NCCER Tower Crane study plan

NCCER Tower Crane · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Tower Crane Site and Equipment Safety & Tower Crane Setup, Erection, Climbing, and Dismantling

Map the four NCCER Tower Crane domains and weight them by exam percentage to allocate study time.
Define the roles and responsibilities of the site safety coordinator, crane operator, rigger, and signal person.
Identify the five primary tower crane types (hammerhead, luffing jib, flat-top, self-erecting, and climbing) and their typical site applications.
List the site conditions that must be assessed before crane positioning, including soil bearing capacity, overhead obstructions, and adjacent structures.

Create a one-page domain map with percentage weights, crane type sketches, and a site-assessment checklist.

Week 2

Sequence the erection process from foundation to counter-jib, tower sections, jib, and counterweights.
Describe the foundation types (pad, pile, and ballast) and the concrete strength and curing requirements before erection.
Explain the role of the erection supervisor, pre-erection inspection, and load test requirements.
Identify the safety hazards during erection, including dropped loads, pinch points, and wind limits.

Write a step-by-step erection sequence card with safety checkpoints at each stage.

Week 3

Differentiate climbing, jumping, and anchoring procedures for climbing tower cranes.
Describe the climbing frame, hydraulic system, and the role of the climbing crew.
Identify the wind speed and weather limits that halt climbing, erection, and dismantling.
Explain the dismantling sequence and the precautions for working at height and over public areas.

Produce a climbing and dismantling procedure summary with a wind-limit table and hazard callouts.

Week 4

Interpret load charts for various radii, boom lengths, and configurations.
Calculate net capacity by subtracting rigging weight and accounting for dynamic factors.
Explain the function of load moment indicators (LMI) and anti-two-block devices.
Identify operational hazards such as side loading, shock loading, and swinging loads.

Complete a 10-problem load chart worksheet with a 90% accuracy target and a one-page LMI/anti-two-block explainer.

Week 5

Create a hand-signal flashcard set and a rigging inspection checklist with tension calculation examples.

Week 6

Plan a lift using a lift plan template, including load weight, rigging, and environmental factors.
Describe communication protocols among operator, rigger, and signal person.
Explain the requirements for critical lifts and multiple-crane lifts.
Identify tag line use, load orientation, and landing zone preparation.

Draft a complete lift plan for a critical lift scenario, including a communication plan and rigging diagram.

Week 7

Review OSHA and ASME B30.3 requirements for tower crane inspection and maintenance.
Describe the daily, monthly, and annual inspection checklists.
Explain the process for reporting and documenting defects.
Identify the requirements for operator certification and recertification.

Build a consolidated inspection checklist covering daily, monthly, and annual items with regulatory references.

Week 8

Score 80% or higher on a timed practice exam and submit a personalized error log with remediation notes.

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a 25-question mixed quiz covering Domains 1 and 2, and correctly solve 8 of 10 load chart problems.

Week 6: Demonstrate all standard hand signals from memory and complete a lift plan that passes a peer or self-review checklist.

Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on a timed 60-question practice exam spanning all four domains, with no domain below 70%.