NCCCO Tower Crane Operator Certification Exam
2025/2026 – National Commission for the Certification
of Crane Operators | Complete Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
Q1: Site & Crane Setup
During initial site preparation for a flat-top tower crane, the appointed person determines that
the outrigger-style foundation will be installed on a 4:1 sloped embankment. Which action is
required before the crane is erected?
A. Install timber mats 3 in. thick under each outrigger float.
B. Grade the area level within ±1 % under all outrigger supports and provide written
documentation.
C. Increase the foundation bolts by one diameter size to compensate for side load.
D. Reduce the crane’s maximum radius by 15 % as an operational control.
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1402(a)(2)(i) and ASME B30.3-2024 para. 3-2.2.1 require the supporting
surface to be level within ±1 % under all outrigger loads; written documentation must be
provided. Mats alone (A) do not correct slope-induced side loading; bolt size (C) is unrelated to
slope stability; reducing radius (D) is an operational mitigation but does not address the
underlying ground-support hazard.
Q2: Site & Crane Setup
A climbing tower crane is to be tied to a cast-in-place concrete core wall. The connection plates
were cast 28 days ago with 4,000 psi design strength. Prior to installing the first climbing frame,
what verification is mandatory?
A. Field-cured cylinder test showing 3,000 psi is acceptable.
B. Rebound hammer test performed by the operator.
C. Professional engineer’s written certification that the wall and embedments meet the crane
manufacturer’s specified loads.
D. Visual inspection of form-work removal marks.
Answer: C
,Rationale: OSHA 1926.1431(c)(1) and B30.3-3-2.3.2 require the host structure (and its
embedded elements) to be certified by a qualified person or PE to sustain all imposed loads.
Cylinder strength (A) alone is insufficient without load analysis; rebound hammer (B) is not an
approved acceptance test for structural capacity; visual (D) is subjective.
Q3: Operations
Using the load chart, a 5-ton tower crane shows a 4,500 lb net capacity at 80 ft radius. The
rigging weighs 120 lb and the hook block 180 lb. What is the maximum gross load that may be
hoisted?
A. 4,500 lb
B. 4,380 lb
C. 4,200 lb
D. 4,680 lb
Answer: C
Rationale: Gross load = net capacity minus rigging deductions. 4,500 – 120 – 180 = 4,200 lb.
OSHA 1926.1428(c)(1) mandates using manufacturer load charts and deducting all hook-
attached devices from rated capacity.
Q4: Operations
While hoisting a 3-ton rebar cage, the operator notices the load drifting laterally 3 ft without
any boom movement. Wind speed is 12 mph. The MOST likely cause is:
A. Excessive boom deflection.
B. Wind acting on the large sail area of the cage.
D. Brake slippage in the hoist drum.
D. Trolley drive gearbox overheating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Rebar cages present large sail areas; even moderate wind (12 mph) creates lateral
forces exceeding allowable load-swing limits per OSHA 1926.1431(b)(7). Boom deflection (A)
would not cause lateral drift without radius change; brake slippage (C) causes vertical creep;
gearbox heat (D) affects travel speed, not drift.
,Q5: Technical Knowledge
The crane’s hydraulic jacking system for climbing units incorporates a pilot-operated check valve
in each lift cylinder circuit. The primary purpose of this valve is to:
A. Speed up cylinder retraction.
B. Prevent unintended cylinder descent in the event of hose failure.
C. Reduce oil temperature.
D. Allow manual override from the cab.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pilot-operated check valves lock fluid in the cylinder, providing load-holding safety if
pressure is lost—required under B30.3-3-2.5.1 and common manufacturer specs. They do not
regulate speed (A) or temperature (C), nor are they cab-controlled (D).
Q6: Safety & Regulations
Under OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, a qualified person must inspect the tower crane:
A. Only at monthly intervals.
B. After each assembly/disassembly and after occurrences such as severe weather.
C. Once per shift visually from the ground.
D. Only when the operator reports a defect.
Answer: B
Rationale: 1926.1435(f)(1) mandates inspection by a qualified person after each
assembly/disassembly and after events (wind >35 mph, lightning, etc.) that could affect
integrity. Option A is too infrequent; C describes operator daily inspection; D is reactive.
