NCCCO TOWER CRANE OPERATOR
CERTIFICATION EXAM (LATEST 2026/2027
UPDATE) WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
NCCCO TOWER CRANE OPERATOR
CERTIFICATION EXAM
Questions 1–20 (Grade A • Latest Update)
Question 1
Installing counterweights/ballast, unfolding, telescoping the mast, and reconfiguration
of a tower crane shall be performed by a:
A. Competent person
B. Signal person
C. Qualified person
D. Authorized operator
Correct Answer: C. Qualified person
Rationale:
A qualified person is defined by OSHA and ASME as one who possesses a recognized
degree, certificate, or extensive experience demonstrating the ability to solve
problems related to crane operations. Activities such as mast telescoping and
counterweight installation directly affect structural integrity and stability. Errors during
these procedures can result in catastrophic collapse. Therefore, only a qualified person
is permitted to perform or directly supervise these critical tasks.
,Question 2
If the operator is required to leave a radio remote control unattended, the operator
must:
A. Lock the control in a safe location
B. Notify the signal person
C. De-energize the crane and secure the remote
D. Leave the crane in free swing
Correct Answer: C. De-energize the crane and secure the remote
Rationale:
Unattended remote controls pose a significant hazard due to the risk of accidental
activation. De-energizing the crane ensures that no movement can occur while the
operator is absent. Securing the remote prevents unauthorized use. This requirement
aligns with OSHA and ASME rules intended to eliminate unintended crane motion.
Question 3
The area inside a tower crane’s tail swing radius must be:
A. Clearly marked only
B. Posted with warning signs
C. Barricaded
D. Monitored by a spotter
Correct Answer: C. Barricaded
Rationale:
The tail swing area presents a severe struck-by hazard due to counterweight rotation.
Barricading physically prevents personnel from entering the danger zone. Warning
signs alone are insufficient because they rely on compliance rather than physical
restriction. OSHA mandates barricading to control access and reduce fatal contact
incidents.
,Question 4
Self-erecting tower crane operators must be familiar with:
A. Manufacturer marketing materials
B. Emergency procedures
C. Rigging inspection records
D. Wind charts only
Correct Answer: B. Emergency procedures
Rationale:
Emergency procedures include power failure response, evacuation, load securing, and
crane shutdown during hazardous conditions. Operators are often the first line of
response in emergencies. Lack of familiarity can delay action and increase risk to
personnel and equipment. NCCCO places strong emphasis on emergency
preparedness.
Question 5
During dismantling of a tower crane, which component must be removed in the proper
sequence and at the proper time?
A. Jib sections
B. Hoist rope
C. Counterweight/ballast
D. Slew ring
Correct Answer: C. Counterweight/ballast
Rationale:
Counterweights maintain crane stability by balancing load moments. Removing them
too early or out of sequence can destabilize the crane and cause overturning.
Manufacturer procedures specify exact timing and order. Following these instructions
is critical to maintaining structural equilibrium during dismantling.
, Question 6
The suspended platform suspension system shall have a minimum design factor of
______ to 1.
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Correct Answer: C. 5
Rationale:
A design factor of 5:1 means the system can support five times its intended load. This
margin accounts for dynamic forces, wear, and unforeseen stresses. ASME standards
require this factor to ensure personnel safety. Lower design factors increase the risk of
catastrophic failure.
Question 7
According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection of a tower crane is conducted:
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Every 36 months
Correct Answer: C. Annually
Rationale:
Periodic inspections involve a thorough examination of structural, mechanical, and
safety systems. Annual inspections allow early detection of fatigue, corrosion, or wear
that may not be visible during daily checks. ASME requires this frequency to ensure
long-term crane reliability and compliance.
CERTIFICATION EXAM (LATEST 2026/2027
UPDATE) WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
NCCCO TOWER CRANE OPERATOR
CERTIFICATION EXAM
Questions 1–20 (Grade A • Latest Update)
Question 1
Installing counterweights/ballast, unfolding, telescoping the mast, and reconfiguration
of a tower crane shall be performed by a:
A. Competent person
B. Signal person
C. Qualified person
D. Authorized operator
Correct Answer: C. Qualified person
Rationale:
A qualified person is defined by OSHA and ASME as one who possesses a recognized
degree, certificate, or extensive experience demonstrating the ability to solve
problems related to crane operations. Activities such as mast telescoping and
counterweight installation directly affect structural integrity and stability. Errors during
these procedures can result in catastrophic collapse. Therefore, only a qualified person
is permitted to perform or directly supervise these critical tasks.
,Question 2
If the operator is required to leave a radio remote control unattended, the operator
must:
A. Lock the control in a safe location
B. Notify the signal person
C. De-energize the crane and secure the remote
D. Leave the crane in free swing
Correct Answer: C. De-energize the crane and secure the remote
Rationale:
Unattended remote controls pose a significant hazard due to the risk of accidental
activation. De-energizing the crane ensures that no movement can occur while the
operator is absent. Securing the remote prevents unauthorized use. This requirement
aligns with OSHA and ASME rules intended to eliminate unintended crane motion.
Question 3
The area inside a tower crane’s tail swing radius must be:
A. Clearly marked only
B. Posted with warning signs
C. Barricaded
D. Monitored by a spotter
Correct Answer: C. Barricaded
Rationale:
The tail swing area presents a severe struck-by hazard due to counterweight rotation.
Barricading physically prevents personnel from entering the danger zone. Warning
signs alone are insufficient because they rely on compliance rather than physical
restriction. OSHA mandates barricading to control access and reduce fatal contact
incidents.
,Question 4
Self-erecting tower crane operators must be familiar with:
A. Manufacturer marketing materials
B. Emergency procedures
C. Rigging inspection records
D. Wind charts only
Correct Answer: B. Emergency procedures
Rationale:
Emergency procedures include power failure response, evacuation, load securing, and
crane shutdown during hazardous conditions. Operators are often the first line of
response in emergencies. Lack of familiarity can delay action and increase risk to
personnel and equipment. NCCCO places strong emphasis on emergency
preparedness.
Question 5
During dismantling of a tower crane, which component must be removed in the proper
sequence and at the proper time?
A. Jib sections
B. Hoist rope
C. Counterweight/ballast
D. Slew ring
Correct Answer: C. Counterweight/ballast
Rationale:
Counterweights maintain crane stability by balancing load moments. Removing them
too early or out of sequence can destabilize the crane and cause overturning.
Manufacturer procedures specify exact timing and order. Following these instructions
is critical to maintaining structural equilibrium during dismantling.
, Question 6
The suspended platform suspension system shall have a minimum design factor of
______ to 1.
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Correct Answer: C. 5
Rationale:
A design factor of 5:1 means the system can support five times its intended load. This
margin accounts for dynamic forces, wear, and unforeseen stresses. ASME standards
require this factor to ensure personnel safety. Lower design factors increase the risk of
catastrophic failure.
Question 7
According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection of a tower crane is conducted:
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Every 36 months
Correct Answer: C. Annually
Rationale:
Periodic inspections involve a thorough examination of structural, mechanical, and
safety systems. Annual inspections allow early detection of fatigue, corrosion, or wear
that may not be visible during daily checks. ASME requires this frequency to ensure
long-term crane reliability and compliance.
