NCCCO DIGGER DERRICK OPERATOR EXAMINATION NEWEST EVALUATED EXAM
PRACTICE 100 QUESTIONS 2025-2026|ORIGINAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
|DETAILED RATIONALES |HINTED COMPLETE EXAM PREP GRADED A+*INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF*
1. Before setting up a digger derrick at a worksite, which condition presents
the greatest concern regarding ground support?
A. The ground is slightly dusty
B. The surface is painted
C. There may be underground voids, tanks, or loose fill
D. The work area has adequate lighting
Answer: C. There may be underground voids, tanks, or loose fill
Underground voids, tanks, and loose fill can substantially reduce the ground’s
ability to support the digger derrick and its applied loads.
2. A digger derrick is positioned near an excavation. What is the primary
concern?
A. Increased engine temperature
B. Loss of ground stability near the excavation
C. Reduced fuel economy
D. Increased hydraulic oil pressure
Answer: B. Loss of ground stability near the excavation
Excavations and depressions can weaken supporting surfaces and may allow the
equipment or outriggers to shift or overturn.
3. When working near an overhead power line, the operator should primarily:
A. Assume the line is insulated
B. Maintain the required minimum approach distance
C. Touch the line with a boom tip to determine whether it is energized
D. Operate faster to minimize exposure time
Answer: B. Maintain the required minimum approach distance
,Power lines must be treated as energized unless properly verified otherwise, and
required clearances must be maintained.
4. Why should underground utilities be identified before beginning
operations?
A. They can interfere with radio communication
B. They can affect engine performance
C. Digging or setting operations may damage them and create serious hazards
D. They determine the color of the machine
Answer: C. Digging or setting operations may damage them and create serious
hazards
Underground utilities can include electrical, gas, water, communication, and other
services that may be damaged during excavation.
5. Which ground condition is generally most suitable for supporting a properly
configured digger derrick?
A. Firm, drained, and graded ground
B. Loose uncompacted fill
C. Saturated soil
D. A concealed underground cavity
Answer: A. Firm, drained, and graded ground
Firm, drained, and graded ground provides a more stable foundation for the
vehicle and supporting devices.
6. A retaining wall is located close to an outrigger. What should the operator
do?
A. Ignore it if the wall looks strong
B. Position the outrigger directly against the wall
C. Evaluate the potential effect of the retaining wall on ground stability
D. Extend the boom farther to compensate
Answer: C. Evaluate the potential effect of the retaining wall on ground stability
,Nearby retaining walls may affect the ability of the supporting surface to
withstand imposed loads.
7. Which item should be included when reviewing a job with site supervision?
A. Operator's preferred radio station
B. Lift or job plan
C. Vehicle paint condition
D. Tire brand preference
Answer: B. Lift or job plan
The job plan should address the intended operation, load requirements,
clearances, ground support, hazards, and other relevant conditions.
8. Why must transportation clearances be considered before moving a digger
derrick to or from a worksite?
A. To improve hydraulic pressure
B. To prevent contact with bridges, structures, signs, and other obstructions
C. To increase lifting capacity
D. To reduce tire wear
Answer: B. To prevent contact with bridges, structures, signs, and other
obstructions
Transportation routes must provide sufficient clearance for the machine and its
configuration.
9. Which situation requires particular attention to traffic control?
A. The machine is parked inside a secured warehouse
B. The digger derrick is operating adjacent to a public roadway
C. The operator is performing an inspection alone
D. The machine is stored overnight
Answer: B. The digger derrick is operating adjacent to a public roadway
Traffic control protects workers, equipment operators, pedestrians, and the public
from moving vehicles and work-zone hazards.
, 10.Who should be permitted within a restricted operating area?
A. Any member of the public
B. Only authorized personnel as required for the operation
C. Anyone wearing ordinary clothing
D. Visitors without instruction
Answer: B. Only authorized personnel as required for the operation
Restricting access reduces the possibility of personnel being exposed to moving
equipment, suspended loads, and other hazards.
11.During a pre-operational inspection, a critical safety device is found to be
defective. What is the appropriate action?
A. Continue operating at reduced speed
B. Operate only with a lighter load
C. Report the defect and correct it before operation when required
D. Cover the device with tape
Answer: C. Report the defect and correct it before operation when required
Defective safety equipment can compromise safe operation and must not simply
be bypassed or ignored.
12.Which inspection category specifically includes checking the hook, load line,
and rigging?
A. Structural/mechanical inspection
B. Load lines, hooks, and rigging inspection
C. Transportation inspection
D. Cab inspection only
Answer: B. Load lines, hooks, and rigging inspection
The load-handling components must be inspected for conditions that could make
lifting unsafe.
