Signalperson Certification Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a signalperson during lifting operations?
A. Operating the crane controls
B. Directing the crane operator to ensure safe and efficient load movement
C. Rigging the load to the hook
D. Inspecting the crane's engine oil level
Answer: B. Directing the crane operator to ensure safe and efficient load
movement
Rationale: The signalperson’s primary duty is to communicate with the crane
operator to direct load movements safely. They do not operate the crane (A), rig
loads (C) unless also qualified, or perform mechanical inspections (D) as their
primary role.
2. Which hand signal indicates "hoist" according to standard crane hand signals?
A. Arm extended downward, index finger pointing down
B. Arm extended upward, palm facing inward, making small circles
C. Arm extended to the side, palm down, sweeping motion
D. Both arms extended downward, palms down, sweeping inward
Answer: B. Arm extended upward, palm facing inward, making small circles
Rationale: The standard signal for "hoist" (raise the load) is an arm extended
upward with the palm facing inward, moving in small horizontal circles. Option
A is "lower," C is "swing," and D is "stop" (emergency stop).
,3. When using voice communication, what must the signalperson do before
giving any directional command?
A. Repeat the crane operator's last command
B. State the crane number and load weight
C. Ensure the crane operator acknowledges the signalperson's identity
D. Give the command in a loud whisper to avoid radio interference
Answer: C. Ensure the crane operator acknowledges the signalperson's identity
Rationale: In voice communications, both parties must confirm they are
speaking to the correct person. The signalperson should identify themselves and
ensure the operator acknowledges before giving commands. Repeating last
commands (A) is not required, load weight (B) is a rigging concern, and
whispering (D) is unsafe.
4. What does the "emergency stop" hand signal look like?
A. One arm extended horizontally, palm down, moving side to side
B. Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging back and forth
C. Both arms extended downward, palms up, crossed at the wrists
D. One arm raised with a closed fist
Answer: B. Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging back and
forth
Rationale: The emergency stop signal is both arms extended horizontally with
palms down, swung back and forth vigorously. Option A is "stop" (not
emergency), C is "lower" (sometimes), and D is "dog everything" (hold position).
5. Who is authorized to give signals to the crane operator?
A. Any worker on the ground
B. Only the designated signalperson
C. The crane operator's supervisor only
D. Any rigger who has completed a one-hour training video
,Answer: B. Only the designated signalperson
Rationale: OSHA and ASME standards require that only one designated
signalperson communicate with the operator at a time, except in specific
coordinated multi-signalperson scenarios. Unauthorized signals (A, C, D) create
dangerous confusion.
6. If the signalperson loses visual contact with the load, what should they do?
A. Continue giving signals based on memory
B. Immediately give the stop signal and re-establish visual contact
C. Ask a nearby worker to relay signals
D. Shout instructions to the operator
Answer: B. Immediately give the stop signal and re-establish visual contact
Rationale: The signalperson must maintain constant visual contact with the load
and its path. If visual contact is lost, they must give a stop signal until they can
see the load clearly again. Relaying (C) or shouting (D) is not acceptable without
established protocols.
7. What is the minimum required voice communication protocol before any lift
begins?
A. Operator and signalperson exchange greetings
B. Operator and signalperson conduct a test of the communication system
C. Signalperson recites the lift plan from memory
D. Operator verifies the load weight with the signalperson
Answer: B. Operator and signalperson conduct a test of the communication
system
Rationale: Before starting lifts using voice or radio, both parties must test the
system to ensure clarity and proper function. Greetings (A) are not a test,
reciting the lift plan (C) is not required at that moment, and weight verification
(D) is rigging's responsibility.
, 8. The signalperson notices the crane's boom is approaching a power line. What
is the first action to take?
A. Signal the operator to swing away quickly
B. Give the emergency stop signal immediately
C. Warn the operator via radio to slow down
D. Run to the nearest disconnect switch
Answer: B. Give the emergency stop signal immediately
Rationale: Approaching power lines is a critical life-safety hazard. The
signalperson must give an immediate stop signal (emergency stop) to halt all
motion. Swinging away (A) could worsen the approach, radio warnings (C) delay
response, and running to a switch (D) is ineffective and unsafe.
9. According to ASME B30 standards, what is the correct hand signal for "lower"
the load?
A. Arm extended downward, palm facing down, moving in small circles
B. Arm extended downward, index finger pointing down, moving in small circles
C. Arm extended upward, palm facing up, moving in small circles
D. Arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing down
Answer: A. Arm extended downward, palm facing down, moving in small circles
Rationale: The standard lower signal is arm extended downward with palm
facing down, making small horizontal circles. Option B (index finger) is not
standard, C is hoist, and D is not a recognized primary signal.
10. What does the "dog everything" signal mean?
A. Release the load immediately
B. Stop all crane movements and hold position
C. Increase boom angle
D. Lower the load to the ground
Answer: B. Stop all crane movements and hold position
Rationale: "Dog everything" (or "hold") means the operator must stop all crane
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a signalperson during lifting operations?
