Advanced Rigging (RA) study guide
Advanced Rigging (RA) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Advanced Rigging (RA) credential is a professional certification for experienced riggers who plan and supervise complex lifts rather than only executing routine ones. It suits riggers, crane and hoist operators, millwrights, and lift planners who already know basic slinging and hitch selection and now need to calculate loads, select below-the-hook hardware, and direct multi-part lifting systems safely. The Advanced Rigging (RA) study guide has 8 sections and about 2,090 words.
01Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution
Every lift begins with a free-body diagram. The load weight acts through the center of gravity (CG); the rigging must oppose it with vertical components that sum to the weight and horizontal components that cancel.
319 words, about 2 min02Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices
Hardware is the weak-link chain: shackles, hooks, master links, swivels, turnbuckles, eye bolts, pad eyes, and below-the-hook devices (spreader beams, lifting beams, plate clamps, vacuum lifters). Each has a rated capacity (WLL) based on a defined configuration.
311 words, about 2 min03Crane and Hoist Operations, Signals, and Communication
Safe lifting depends on a shared language and clear authority. Candidates must understand: the role of the qualified rigger and signal person , standard hand signals, voice and radio protocols, the difference between operational and emergency stop signals (anyone may give a stop), and crane dynamics - boom deflection, load swing, and the effect of hoist speed on load control.
262 words, about 1 min04Synthetic Rope, Wire Rope, Knots, and Splices
Rope is a system, not a single item. Candidates must distinguish wire rope construction (strand, lay, core - fiber core vs.
274 words, about 1 min05Lifting and Jacking Systems, Rollers, and Skidding
When a crane can't reach, riggers jack, roll, and skid. Candidates must understand: hydraulic jack capacity and tonnage per point , cribbing and load spreading, the difference between rolling (low friction, but dynamic) and skidding (higher friction, controlled), and the use of rollers , skates , and slide plates .
261 words, about 1 min06Rigging Design, Load Movement, and Critical Lift Planning
A critical lift plan is a written, engineered document. Candidates must know what makes a lift critical (near capacity, multiple cranes, personnel under load, unusual configuration, hazardous loads), the elements of a lift plan (load weight and CG, rigging diagram, capacity checks, ground conditions, communication, contingency), and the principle of load movement control - tag lines, controlled descent, and avoidance of swing.
240 words, about 1 min07Inspection, Maintenance, and Removal-from-Service Criteria
Inspection is a discipline of frequency, criteria, and documentation . Candidates must know: frequent vs.
220 words, about 1 min08Safety Standards, Regulations, and Accident Prevention
Standards and regulations set the floor, not the ceiling. Candidates must understand the structure of OSHA's cranes and derricks standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC) for construction and 1910.179 for overhead and gantry cranes in general industry, the role of qualified and competent persons, and the requirement for rigging to be designed by a qualified person.
203 words, about 1 min