NCCCO Rigger Level I exam-day guide
NCCCO Rigger Level I · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current, unexpired photo ID; the exact accepted forms and name-match requirements should be confirmed with your test provider.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation showing your test date, time, location, and candidate ID number.
Personal protective equipment
Bring a hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, and sturdy work boots; the practical test is a hands-on evaluation in a work-like setting. Confirm any site-specific PPE requirements with the provider.
Appropriate work clothing
Wear clothing suitable for climbing, handling rigging, and working around equipment; avoid loose items that could snag. Confirm dress expectations with the provider.
Calculator and pencils (if permitted)
Bring a basic calculator and pencils for any load calculations; confirm what materials the provider allows and supplies.
Review load-calculation fundamentals
Practice sling tension, center-of-gravity, and load-weight estimation using the method your training program taught; the practical test may include calculation-based tasks.
Review hand signals and rigging terminology
Be able to give and respond to standard crane hand signals and use correct rigging terminology during the practical tasks.
Practice inspection sequence aloud
Rehearse the order of a pre-use inspection of slings, shackles, and hardware so you can verbalize it clearly to the examiner.
Plan travel and arrival time
Arrive early enough to complete check-in and any site orientation; confirm the required arrival time and site access rules with the provider.
Arrange transportation and site access
Confirm parking, gate access, and any visitor sign-in requirements with the provider before test day.
Bring water and a snack
Practical testing can be physically demanding; bring water and a light snack if the site permits it.
Leave prohibited items behind
Confirm the provider's rules on phones, smart watches, and recording devices; these are commonly restricted during testing.
Plan the day
Re-read your training materials on sling types, hitches, hardware inspection, and load calculations. Practice the inspection and rigging sequences out loud as you would perform them for an examiner.
Confirm your test date, time, location, and what the provider expects you to bring; ask about PPE, tools, and any site-specific rules.
Get adequate rest and avoid last-minute cramming of new material; consolidate what you already know.
Pack your ID, confirmation, PPE, and clothing. Lay everything out so nothing is forgotten.
Review hand signals and the pre-use inspection checklist one final time; stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early, and allow time for check-in and site orientation.
Dress in work clothing and PPE; leave prohibited items in your vehicle or at home per provider rules.
Listen carefully to each instruction, verbalize your inspection and rigging steps clearly, and ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you did not hear it.
Work deliberately and safely; demonstrate proper body positioning and communication rather than rushing through tasks.
Rules to check
Follow all site safety rules, including PPE requirements, at all times; the practical test is conducted in a work-like environment.
Present valid photo ID at check-in; confirm the accepted forms and name-match requirements with the provider.
Confirm the provider's policy on phones, smart watches, and recording devices before test day and comply with it.
Ask the examiner to repeat or clarify an instruction if needed; do not guess at a task you did not understand.
Confirm the provider's policy on breaks, water, and restroom access during the practical test.
Confirm how the practical test is scored, including pass/fail criteria and any retake policy, with the provider before test day.
Do not coach or communicate with other candidates during testing; follow the examiner's directions on where to stand and when to begin.
Report any injury, equipment defect, or unsafe condition to the examiner immediately.