Q7: Site & Crane Setup
The crane manufacturer specifies 12 bolts torque to 1,200 ft-lb for the base ring connection. On
site, 2 bolts are found missing from the parts crate. Erection should:
A. Proceed and order 2 matching bolts to install within 24 h.
B. Not proceed until all specified bolts are installed per manufacturer.
C. Use higher-grade bolts as substitutes.
D. Tighten remaining bolts to 1,400 ft-lb to compensate.
Answer: B
, Rationale: OSHA 1926.1434(b)(3) and B30.3-3-2.4.1 require all fasteners to be installed per
manufacturer specifications before loading. Substitutes or over-torque (C, D) alter engineered
joint capacity; partial install (A) is prohibited.
Q8: Operations
During a two-crane lift (tandem), the designated lift director signals the tower crane to raise
while a mobile crane is still tensioning. The operator should:
A. Follow the signal since the lift director is in charge.
B. Stop all movement until both crane operators confirm readiness.
D. Speed up to maintain schedule.
D. Switch to radio communication only.
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1404(h)(3) requires synchronized control; the tower operator must
refuse unsafe commands per 1926.1428(k)(1) (operator responsibility). Lift director authority
does not override immediate safety stop.
Q9: Technical Knowledge
A torque-limiting device on the hoist drum is set at 110 % of rated line pull. Its function is to:
A. Prevent two-blocking.
B. Limit overload of the hoist motor and mechanical drive.
C. Control slewing speed.
D. Activate the boom-up limit switch.
Answer: B
Rationale: Torque limiters protect the hoist system from excess load current/mechanical stress
per B30.3-3-2.6.2. Two-blocking (A) is controlled by separate limit switches; slewing (C) and
boom-up (D) are unrelated circuits.
Q10: Safety & Regulations
Minimum clearance between a tower crane and energized 138-kV power line is:
A. 10 ft
B. 15 ft
2025/2026 – National Commission for the Certification
of Crane Operators | Complete Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
Q1: Site & Crane Setup
During initial site preparation for a flat-top tower crane, the appointed person determines that
the outrigger-style foundation will be installed on a 4:1 sloped embankment. Which action is
required before the crane is erected?
A. Install timber mats 3 in. thick under each outrigger float.
B. Grade the area level within ±1 % under all outrigger supports and provide written
documentation.
C. Increase the foundation bolts by one diameter size to compensate for side load.
D. Reduce the crane’s maximum radius by 15 % as an operational control.
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1402(a)(2)(i) and ASME B30.3-2024 para. 3-2.2.1 require the supporting
surface to be level within ±1 % under all outrigger loads; written documentation must be
provided. Mats alone (A) do not correct slope-induced side loading; bolt size (C) is unrelated to
slope stability; reducing radius (D) is an operational mitigation but does not address the
underlying ground-support hazard.
Q2: Site & Crane Setup
A climbing tower crane is to be tied to a cast-in-place concrete core wall. The connection plates
were cast 28 days ago with 4,000 psi design strength. Prior to installing the first climbing frame,
what verification is mandatory?
A. Field-cured cylinder test showing 3,000 psi is acceptable.
B. Rebound hammer test performed by the operator.
C. Professional engineer’s written certification that the wall and embedments meet the crane
manufacturer’s specified loads.
D. Visual inspection of form-work removal marks.
Answer: C
,Rationale: OSHA 1926.1431(c)(1) and B30.3-3-2.3.2 require the host structure (and its
embedded elements) to be certified by a qualified person or PE to sustain all imposed loads.
Cylinder strength (A) alone is insufficient without load analysis; rebound hammer (B) is not an
approved acceptance test for structural capacity; visual (D) is subjective.
Q3: Operations
Using the load chart, a 5-ton tower crane shows a 4,500 lb net capacity at 80 ft radius. The
rigging weighs 120 lb and the hook block 180 lb. What is the maximum gross load that may be
hoisted?
