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NCCER Advanced Rigger Exam QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
NCCER Advanced Rigger Exam Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
10 MOST-TESTED EXAM COVERAGE AREAS
1. Rigging Safety and Planning — Job planning, hazard identification, pre-use inspections, safe
work practices, communication, exclusion zones, and proper selection of rigging equipment.
2. Wire Rope and Wire Rope Slings — Construction, inspection, safe use, damage, capacity, sling
angles, end fittings, removal criteria, and proper storage.
3. Chain Slings and Alloy Chain — Grade identification, inspection, working load limits, hooks,
master links, temperature effects, damage, and safe use.
4. Synthetic Web and Round Slings — Types, inspection, protection from cuts and abrasion,
capacity, hitch types, temperature limits, chemical damage, and storage.
5. Hooks, Shackles, Links, and Hardware — Identification, inspection, loading direction, side
loading, latch requirements, deformation, markings, and safe working limits.
6. Hitches and Rigging Configurations — Vertical, choker, basket, bridle, multi-leg arrangements,
sling angles, load distribution, and proper connection methods.
7. Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Rigging Calculations — Estimating load weight, finding the
center of gravity, calculating sling forces, determining capacity, and applying safety factors.
8. Below-the-Hook Devices and Specialized Rigging — Spreader beams, lifting beams, plate
clamps, lifting magnets, personnel platforms, below-the-hook devices, and special lifting
situations.
9. Signal Person and Crane Communication — Standard hand signals, radio communication,
emergency signals, signal responsibilities, blind lifts, communication checks, and coordination
with operators.
10. Critical Lifts, Tandem Lifts, and Advanced Lift Planning — Lift plans, multiple cranes, unusual
loads, environmental hazards, equipment selection, load control, and qualified-person
responsibilities.
Question 1
Before starting a difficult lift, what should the rigger do first to help identify hazards and select safe
rigging equipment?
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A. Start attaching the slings immediately
B. Review the lift plan and inspect the work area
C. Ask the crane operator to choose the slings
D. Lift the load slowly to test it
Answer: B
Rationale: A lift should be planned before rigging begins. The work area, load, equipment, hazards, and
rigging requirements should be reviewed.
Question 2
When a wire rope sling has broken wires and serious damage, what should the rigger do before using it?
A. Paint the damaged area
B. Reduce the load weight
C. Remove the sling from service
D. Use the sling only for short lifts
Answer: C
Rationale: A seriously damaged wire rope sling should not be used. It must be removed from service
and properly identified.
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Question 3
Why does a sling become more heavily loaded when the sling angle becomes smaller during a lifted
load?
A. The load becomes lighter
B. The horizontal force on the sling increases
C. The crane becomes stronger
D. The sling becomes shorter
Answer: B
Rationale: Smaller sling angles increase the tension in the sling legs. This can greatly increase the force
carried by each leg.
Question 4
What information should a rigger check before selecting a sling for a specific load?
A. Sling color only
B. Sling length only
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C. Working load limit and intended hitch
D. Manufacturer name only
Answer: C
Rationale: The rigger must verify the sling's working load limit for the planned hitch and lifting
arrangement.
Question 5
Why should sharp edges on a load be protected before synthetic slings are used?
A. Sharp edges can cut or damage the sling
B. Sharp edges make the crane move faster
C. Protection makes the load heavier
D. Protection removes the need for inspection
Answer: A
Rationale: Synthetic slings can be cut or severely damaged by sharp load edges. Proper protection helps
prevent this damage.
Question 6
NCCER Advanced Rigger Exam QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
NCCER Advanced Rigger Exam Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
10 MOST-TESTED EXAM COVERAGE AREAS
1. Rigging Safety and Planning — Job planning, hazard identification, pre-use inspections, safe
work practices, communication, exclusion zones, and proper selection of rigging equipment.
2. Wire Rope and Wire Rope Slings — Construction, inspection, safe use, damage, capacity, sling
angles, end fittings, removal criteria, and proper storage.
3. Chain Slings and Alloy Chain — Grade identification, inspection, working load limits, hooks,
master links, temperature effects, damage, and safe use.
4. Synthetic Web and Round Slings — Types, inspection, protection from cuts and abrasion,
capacity, hitch types, temperature limits, chemical damage, and storage.
5. Hooks, Shackles, Links, and Hardware — Identification, inspection, loading direction, side
loading, latch requirements, deformation, markings, and safe working limits.
6. Hitches and Rigging Configurations — Vertical, choker, basket, bridle, multi-leg arrangements,
sling angles, load distribution, and proper connection methods.
7. Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Rigging Calculations — Estimating load weight, finding the
center of gravity, calculating sling forces, determining capacity, and applying safety factors.
8. Below-the-Hook Devices and Specialized Rigging — Spreader beams, lifting beams, plate
clamps, lifting magnets, personnel platforms, below-the-hook devices, and special lifting
situations.
9. Signal Person and Crane Communication — Standard hand signals, radio communication,
emergency signals, signal responsibilities, blind lifts, communication checks, and coordination
with operators.
10. Critical Lifts, Tandem Lifts, and Advanced Lift Planning — Lift plans, multiple cranes, unusual
loads, environmental hazards, equipment selection, load control, and qualified-person
responsibilities.
Question 1
Before starting a difficult lift, what should the rigger do first to help identify hazards and select safe
rigging equipment?
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A. Start attaching the slings immediately
B. Review the lift plan and inspect the work area
C. Ask the crane operator to choose the slings
D. Lift the load slowly to test it
Answer: B
Rationale: A lift should be planned before rigging begins. The work area, load, equipment, hazards, and
rigging requirements should be reviewed.
Question 2
When a wire rope sling has broken wires and serious damage, what should the rigger do before using it?
A. Paint the damaged area
B. Reduce the load weight
C. Remove the sling from service
D. Use the sling only for short lifts
Answer: C
Rationale: A seriously damaged wire rope sling should not be used. It must be removed from service
and properly identified.
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Question 3
Why does a sling become more heavily loaded when the sling angle becomes smaller during a lifted
load?
A. The load becomes lighter
B. The horizontal force on the sling increases
C. The crane becomes stronger
D. The sling becomes shorter
Answer: B
Rationale: Smaller sling angles increase the tension in the sling legs. This can greatly increase the force
carried by each leg.
Question 4
What information should a rigger check before selecting a sling for a specific load?
A. Sling color only
B. Sling length only
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C. Working load limit and intended hitch
D. Manufacturer name only
Answer: C
Rationale: The rigger must verify the sling's working load limit for the planned hitch and lifting
arrangement.
Question 5
Why should sharp edges on a load be protected before synthetic slings are used?
A. Sharp edges can cut or damage the sling
B. Sharp edges make the crane move faster
C. Protection makes the load heavier
D. Protection removes the need for inspection
Answer: A
Rationale: Synthetic slings can be cut or severely damaged by sharp load edges. Proper protection helps
prevent this damage.
Question 6
