NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 75%
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF CRANE OPERATORS
NCCCO Core Exam
Preparation & Review
Official Exam Prep 2026/2027
100 75% Every 5 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations Q1-Q20
Section 2 Site Assessment & Ground Conditions Q21-Q40
Section 3 Load Chart Reading & Capacity Calculations Q41-Q60
Section 4 Crane Setup, Leveling & Stability Q61-Q80
Section 5 Hand Signals, Communications & Emergency Procedures Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NCCCO Core Exam preparation and
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
A 42-year-old crane operator is preparing to lift a prefabricated steel beam at a busy
construction site when he notices that the required safety signage around the lift zone is
missing. OSHA regulations mandate specific barricading and signage for crane operations
near personnel. The operator must ensure the site complies before proceeding. According to
OSHA 1926.1400, what is the minimum requirement for barricading the swing radius of a
crane?
A. A barricade or tag line must be erected to prevent personnel from entering the swing radius of
the counterweight and rotating superstructure
B. Orange caution tape alone is sufficient if placed at a 10-foot distance from the crane
C. Only a spotter is required to verbally warn workers who enter the swing radius area
D. Barricading is only necessary when operating cranes with a capacity over 50 tons
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1400 requires that a barricade be erected to prevent personnel from entering the swing radius
of the crane's counterweight and rotating superstructure. Option B is incorrect because caution tape alone
does not constitute an adequate barricade. Option C is incorrect because verbal warnings do not replace
physical barricades. Option D is incorrect because the barricade requirement applies to all cranes
regardless of capacity.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
A 35-year-old rigger is working near overhead power lines rated at 345 kV. The site
supervisor asks the rigger about the required clearance distance for crane operations near
these lines. According to OSHA 1926.1408, what is the minimum clearance distance for crane
operations near power lines rated above 350 kV?
A. 20 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 40 feet
D. 50 feet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1408 Table A specifies that for power lines rated above 350 kV, the minimum clearance
distance is 50 feet. Option A (20 feet) applies to lines up to 50 kV. Option B (25 feet) applies to lines over 50
kV up to 200 kV. Option C (40 feet) applies to lines over 200 kV up to 350 kV.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A crane operator on a commercial building project discovers that the fire extinguisher
mounted on the crane cab is expired and has lost its charge. The operator must determine
whether the crane can continue to be operated under OSHA regulations. According to OSHA
requirements, what must be available on every crane?
A. A fully charged and current fire extinguisher must be mounted in the cab or near the operator
station at all times
B. A fire extinguisher is only required when working near flammable materials
C. The operator may substitute a bucket of sand for a fire extinguisher if one is not available
D. Fire extinguisher requirements only apply to cranes used in industrial settings
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA requires that a fully charged and current fire extinguisher be maintained on every crane, mounted in
or near the operator's cab. Option B is incorrect because the requirement is not conditional on the type of
work. Option C is incorrect because sand is not an acceptable substitute. Option D is incorrect as the
requirement applies universally.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A 50-year-old lift director is planning a critical lift involving a tower crane that will exceed 75%
of the crane's rated capacity. The project manager asks what additional safety measures are
required by OSHA for critical lifts. According to OSHA and industry consensus standards,
which requirement applies specifically to critical lifts?
A. Critical lifts require a pre-lift meeting involving the crane operator, lift director, rigger, and signal
person to review the lift plan before the operation begins
B. Critical lifts may proceed without modification as long as the operator is certified
C. Only the crane operator needs to be informed that the lift is classified as critical
D. Critical lifts may be performed without a lift plan if the operator has more than 5 years of
experience
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Critical lifts require a pre-lift meeting with all personnel involved to review the lift plan and communicate
procedures. Option B is incorrect because certification alone does not address additional hazards. Option C
is incorrect because all involved personnel must be briefed. Option D is incorrect because a lift plan is
mandatory regardless of operator experience.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 3 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
A 28-year-old signal person is communicating with a crane operator during a concrete panel
placement when a worker walks directly under the suspended load. The signal person must
take immediate action according to OSHA regulations. Under OSHA 1926.1419, when must a
signal person be used during crane operations?
A. When the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the view of travel is
obstructed, when the operator or person handling the load determines it is needed, or when
operating near power lines
B. Only when the crane operator specifically requests a signal person
C. Signal persons are only required on cranes with a capacity over 25 tons
D. A signal person is only needed during tandem lifts
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1419 requires a signal person when the point of operation is not in full view, when the view of
travel is obstructed, when either party determines one is needed, or when operating near power lines.
Option B is incorrect because the requirement is not solely at the operator's discretion. Option C is incorrect
because the requirement is based on visibility and conditions. Option D is incorrect because signal persons
are required in many situations beyond tandem lifts.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
A construction safety officer observes a crane operator working on a high-rise project and
notices that the operator has not conducted a pre-shift inspection. The operator claims that a
pre-shift inspection was performed the previous day. According to OSHA 1926.1412, how
often must the crane operator perform an inspection of the crane?
