MOBILE CRANE EXAM PREP 2024/2025 – REALISTIC
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT
ANSWERS | UPDATED CERTIFICATION SUPPORT
1. What action should a crane operator take if the load line contacts an energized
power line with no immediate danger like fire?
A. Jump clear of the crane
B. Stay in the cab until lines are de-energized
C. Climb down slowly
D. Move the crane away from the line
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Staying in the cab prevents electrical shock until the power lines are de-
energized, per OSHA 1926.1408. Moving or exiting the crane risks completing the
circuit.
2. What does a signal person’s arm extended at shoulder height with a fist and thumb
up indicate?
A. Boom down
B. Swing
C. Boom up
D. Extend boom
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is the standard hand signal for “boom up” per ASME B30.5, ensuring
clear communication during crane operations.
3. When lifting personnel with a telescopic boom crane, what is the maximum
allowable out-of-level percentage for load chart ratings to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 8%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1431 requires telescopic boom cranes to be within 1% of level
when hoisting personnel to ensure stability and safety.
4. How many broken wires in six rope diameters of rotation-resistant rope require
replacement per OSHA 1926.1413?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA specifies that two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope
diameters warrant replacement to maintain rope integrity.
, 5. What is the net capacity of a mobile crane unless otherwise stated by the
manufacturer?
A. Load chart capacity minus rigging and all attachments
B. Load chart capacity plus rigging weight
C. Load chart capacity minus unused attachments
D. Load chart capacity minus rigging only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Net capacity is calculated by subtracting the weight of rigging and all
attachments from the load chart capacity to ensure safe lifting.
6. What may happen to a properly rigged load if boom deflection is not accounted for
during a lift?
A. Swing outward from the crane
B. Swing inward toward the crane
C. Lift vertically without issue
D. Shift within its rigging
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Boom deflection can cause the load to swing outward, increasing the radius
and potentially exceeding capacity.
7. Who should a crane operator respond to when receiving a “stop” signal?
A. Appointed signal person only
B. Project manager
C. Superintendent
D. Anyone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ASME B30.5 requires operators to obey a stop signal from anyone to
prioritize safety.
8. In which quadrant do truck cranes without a fifth outrigger typically have no lifting
capacity?
A. Side
B. Rear
C. Front
D. Outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Without a fifth outrigger, truck cranes lack stability over the front, limiting
capacity in that quadrant.
9. What is the definition of operating radius for a mobile crane?
A. Distance from boom base to load center
B. Distance from crane front to load center
C. Distance from crane’s center of rotation to load center
D. Distance from crane’s center of rotation to load’s center of gravity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Operating radius is measured from the crane’s center of rotation to the load’s
center of gravity, critical for load chart calculations.
10. What applies to capacities below the bold line on a load chart?
A. Based on structural strength
B. Must not be used
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT
ANSWERS | UPDATED CERTIFICATION SUPPORT
1. What action should a crane operator take if the load line contacts an energized
power line with no immediate danger like fire?
A. Jump clear of the crane
B. Stay in the cab until lines are de-energized
C. Climb down slowly
D. Move the crane away from the line
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Staying in the cab prevents electrical shock until the power lines are de-
energized, per OSHA 1926.1408. Moving or exiting the crane risks completing the
circuit.
2. What does a signal person’s arm extended at shoulder height with a fist and thumb
up indicate?
A. Boom down
B. Swing
C. Boom up
D. Extend boom
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is the standard hand signal for “boom up” per ASME B30.5, ensuring
clear communication during crane operations.
3. When lifting personnel with a telescopic boom crane, what is the maximum
allowable out-of-level percentage for load chart ratings to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 8%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1431 requires telescopic boom cranes to be within 1% of level
when hoisting personnel to ensure stability and safety.
4. How many broken wires in six rope diameters of rotation-resistant rope require
replacement per OSHA 1926.1413?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA specifies that two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope
diameters warrant replacement to maintain rope integrity.
, 5. What is the net capacity of a mobile crane unless otherwise stated by the
manufacturer?
A. Load chart capacity minus rigging and all attachments
B. Load chart capacity plus rigging weight
C. Load chart capacity minus unused attachments
D. Load chart capacity minus rigging only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Net capacity is calculated by subtracting the weight of rigging and all
attachments from the load chart capacity to ensure safe lifting.
6. What may happen to a properly rigged load if boom deflection is not accounted for
during a lift?
A. Swing outward from the crane
B. Swing inward toward the crane
C. Lift vertically without issue
D. Shift within its rigging
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Boom deflection can cause the load to swing outward, increasing the radius
and potentially exceeding capacity.
7. Who should a crane operator respond to when receiving a “stop” signal?
A. Appointed signal person only
B. Project manager
C. Superintendent
D. Anyone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ASME B30.5 requires operators to obey a stop signal from anyone to
prioritize safety.
8. In which quadrant do truck cranes without a fifth outrigger typically have no lifting
capacity?
A. Side
B. Rear
C. Front
D. Outriggers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Without a fifth outrigger, truck cranes lack stability over the front, limiting
capacity in that quadrant.
9. What is the definition of operating radius for a mobile crane?
A. Distance from boom base to load center
B. Distance from crane front to load center
C. Distance from crane’s center of rotation to load center
D. Distance from crane’s center of rotation to load’s center of gravity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Operating radius is measured from the crane’s center of rotation to the load’s
center of gravity, critical for load chart calculations.
10. What applies to capacities below the bold line on a load chart?
A. Based on structural strength
B. Must not be used
