NYC MASTER RIGGER LICENSE WRITTEN EXAM PRACTICE
EXAM – STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS | ACTUAL TESTBANK |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | 150+ QUESTIONS & 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i. NYC Master Rigger Licensing, Scope, and Responsibilities
ii. NYC Building Code and Rigging Regulations
iii. Rigging Hardware, Ropes, Wire Rope, Slings, and Connections
iv. Hoisting Machines, Cranes, Derricks, and Winches
v. Load Calculations, Center of Gravity, and Capacity
vi. Critical Picks, Lift Planning, and Engineering Controls
vii. Signals, Communications, and Lift Direction
viii. Suspended Scaffolds and Exterior Hoisting
ix. Inspection, Maintenance, Defects, and Safe Operating Practices
x. Fall Protection, Personnel Safety, and Hazard Control
xi. Site Conditions, Weather, Power Lines, and Public Protection
xii. Regulatory Compliance, Documentation, and Professional Judgment
xiii. Advanced Scenario-Based Rigging Problems
xiv. Emergency Procedures, Accident Prevention, and Incident Response
xv. Integrated Master Rigger Decision-Making
INTRODUCTION
This practice examination is designed for candidates preparing for the NYC Master Rigger
License Written Examination. It emphasizes hoisting and rigging regulations, load
calculations, rigging hardware, cranes and derricks, critical picks, lift direction, suspended
scaffolds, fall protection, inspections, accident prevention, and professional judgment. The
questions target experienced practitioners and candidates preparing for a demanding
professional licensing examination rather than basic recall. It contains 150+ questions and
answers with a rationale, using realistic scenarios, calculations, regulatory interpretation,
troubleshooting, compliance decisions, and safety analysis. For expanded study materials,
purchase and instantly get a downloadable and editable pdf for convenient review,
annotation, and exam preparation.
QUESTIONS 1–150
Question 1
A Master Rigger is planning an exterior hoisting operation involving a suspended article
whose weight is greater than the limit applicable to a Special Rigger. Which licensing
authority is most directly relevant?
,A. Authority limited to suspended scaffold installation only
B. Master Rigger authority for exterior hoisting regardless of article weight
C. Special Rigger authority because all exterior hoisting has the same limit
D. Lift Director certification alone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Master Rigger's scope includes hoisting or lowering suspended articles on
the outside of a building without the weight restriction applicable to a Special Rigger.
Question 2
During a lift, the load is estimated at 18,000 lb, but the rigging plan contains no
documented verification of the load's center of gravity. What is the most appropriate
action?
A. Proceed because the gross weight is below crane capacity
B. Proceed slowly while observing the load
C. Stop and require the center of gravity and rigging configuration to be verified
D. Reduce the number of rigging connections
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Capacity alone does not establish safe lifting. The center of gravity
determines load behavior, sling loading, stability, and the likelihood of uncontrolled
rotation.
Question 3
A four-leg bridle sling is connected to a load, but the rigging plan assumes all four legs
carry equal load despite uneven geometry. What is the principal concern?
A. The crane will automatically compensate
B. Each sling leg may not carry an equal share of the load
C. The load will always remain level
D. The weakest sling becomes stronger because multiple legs are present
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sling geometry and stiffness can produce unequal leg loading. A rigging plan
must not automatically assume equal distribution among multiple sling legs.
Question 4
A rigger observes a wire-rope sling with severe localized crushing near an eye. The rated
capacity appears adequate for the planned load. What should be done?
,A. Use it only at half capacity
B. Use it with a second sling
C. Remove it from service pending appropriate inspection and disposition
D. Rotate the damaged section away from the load
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Capacity calculations do not override an unacceptable physical condition.
Damaged rigging hardware must not be used merely because its nominal rating appears
adequate.
Question 5
A load weighs 12,000 lb and is rigged with two sling legs forming a 60° included angle.
Assuming the load is symmetrically supported, approximately what tension occurs in each
leg?