A. A shift inspection must be performed by a competent person at the start of each shift during
which the crane is used
B. Daily inspections are sufficient as long as the crane was inspected within the past 24 hours
C. Weekly inspections are acceptable if the crane has not been moved to a new location
D. Monthly inspections are the minimum required frequency for active cranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1412 requires a shift inspection by a competent person at the start of each shift the crane is
used. Option B is incorrect because the previous day's inspection does not cover the current shift. Option C
is incorrect because weekly inspections do not meet the per-shift requirement. Option D is incorrect because
monthly inspections are for specific components, not the general shift inspection.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 4 of 52
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF CRANE OPERATORS
NCCCO Core Exam
Preparation & Review
Official Exam Prep 2026/2027
100 75% Every 5 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations Q1-Q20
Section 2 Site Assessment & Ground Conditions Q21-Q40
Section 3 Load Chart Reading & Capacity Calculations Q41-Q60
Section 4 Crane Setup, Leveling & Stability Q61-Q80
Section 5 Hand Signals, Communications & Emergency Procedures Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NCCCO Core Exam preparation and
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
A 42-year-old crane operator is preparing to lift a prefabricated steel beam at a busy
construction site when he notices that the required safety signage around the lift zone is
missing. OSHA regulations mandate specific barricading and signage for crane operations
near personnel. The operator must ensure the site complies before proceeding. According to
OSHA 1926.1400, what is the minimum requirement for barricading the swing radius of a
crane?
A. A barricade or tag line must be erected to prevent personnel from entering the swing radius of
the counterweight and rotating superstructure
B. Orange caution tape alone is sufficient if placed at a 10-foot distance from the crane
C. Only a spotter is required to verbally warn workers who enter the swing radius area
D. Barricading is only necessary when operating cranes with a capacity over 50 tons
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1400 requires that a barricade be erected to prevent personnel from entering the swing radius
of the crane's counterweight and rotating superstructure. Option B is incorrect because caution tape alone
does not constitute an adequate barricade. Option C is incorrect because verbal warnings do not replace
physical barricades. Option D is incorrect because the barricade requirement applies to all cranes
regardless of capacity.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
A 35-year-old rigger is working near overhead power lines rated at 345 kV. The site
supervisor asks the rigger about the required clearance distance for crane operations near
these lines. According to OSHA 1926.1408, what is the minimum clearance distance for crane
operations near power lines rated above 350 kV?
A. 20 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 40 feet
D. 50 feet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1408 Table A specifies that for power lines rated above 350 kV, the minimum clearance
distance is 50 feet. Option A (20 feet) applies to lines up to 50 kV. Option B (25 feet) applies to lines over 50
kV up to 200 kV. Option C (40 feet) applies to lines over 200 kV up to 350 kV.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A crane operator on a commercial building project discovers that the fire extinguisher
mounted on the crane cab is expired and has lost its charge. The operator must determine
whether the crane can continue to be operated under OSHA regulations. According to OSHA
requirements, what must be available on every crane?
A. A fully charged and current fire extinguisher must be mounted in the cab or near the operator
station at all times
B. A fire extinguisher is only required when working near flammable materials
C. The operator may substitute a bucket of sand for a fire extinguisher if one is not available
D. Fire extinguisher requirements only apply to cranes used in industrial settings
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA requires that a fully charged and current fire extinguisher be maintained on every crane, mounted in
or near the operator's cab. Option B is incorrect because the requirement is not conditional on the type of
work. Option C is incorrect because sand is not an acceptable substitute. Option D is incorrect as the
requirement applies universally.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A 50-year-old lift director is planning a critical lift involving a tower crane that will exceed 75%
of the crane's rated capacity. The project manager asks what additional safety measures are
required by OSHA for critical lifts. According to OSHA and industry consensus standards,
which requirement applies specifically to critical lifts?
A. Critical lifts require a pre-lift meeting involving the crane operator, lift director, rigger, and signal
person to review the lift plan before the operation begins
B. Critical lifts may proceed without modification as long as the operator is certified
C. Only the crane operator needs to be informed that the lift is classified as critical
D. Critical lifts may be performed without a lift plan if the operator has more than 5 years of
experience
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Critical lifts require a pre-lift meeting with all personnel involved to review the lift plan and communicate
procedures. Option B is incorrect because certification alone does not address additional hazards. Option C
is incorrect because all involved personnel must be briefed. Option D is incorrect because a lift plan is
mandatory regardless of operator experience.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 3 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Safety Standards & OSHA Regulations | Q1-Q20 | NCCCO Core Exam Prep 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
A 28-year-old signal person is communicating with a crane operator during a concrete panel
placement when a worker walks directly under the suspended load. The signal person must
take immediate action according to OSHA regulations. Under OSHA 1926.1419, when must a
signal person be used during crane operations?
A. When the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the view of travel is
obstructed, when the operator or person handling the load determines it is needed, or when
operating near power lines
B. Only when the crane operator specifically requests a signal person
C. Signal persons are only required on cranes with a capacity over 25 tons
D. A signal person is only needed during tandem lifts
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1419 requires a signal person when the point of operation is not in full view, when the view of
travel is obstructed, when either party determines one is needed, or when operating near power lines.
Option B is incorrect because the requirement is not solely at the operator's discretion. Option C is incorrect
because the requirement is based on visibility and conditions. Option D is incorrect because signal persons
are required in many situations beyond tandem lifts.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
A construction safety officer observes a crane operator working on a high-rise project and
notices that the operator has not conducted a pre-shift inspection. The operator claims that a
pre-shift inspection was performed the previous day. According to OSHA 1926.1412, how
often must the crane operator perform an inspection of the crane?
A. A shift inspection must be performed by a competent person at the start of each shift during
which the crane is used
B. Daily inspections are sufficient as long as the crane was inspected within the past 24 hours
C. Weekly inspections are acceptable if the crane has not been moved to a new location
D. Monthly inspections are the minimum required frequency for active cranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
OSHA 1926.1412 requires a shift inspection by a competent person at the start of each shift the crane is
used. Option B is incorrect because the previous day's inspection does not cover the current shift. Option C
is incorrect because weekly inspections do not meet the per-shift requirement. Option D is incorrect because
monthly inspections are for specific components, not the general shift inspection.
NCCCO Core Exam Prep - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 4 of 52
