1
,C. Stay in the cab until the lines are de-energized
D. Get as far away from the crane as possible
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the load line contacts an energized power line, the operator should
remain in the crane cab until the lines are de-energized. The cab provides a Faraday
cage protection from electrical current. Exiting the cab could create a path to ground
and cause electrocution .
Question 4
According to OSHA 1926.1413, how many randomly distributed broken wires in
rotation-resistant rope are cause for replacement of the rope?
A. 1 broken wire in 6 rope diameters
B. 2 broken wires in 30 rope diameters
C. 3 broken wires in one strand in one lay
D. 2 broken wires in 6 rope diameters
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: OSHA 1926.1413 requires replacement of rotation-resistant wire rope
when there are 2 broken wires in 6 rope diameters or 4 broken wires in 30 rope
diameters. Rotation-resistant rope has stricter removal criteria than standard wire
rope .
Question 5
What is the net capacity of a crane on main boom unless the manufacturer states
otherwise?
A. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging and all
attachments
B. The capacity listed in the load chart plus the weight of the rigging and all attachments
C. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging and all
attachments not in use
D. The capacity listed in the load chart minus the weight of the rigging alone
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Net capacity is defined as the gross capacity minus the weight of the
rigging and all attachments. This includes the hook block, slings, shackles, spreader
bars, and any other lifting gear. The net capacity is what remains for the actual load
being lifted .
pg. 2
,Question 6
What may happen to a properly rigged load when lifted off the ground unless the
operator takes account of boom deflection?
A. It could swing out away from the crane
B. It could swing in towards the crane
C. It could raise absolutely vertically
D. It could shift in its rigging
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Boom deflection causes the boom to bend downward under load, which
increases the load radius. As the boom deflects, the load will swing out away from the
crane. Operators must account for this to maintain proper positioning .
Question 7
What Standard Method hand signal is being illustrated?
A. Swing
B. Stop
C. Emergency Stop
D. Travel
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The hand signal described (arm extended with index finger pointing in
the direction of travel) indicates the "Swing" command .
Question 8
Who should an operator respond to a "stop" signal from?
A. Appointed signal person only
B. Project manager only
C. Superintendent only
D. Anyone
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The operator must respond to a "stop" signal from anyone. The "stop"
hand signal must be obeyed at all times, regardless of who gives it .
Question 9
Which area do truck cranes without a 5th outrigger generally have no lifting capacity
unless the manufacturer states otherwise?
A. The side
pg. 3
, B. The rear
C. The front
D. The outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Truck cranes without a 5th outrigger generally have no lifting capacity
over the front unless the manufacturer states otherwise. The front quadrant is less stable
because the outriggers do not extend forward .
Question 10
What is the definition of "operating radius"?
A. The distance from the base of the boom to the center of the load
B. The distance from the front of the crane to the center of gravity of the load
C. The distance from the center of rotation of the crane to the center of the load
D. The distance from the center of rotation of the crane to the center of gravity of the
load
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Operating radius is the horizontal distance from the center of rotation of
the crane to the center of gravity of the suspended load. This is a critical measurement
used in load chart calculations .
Question 11
What applies to the capacities below the bold line shown on a load chart?
A. They are based on the structural strength of the crane
B. They must not be used
C. They are based on the stability of the crane
D. They should only be used if the crane is set up on outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Load chart capacities below the bold line are based on the stability of the
crane (tipping). Capacities above the bold line are based on the structural strength of the
crane. The bold line separates stability-limited from structural-limited capacities .
Question 12
In which quadrant are rough terrain crane capacities generally greater?
A. Over the front
B. Over the rear
pg. 4