13.Why should controls be checked before operating the digger derrick?
PRACTICE 100 QUESTIONS 2025-2026|ORIGINAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
|DETAILED RATIONALES |HINTED COMPLETE EXAM PREP GRADED A+*INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF*
1. Before setting up a digger derrick at a worksite, which condition presents
the greatest concern regarding ground support?
A. The ground is slightly dusty
B. The surface is painted
C. There may be underground voids, tanks, or loose fill
D. The work area has adequate lighting
Answer: C. There may be underground voids, tanks, or loose fill
Underground voids, tanks, and loose fill can substantially reduce the ground’s
ability to support the digger derrick and its applied loads.
2. A digger derrick is positioned near an excavation. What is the primary
concern?
A. Increased engine temperature
B. Loss of ground stability near the excavation
C. Reduced fuel economy
D. Increased hydraulic oil pressure
Answer: B. Loss of ground stability near the excavation
Excavations and depressions can weaken supporting surfaces and may allow the
equipment or outriggers to shift or overturn.
3. When working near an overhead power line, the operator should primarily:
A. Assume the line is insulated
B. Maintain the required minimum approach distance
C. Touch the line with a boom tip to determine whether it is energized
D. Operate faster to minimize exposure time
Answer: B. Maintain the required minimum approach distance
,Power lines must be treated as energized unless properly verified otherwise, and
required clearances must be maintained.
4. Why should underground utilities be identified before beginning
operations?
A. They can interfere with radio communication
B. They can affect engine performance
C. Digging or setting operations may damage them and create serious hazards
D. They determine the color of the machine
Answer: C. Digging or setting operations may damage them and create serious
hazards
Underground utilities can include electrical, gas, water, communication, and other
services that may be damaged during excavation.
5. Which ground condition is generally most suitable for supporting a properly
configured digger derrick?
A. Firm, drained, and graded ground
B. Loose uncompacted fill
C. Saturated soil
D. A concealed underground cavity
Answer: A. Firm, drained, and graded ground
Firm, drained, and graded ground provides a more stable foundation for the
vehicle and supporting devices.
6. A retaining wall is located close to an outrigger. What should the operator
do?
A. Ignore it if the wall looks strong
B. Position the outrigger directly against the wall
C. Evaluate the potential effect of the retaining wall on ground stability
D. Extend the boom farther to compensate
Answer: C. Evaluate the potential effect of the retaining wall on ground stability
,Nearby retaining walls may affect the ability of the supporting surface to
withstand imposed loads.
7. Which item should be included when reviewing a job with site supervision?
A. Operator's preferred radio station
B. Lift or job plan
C. Vehicle paint condition
D. Tire brand preference
Answer: B. Lift or job plan
The job plan should address the intended operation, load requirements,
clearances, ground support, hazards, and other relevant conditions.
8. Why must transportation clearances be considered before moving a digger
derrick to or from a worksite?
A. To improve hydraulic pressure
B. To prevent contact with bridges, structures, signs, and other obstructions
C. To increase lifting capacity
D. To reduce tire wear
Answer: B. To prevent contact with bridges, structures, signs, and other
obstructions
Transportation routes must provide sufficient clearance for the machine and its
configuration.
9. Which situation requires particular attention to traffic control?
A. The machine is parked inside a secured warehouse
B. The digger derrick is operating adjacent to a public roadway
C. The operator is performing an inspection alone
D. The machine is stored overnight
Answer: B. The digger derrick is operating adjacent to a public roadway
Traffic control protects workers, equipment operators, pedestrians, and the public
from moving vehicles and work-zone hazards.
, 10.Who should be permitted within a restricted operating area?
A. Any member of the public
B. Only authorized personnel as required for the operation
C. Anyone wearing ordinary clothing
D. Visitors without instruction
Answer: B. Only authorized personnel as required for the operation
Restricting access reduces the possibility of personnel being exposed to moving
equipment, suspended loads, and other hazards.
11.During a pre-operational inspection, a critical safety device is found to be
defective. What is the appropriate action?
A. Continue operating at reduced speed
B. Operate only with a lighter load
C. Report the defect and correct it before operation when required
D. Cover the device with tape
Answer: C. Report the defect and correct it before operation when required
Defective safety equipment can compromise safe operation and must not simply
be bypassed or ignored.
12.Which inspection category specifically includes checking the hook, load line,
and rigging?
A. Structural/mechanical inspection
B. Load lines, hooks, and rigging inspection
C. Transportation inspection
D. Cab inspection only
Answer: B. Load lines, hooks, and rigging inspection
The load-handling components must be inspected for conditions that could make
lifting unsafe.
13.Why should controls be checked before operating the digger derrick?
