Rigger Certification Requirements: What NCCCO Expects at Level I and Level II

Requirements Come From Two Places

When people ask about rigger certification requirements, they usually mean one of two things: what a candidate must meet to sit for NCCCO's exams, or what a job site requires before you can rig. These are related but separate.

NCCCO sets the requirements to earn and keep its Rigger Level I and Level II certifications. OSHA, employers and project owners set the requirements to do rigging work. This guide covers the NCCCO side in detail and explains how it connects to the job-site side.

NCCCO Eligibility Basics

NCCCO's general candidate requirements are short. To be certified, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Comply with NCCCO's substance abuse policy.
• Agree to NCCCO's code of ethics.
• Pass the written exam and the practical exam for the level you are pursuing, within the time window NCCCO allows between them.

NCCCO publishes a candidate handbook for each program. Read the current version before you apply, since details such as fees and timing windows can change. The full requirements are on nccco.org (opens in a new tab).

Rigger Level I: What You Must Know and Do

NCCCO Rigger Level I is aimed at riggers who handle basic, repetitive rigging tasks when the load weight and center of gravity are provided. To pass, you need to show that you can:

• Inspect rigging equipment and identify gear that should be removed from service.
• Select and attach rigging correctly for the load.
• Understand basic hitch types, their capacities and when to use each.
• Recognize rigging hazards, such as sharp edges, unstable loads and unsafe sling angles.
• Use standard hand signals and understand the signal person's role.

The Level I practical exam has you perform rigging tasks under an examiner's eye. The written exam covers rigging knowledge and safe practices.

Rigger Level II: The Added Requirements

NCCCO Rigger Level II builds on Level I. Level II riggers are expected to work out information that a Level I rigger is given. That includes:

• Estimating load weight from dimensions and material.
• Determining center of gravity, including on irregular loads.
• Calculating sling tension across multiple legs and angles.
• Selecting rigging for more complex lifts, such as loads that need to be turned or loads requiring below-the-hook devices.
• Understanding how rigging interacts with crane capacity and load dynamics.

Level II also has its own written and practical exams. Most candidates pursue it after building field experience at Level I.

How OSHA Fits In

OSHA does not require NCCCO rigger certification. It does require a qualified rigger for specific work under its crane standard:

• 1926.1404: rigging during crane assembly and disassembly.
• 1926.1425: rigging when workers are in the fall zone hooking, unhooking or guiding a load, or making an initial connection to a structure.

OSHA defines "qualified" by recognized credentials or by extensive knowledge, training and experience, plus demonstrated ability. Employers make that call. Certification gives them independent, documented evidence. That is why many contractors and project owners write NCCCO rigger certification into their site requirements. For a fuller summary of the federal rules, see OSHA rigging and signaling requirements.

Choosing Between Level I and Level II

A simple test helps: on a typical lift, who figures out the weight and the balance point?

If someone else hands you that information, from a drawing, a manufacturer's tag or a lift plan, and your job is to choose and attach the rigging, Level I matches your work.

If you are the one estimating weight from dimensions, locating the center of gravity on an odd-shaped load and deciding how many legs and what angles to use, Level II is the better fit.

Some employers require Level II for lead riggers and anyone who prepares rigging plans, while the rest of the crew holds Level I. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor which level your role calls for before you register.

What Training Is Required?

NCCCO does not require you to complete a specific training course before testing. In practice, very few candidates pass without structured preparation, especially on the practical.

A good prep course should cover everything on the Level I and Level II outlines, with hands-on time rigging real loads. The Crane School's Rigger Qualification and Certification Program prepares candidates for both levels. Options include:

• 2-Day Rigger Qualification Class, $425, which supports an employer qualification process.
• Rigger Only Certification with Practical, three days, $1,375, with practical exams on day three.
• 2-Day Rigger Recertification Class, $425.

Keeping Your Certification

NCCCO certifications are valid for five years. To keep yours active, complete recertification before it expires. Recertification centers on passing a recertification written exam; check NCCCO's current requirements to confirm whether a practical is also needed in your situation.

Plan ahead. We recommend starting the process in the last year before your expiration date. If your certification lapses, you may have to meet the full requirements for a new candidate again.

Rigger qualification holders can also upgrade to Level I at any time. Per NCCCO's program structure, the Level I practical must be passed within a year of the Level I written exam.

Related Reading

If you are in Florida, our guide to rigging certification requirements in Florida explains how federal rules apply there. If you want a step-by-step timeline from registration to card, see the rigger certification process.

Questions about which level fits your work? Contact The Crane School or call (813) 402-2017.