A. Operating the crane controls
B. Directing the crane operator to ensure safe and efficient load movement
C. Rigging the load to the hook
D. Inspecting the crane's engine oil level
Answer: B. Directing the crane operator to ensure safe and efficient load
movement
Rationale: The signalperson’s primary duty is to communicate with the crane
operator to direct load movements safely. They do not operate the crane (A), rig
loads (C) unless also qualified, or perform mechanical inspections (D) as their
primary role.
2. Which hand signal indicates "hoist" according to standard crane hand signals?
A. Arm extended downward, index finger pointing down
B. Arm extended upward, palm facing inward, making small circles
C. Arm extended to the side, palm down, sweeping motion
D. Both arms extended downward, palms down, sweeping inward
Answer: B. Arm extended upward, palm facing inward, making small circles
Rationale: The standard signal for "hoist" (raise the load) is an arm extended
upward with the palm facing inward, moving in small horizontal circles. Option
A is "lower," C is "swing," and D is "stop" (emergency stop).
,3. When using voice communication, what must the signalperson do before
giving any directional command?
A. Repeat the crane operator's last command
B. State the crane number and load weight
C. Ensure the crane operator acknowledges the signalperson's identity
D. Give the command in a loud whisper to avoid radio interference
Answer: C. Ensure the crane operator acknowledges the signalperson's identity
Rationale: In voice communications, both parties must confirm they are
speaking to the correct person. The signalperson should identify themselves and
ensure the operator acknowledges before giving commands. Repeating last
commands (A) is not required, load weight (B) is a rigging concern, and
whispering (D) is unsafe.
4. What does the "emergency stop" hand signal look like?
A. One arm extended horizontally, palm down, moving side to side
B. Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging back and forth
C. Both arms extended downward, palms up, crossed at the wrists
D. One arm raised with a closed fist
Answer: B. Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging back and
forth
Rationale: The emergency stop signal is both arms extended horizontally with
palms down, swung back and forth vigorously. Option A is "stop" (not
emergency), C is "lower" (sometimes), and D is "dog everything" (hold position).
5. Who is authorized to give signals to the crane operator?
A. Any worker on the ground
B. Only the designated signalperson
C. The crane operator's supervisor only
D. Any rigger who has completed a one-hour training video
,Answer: B. Only the designated signalperson
Rationale: OSHA and ASME standards require that only one designated
signalperson communicate with the operator at a time, except in specific
coordinated multi-signalperson scenarios. Unauthorized signals (A, C, D) create
dangerous confusion.
6. If the signalperson loses visual contact with the load, what should they do?
A. Continue giving signals based on memory
B. Immediately give the stop signal and re-establish visual contact
C. Ask a nearby worker to relay signals
D. Shout instructions to the operator
Answer: B. Immediately give the stop signal and re-establish visual contact
Rationale: The signalperson must maintain constant visual contact with the load
and its path. If visual contact is lost, they must give a stop signal until they can
see the load clearly again. Relaying (C) or shouting (D) is not acceptable without
established protocols.
7. What is the minimum required voice communication protocol before any lift
begins?
A. Operator and signalperson exchange greetings
B. Operator and signalperson conduct a test of the communication system
C. Signalperson recites the lift plan from memory
D. Operator verifies the load weight with the signalperson
Answer: B. Operator and signalperson conduct a test of the communication
system
Rationale: Before starting lifts using voice or radio, both parties must test the
system to ensure clarity and proper function. Greetings (A) are not a test,
reciting the lift plan (C) is not required at that moment, and weight verification
(D) is rigging's responsibility.
, 8. The signalperson notices the crane's boom is approaching a power line. What
is the first action to take?
A. Signal the operator to swing away quickly
B. Give the emergency stop signal immediately
C. Warn the operator via radio to slow down
D. Run to the nearest disconnect switch
Answer: B. Give the emergency stop signal immediately
Rationale: Approaching power lines is a critical life-safety hazard. The
signalperson must give an immediate stop signal (emergency stop) to halt all
motion. Swinging away (A) could worsen the approach, radio warnings (C) delay
response, and running to a switch (D) is ineffective and unsafe.
9. According to ASME B30 standards, what is the correct hand signal for "lower"
the load?
A. Arm extended downward, palm facing down, moving in small circles
B. Arm extended downward, index finger pointing down, moving in small circles
C. Arm extended upward, palm facing up, moving in small circles
D. Arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing down
Answer: A. Arm extended downward, palm facing down, moving in small circles
Rationale: The standard lower signal is arm extended downward with palm
facing down, making small horizontal circles. Option B (index finger) is not
standard, C is hoist, and D is not a recognized primary signal.
10. What does the "dog everything" signal mean?
A. Release the load immediately
B. Stop all crane movements and hold position
C. Increase boom angle
D. Lower the load to the ground
Answer: B. Stop all crane movements and hold position
Rationale: "Dog everything" (or "hold") means the operator must stop all crane