A. 3,000 lb
B. 4,000 lb
C. 6,000 lb
D. 12,000 lb
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: With a 60° included angle, each leg is approximately 30° from vertical. Each
leg carries approximately 12,000 ÷ (2 × cos 30°), or about 6,928 lb; therefore none of the
listed answers is exact. The appropriate examination judgment is that the stated options
are inadequate, so the configuration must be recalculated before use. For this question, C
is the closest listed value but should not be treated as a precise design value.
Question 6
Why does increasing the sling angle away from vertical generally increase tension in each
sling leg?
A. The load becomes lighter
B. A larger horizontal component must be resisted
C. The crane capacity increases
D. Gravity decreases
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As sling legs become more horizontal, the vertical component of each leg's
tension decreases, requiring greater total tension to support the same load.
Question 7
, A 10,000-lb load is suspended from two identical vertical sling legs. Ignoring dynamic
effects, what is the ideal static load in each leg?
A. 2,500 lb
B. 5,000 lb
C. 10,000 lb
D. 20,000 lb
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: With two vertical legs sharing the load symmetrically, each leg carries
approximately half the load, or 5,000 lb.
Question 8
A Master Rigger discovers that the manufacturer's rated capacity for a rigging component is
lower than the value assumed in the lift plan. Which value controls?
A. The value in the contractor's estimate
B. The higher value calculated by the rigger
C. The manufacturer's applicable rating
D. The average of the two values
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Manufacturer-rated capacity and applicable limitations must be respected. A
calculated capacity cannot be used to override a lower controlling manufacturer
limitation.
Question 9
Before a critical lift begins, the team discovers that the actual load weight differs
substantially from the documented weight. What is the best response?
A. Proceed if the difference is less than 25%
B. Proceed if the crane operator agrees
C. Stop and reassess the lift plan and capacities
D. Add another signal person
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A material change in load weight can invalidate crane capacity, rigging,
structural, and stability assumptions.
Question 10
A load has an eccentric center of gravity. What is the most important rigging consideration?
EXAM – STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS | ACTUAL TESTBANK |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | 150+ QUESTIONS & 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i. NYC Master Rigger Licensing, Scope, and Responsibilities
ii. NYC Building Code and Rigging Regulations
iii. Rigging Hardware, Ropes, Wire Rope, Slings, and Connections
iv. Hoisting Machines, Cranes, Derricks, and Winches
v. Load Calculations, Center of Gravity, and Capacity
vi. Critical Picks, Lift Planning, and Engineering Controls
vii. Signals, Communications, and Lift Direction
viii. Suspended Scaffolds and Exterior Hoisting
ix. Inspection, Maintenance, Defects, and Safe Operating Practices
x. Fall Protection, Personnel Safety, and Hazard Control
xi. Site Conditions, Weather, Power Lines, and Public Protection
xii. Regulatory Compliance, Documentation, and Professional Judgment
xiii. Advanced Scenario-Based Rigging Problems
xiv. Emergency Procedures, Accident Prevention, and Incident Response
xv. Integrated Master Rigger Decision-Making
INTRODUCTION
This practice examination is designed for candidates preparing for the NYC Master Rigger
License Written Examination. It emphasizes hoisting and rigging regulations, load
calculations, rigging hardware, cranes and derricks, critical picks, lift direction, suspended
scaffolds, fall protection, inspections, accident prevention, and professional judgment. The
questions target experienced practitioners and candidates preparing for a demanding
professional licensing examination rather than basic recall. It contains 150+ questions and
answers with a rationale, using realistic scenarios, calculations, regulatory interpretation,
troubleshooting, compliance decisions, and safety analysis. For expanded study materials,
purchase and instantly get a downloadable and editable pdf for convenient review,
annotation, and exam preparation.
QUESTIONS 1–150
Question 1
A Master Rigger is planning an exterior hoisting operation involving a suspended article
whose weight is greater than the limit applicable to a Special Rigger. Which licensing
authority is most directly relevant?