A. 4,500 lb
B. 4,380 lb
C. 4,200 lb
D. 4,680 lb
Answer: C
Rationale: Gross load = net capacity minus rigging deductions. 4,500 – 120 – 180 = 4,200 lb.
OSHA 1926.1428(c)(1) mandates using manufacturer load charts and deducting all hook-
attached devices from rated capacity.
Q4: Operations
While hoisting a 3-ton rebar cage, the operator notices the load drifting laterally 3 ft without
any boom movement. Wind speed is 12 mph. The MOST likely cause is:
A. Excessive boom deflection.
B. Wind acting on the large sail area of the cage.
D. Brake slippage in the hoist drum.
D. Trolley drive gearbox overheating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Rebar cages present large sail areas; even moderate wind (12 mph) creates lateral
forces exceeding allowable load-swing limits per OSHA 1926.1431(b)(7). Boom deflection (A)
would not cause lateral drift without radius change; brake slippage (C) causes vertical creep;
gearbox heat (D) affects travel speed, not drift.
,Q5: Technical Knowledge
The crane’s hydraulic jacking system for climbing units incorporates a pilot-operated check valve
in each lift cylinder circuit. The primary purpose of this valve is to:
A. Speed up cylinder retraction.
B. Prevent unintended cylinder descent in the event of hose failure.
C. Reduce oil temperature.
D. Allow manual override from the cab.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pilot-operated check valves lock fluid in the cylinder, providing load-holding safety if
pressure is lost—required under B30.3-3-2.5.1 and common manufacturer specs. They do not
regulate speed (A) or temperature (C), nor are they cab-controlled (D).
Q6: Safety & Regulations
Under OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, a qualified person must inspect the tower crane:
A. Only at monthly intervals.
B. After each assembly/disassembly and after occurrences such as severe weather.
C. Once per shift visually from the ground.
D. Only when the operator reports a defect.
Answer: B
Rationale: 1926.1435(f)(1) mandates inspection by a qualified person after each
assembly/disassembly and after events (wind >35 mph, lightning, etc.) that could affect
integrity. Option A is too infrequent; C describes operator daily inspection; D is reactive.
Q7: Site & Crane Setup
The crane manufacturer specifies 12 bolts torque to 1,200 ft-lb for the base ring connection. On
site, 2 bolts are found missing from the parts crate. Erection should:
A. Proceed and order 2 matching bolts to install within 24 h.
B. Not proceed until all specified bolts are installed per manufacturer.
C. Use higher-grade bolts as substitutes.
D. Tighten remaining bolts to 1,400 ft-lb to compensate.
Answer: B
, Rationale: OSHA 1926.1434(b)(3) and B30.3-3-2.4.1 require all fasteners to be installed per
manufacturer specifications before loading. Substitutes or over-torque (C, D) alter engineered
joint capacity; partial install (A) is prohibited.
Q8: Operations
During a two-crane lift (tandem), the designated lift director signals the tower crane to raise
while a mobile crane is still tensioning. The operator should:
A. Follow the signal since the lift director is in charge.
B. Stop all movement until both crane operators confirm readiness.
D. Speed up to maintain schedule.
D. Switch to radio communication only.
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1404(h)(3) requires synchronized control; the tower operator must
refuse unsafe commands per 1926.1428(k)(1) (operator responsibility). Lift director authority
does not override immediate safety stop.
Q9: Technical Knowledge
A torque-limiting device on the hoist drum is set at 110 % of rated line pull. Its function is to:
A. Prevent two-blocking.
B. Limit overload of the hoist motor and mechanical drive.
C. Control slewing speed.
D. Activate the boom-up limit switch.
Answer: B
Rationale: Torque limiters protect the hoist system from excess load current/mechanical stress
per B30.3-3-2.6.2. Two-blocking (A) is controlled by separate limit switches; slewing (C) and
boom-up (D) are unrelated circuits.
Q10: Safety & Regulations
Minimum clearance between a tower crane and energized 138-kV power line is:
A. 10 ft
B. 15 ft
