NCCER Rigger study plan
NCCER Rigger · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Rigging and Crane Safety Fundamentals & Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Tension
Define rigging and crane-safety terms (rated capacity, working load limit, proof load, safety factor) in your own words
Explain how the load-moment concept governs crane stability and tipping
Identify the four major causes of rigging incidents (overload, rigging failure, load shift, contact with power lines) and one prevention per cause
Compute a simple load-moment comparison for a boom-point load at a given radius
Your checkpoint
One-page terminology and load-moment reference sheet with three worked example problems
Rigging and Crane Safety Fundamentals & Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Tension
Read and interpret a capacity/range diagram: pick radius, boom length, and configuration to find allowable capacity
Apply the standard deduction for lifting attachments and block weight to a capacity figure
Calculate a percentage of rated capacity and state the reason for staying under a defined threshold
Describe the hand signals and radio protocol used during a lift
Your checkpoint
Ten-question capacity-diagram worksheet, scored and corrected, plus a written hand-signal checklist
Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Tension & Rigging Hardware and Slings
Compute the weight of steel shapes, plate, and pipe from dimensions and density
Estimate the weight of concrete, lumber, and common fabricated assemblies
Locate the center of gravity of symmetric and simple asymmetric loads and predict the heavy end
Determine how an off-center CG shifts the load between two pick points
Your checkpoint
Load-weight estimation table for ten common items with CG sketches for three asymmetric loads
Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Tension & Rigging Hardware and Slings
Calculate sling tension using the load-angle relationship for two-leg and four-leg bridles
Explain why a four-leg bridle is not assumed to share load equally among all legs
Compute tension for choker and basket configurations with the appropriate multiplier
Identify the tension increase caused by reducing the horizontal angle
Your checkpoint
Sling-tension problem set (twelve problems) with a tension-vs-angle comparison chart
Rigging Hardware and Slings & Rigging and Crane Safety Fundamentals
Identify and state the purpose of shackles, hooks, master links, swivels, turnbuckles, and eyebolts
Explain how to verify a hardware rating and recognize removed-from-service conditions
Distinguish wire rope, chain, and synthetic sling construction and their inspection criteria
Apply the correct hitch type (vertical, choker, basket) to a described load and justify the choice
Your checkpoint
Hardware and sling identification matrix mapping item, rating basis, inspection points, and preferred hitch
Rigging Hardware and Slings & Rigging Hitches, Knots, and Lift Planning
Compute sling working load limits from manufacturer-style capacity tables for each sling type
Perform a pre-use sling inspection and document defects that require removal
Tie and inspect the knots and hitches used for tag lines and load control
Explain how sling protection, edge radius, and environmental exposure affect capacity
Your checkpoint
Completed sling inspection checklist and a knots/hitches demonstration log with capacity calculations
Rigging Hitches, Knots, and Lift Planning & Rigging and Crane Safety Fundamentals
Draft a lift plan for a non-routine lift including load weight, CG, rigging arrangement, and capacity check
Sequence a lift: rig, pre-lift check, trial lift, travel, set-down
Identify site hazards and control measures for each phase of the planned lift
Explain the roles of signal person, rigger, operator, and lift director during the lift
Your checkpoint
Full written lift plan for one non-routine load, including capacity and tension calculations
Rigging Hitches, Knots, and Lift Planning & Rigging and Crane Safety Fundamentals & Rigging Hardware and Slings & Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Tension
Review all four domains using a self-made summary sheet of formulas and rules of thumb
Re-solve missed problems from weeks 1-7 and explain each correction
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set under exam conditions
Identify remaining weak areas and list three specific actions to close them
Your checkpoint
Timed 40-question mixed practice exam with score, error log, and remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Correctly determine allowable capacity from a range diagram and apply attachment deductions on 8 of 10 problems
Week 4: Calculate sling tension within 5 percent on 10 of 12 problems, including at least two four-leg bridles
Week 6: Pass a self-administered sling and hardware inspection check with no missed removal-from-service defects
Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on the timed mixed practice exam and complete the error log