,A. Authority limited to suspended scaffold installation only
B. Master Rigger authority for exterior hoisting regardless of article weight
C. Special Rigger authority because all exterior hoisting has the same limit
D. Lift Director certification alone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Master Rigger's scope includes hoisting or lowering suspended articles on
the outside of a building without the weight restriction applicable to a Special Rigger.
Question 2
During a lift, the load is estimated at 18,000 lb, but the rigging plan contains no
documented verification of the load's center of gravity. What is the most appropriate
action?
A. Proceed because the gross weight is below crane capacity
B. Proceed slowly while observing the load
C. Stop and require the center of gravity and rigging configuration to be verified
D. Reduce the number of rigging connections
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Capacity alone does not establish safe lifting. The center of gravity
determines load behavior, sling loading, stability, and the likelihood of uncontrolled
rotation.
Question 3
A four-leg bridle sling is connected to a load, but the rigging plan assumes all four legs
carry equal load despite uneven geometry. What is the principal concern?
A. The crane will automatically compensate
B. Each sling leg may not carry an equal share of the load
C. The load will always remain level
D. The weakest sling becomes stronger because multiple legs are present
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sling geometry and stiffness can produce unequal leg loading. A rigging plan
must not automatically assume equal distribution among multiple sling legs.
Question 4
A rigger observes a wire-rope sling with severe localized crushing near an eye. The rated
capacity appears adequate for the planned load. What should be done?
,A. Use it only at half capacity
B. Use it with a second sling
C. Remove it from service pending appropriate inspection and disposition
D. Rotate the damaged section away from the load
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Capacity calculations do not override an unacceptable physical condition.
Damaged rigging hardware must not be used merely because its nominal rating appears
adequate.
Question 5
A load weighs 12,000 lb and is rigged with two sling legs forming a 60° included angle.
Assuming the load is symmetrically supported, approximately what tension occurs in each
leg?
A. 3,000 lb
B. 4,000 lb
C. 6,000 lb
D. 12,000 lb
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: With a 60° included angle, each leg is approximately 30° from vertical. Each
leg carries approximately 12,000 ÷ (2 × cos 30°), or about 6,928 lb; therefore none of the
listed answers is exact. The appropriate examination judgment is that the stated options
are inadequate, so the configuration must be recalculated before use. For this question, C
is the closest listed value but should not be treated as a precise design value.
Question 6
Why does increasing the sling angle away from vertical generally increase tension in each
sling leg?
A. The load becomes lighter
B. A larger horizontal component must be resisted
C. The crane capacity increases
D. Gravity decreases
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As sling legs become more horizontal, the vertical component of each leg's
tension decreases, requiring greater total tension to support the same load.
Question 7
, A 10,000-lb load is suspended from two identical vertical sling legs. Ignoring dynamic
effects, what is the ideal static load in each leg?
A. 2,500 lb
B. 5,000 lb
C. 10,000 lb
D. 20,000 lb
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: With two vertical legs sharing the load symmetrically, each leg carries
approximately half the load, or 5,000 lb.
Question 8
A Master Rigger discovers that the manufacturer's rated capacity for a rigging component is
lower than the value assumed in the lift plan. Which value controls?
A. The value in the contractor's estimate
B. The higher value calculated by the rigger
C. The manufacturer's applicable rating
D. The average of the two values
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Manufacturer-rated capacity and applicable limitations must be respected. A
calculated capacity cannot be used to override a lower controlling manufacturer
limitation.
Question 9
Before a critical lift begins, the team discovers that the actual load weight differs
substantially from the documented weight. What is the best response?
A. Proceed if the difference is less than 25%
B. Proceed if the crane operator agrees
C. Stop and reassess the lift plan and capacities
D. Add another signal person
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A material change in load weight can invalidate crane capacity, rigging,
structural, and stability assumptions.
Question 10
A load has an eccentric center of gravity. What is the most important rigging consideration?
