ETCP Certified Stage Technician Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a load-bearing wire
rope in theatrical rigging?
A) Decoration
B) Signal transmission
C) Supporting stage scenery or equipment
D) Conducting electricity
Rationale: Wire ropes in stage rigging are used to support loads safely,
including scenery, lighting, or curtains.
2. The recommended safety factor for stage rigging hardware is typically:
A) 2:1
B) 3:1
C) 5:1
,D) 10:1
Rationale: A 5:1 safety factor is standard in the industry, meaning the
hardware can support five times the expected load.
3. Which type of knot is most commonly used for securing loads in
theatrical rigging?
A) Square knot
B) Clove hitch
C) Bowline knot
D) Granny knot
Rationale: The clove hitch is commonly used because it is easy to adjust
and secure around poles or bars.
4. When inspecting a chain hoist, which of the following is most
important?
A) Paint finish
B) Chain wear and hook deformation
C) Manufacturer’s logo
D) Handle color
Rationale: Safety inspections focus on structural integrity; worn chains or
deformed hooks can lead to failure.
5. Which type of motorized rigging system uses a drum to wind cable and
lift scenery?
A) Counterweight system
B) Pulley system
,C) Winch system
D) Electric fly bar
Rationale: Winch systems use a drum to wind cable, providing mechanical
advantage for lifting heavy loads.
6. OSHA regulations require that working from heights greater than how
many feet necessitate fall protection?
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Rationale: OSHA mandates fall protection for workers exposed to heights
of 6 feet or more in general industry.
7. A “dead hang” in stage rigging refers to:
A) A broken cable
B) A point from which scenery is suspended without moving
C) A fallen object
D) A safety device
Rationale: A dead hang is a fixed suspension point with no travel, often
used for stationary scenery or lights.
8. Which material is commonly used for stage rigging ropes due to its high
strength-to-weight ratio?
A) Cotton
B) Nylon
, C) Hemp
D) Polyester blend
Rationale: Nylon ropes are strong, flexible, and resistant to abrasion,
making them ideal for stage rigging.
9. The purpose of a trim chain in a counterweight system is to:
A) Increase weight
B) Adjust the height of scenery precisely
C) Reduce cable wear
D) Decorate the stage
Rationale: Trim chains allow precise adjustment of scenery height,
balancing the system efficiently.
10. When using a block and tackle system, mechanical advantage is gained
by:
A) Reducing rope friction
B) Increasing the number of rope segments supporting the load
C) Using a heavier load
D) Shortening the rope
Rationale: More rope segments sharing the load reduces the effort needed
to lift the weight.
11. Which type of fire curtain is most commonly required in modern
theaters?
A) Wood panel curtain
B) Plastic curtain
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a load-bearing wire
rope in theatrical rigging?
A) Decoration
B) Signal transmission
C) Supporting stage scenery or equipment
D) Conducting electricity
Rationale: Wire ropes in stage rigging are used to support loads safely,
including scenery, lighting, or curtains.
2. The recommended safety factor for stage rigging hardware is typically:
A) 2:1
B) 3:1
C) 5:1
,D) 10:1
Rationale: A 5:1 safety factor is standard in the industry, meaning the
hardware can support five times the expected load.
3. Which type of knot is most commonly used for securing loads in
theatrical rigging?
A) Square knot
B) Clove hitch
C) Bowline knot
D) Granny knot
Rationale: The clove hitch is commonly used because it is easy to adjust
and secure around poles or bars.
4. When inspecting a chain hoist, which of the following is most
important?
A) Paint finish
B) Chain wear and hook deformation
C) Manufacturer’s logo
D) Handle color
Rationale: Safety inspections focus on structural integrity; worn chains or
deformed hooks can lead to failure.
5. Which type of motorized rigging system uses a drum to wind cable and
lift scenery?
A) Counterweight system
B) Pulley system
,C) Winch system
D) Electric fly bar
Rationale: Winch systems use a drum to wind cable, providing mechanical
advantage for lifting heavy loads.
6. OSHA regulations require that working from heights greater than how
many feet necessitate fall protection?
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Rationale: OSHA mandates fall protection for workers exposed to heights
of 6 feet or more in general industry.
7. A “dead hang” in stage rigging refers to:
A) A broken cable
B) A point from which scenery is suspended without moving
C) A fallen object
D) A safety device
Rationale: A dead hang is a fixed suspension point with no travel, often
used for stationary scenery or lights.
8. Which material is commonly used for stage rigging ropes due to its high
strength-to-weight ratio?
A) Cotton
B) Nylon
, C) Hemp
D) Polyester blend
Rationale: Nylon ropes are strong, flexible, and resistant to abrasion,
making them ideal for stage rigging.
9. The purpose of a trim chain in a counterweight system is to:
A) Increase weight
B) Adjust the height of scenery precisely
C) Reduce cable wear
D) Decorate the stage
Rationale: Trim chains allow precise adjustment of scenery height,
balancing the system efficiently.
10. When using a block and tackle system, mechanical advantage is gained
by:
A) Reducing rope friction
B) Increasing the number of rope segments supporting the load
C) Using a heavier load
D) Shortening the rope
Rationale: More rope segments sharing the load reduces the effort needed
to lift the weight.
11. Which type of fire curtain is most commonly required in modern
theaters?
A) Wood panel curtain
B) Plastic curtain
