Pillar Guide
Rigger & Signal Person Certification Guide
Everything to earn and hold NCCCO Rigger Level I, Rigger Level II, and Signal Person credentials — exam structure, OSHA 1926.1428 requirements, and prep — from an NCCCO Accredited Test Site.
Rigger Level I vs. Rigger Level II
**Rigger Level I** covers the fundamentals every person working around lifts must know: weight calculation, center of gravity, hitch selection, sling angle and tension, rigging hardware inspection, and basic load control. It is the baseline credential for anyone attaching a load to a hook.
**Rigger Level II** builds on Level I and adds advanced competencies: complex and multi-crane lifts, engineered and critical lift plans, load turning and drifting, and the judgment to direct a rigging crew. Level II riggers are the people who can plan and run a non-routine lift. Try our free Rigger Level II quiz to see where the exam difficulty sits.
Signal Person Certification
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1428, a signal person must be *qualified* — either through a third-party qualification like NCCCO or by an employer’s documented evaluation. NCCCO Signal Person certification is the most transferable option because it is recognized by every major contractor and is not tied to one employer.
The exam is a written test covering hand and voice signals, communication protocols, crane dynamics that affect how signals must be given, and when to stop a lift. Practice with our crane hand signals quiz to gauge your readiness.
Exam Structure & Scoring
Rigger Level I and Level II each require a written exam; Level II may include a practical depending on the program track. Signal Person requires a single written exam with a practical (signaling demonstration). All NCCCO exams are closed-book and timed, and a passing score is required on every component.
How to Prepare
Focus your study on three areas: sling tension and angle math (the most-missed rigger topic), rigging hardware inspection criteria from the ASME B30 series, and the exact hand/voice signal set in the ASME B30.5 standard. Drill with realistic questions rather than memorizing — our free practice exams and the NCCCO certification guide cover the deduction and inspection logic the exams test.
Renewal & Staying Current
NCCCO rigger and signal person certifications are valid for **5 years**. Recertify before expiration to avoid a lapse — an expired credential removes you from qualified status under OSHA 1926.1428. We send our students renewal reminders and provide recertification-focused scored practice exams.
Career & Jobsite Value
Rigger and signal person credentials are required on virtually every crane lift, and qualified personnel are in short supply. Adding Level II and Signal Person certifications to your resume makes you the person who can run a lift safely — and gets you onto higher-paying crews. Request on-site training for your crew.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Rigger Level I and Rigger Level II?
Rigger Level I covers fundamentals: weight calculation, sling angles, hitch selection, and hardware inspection. Rigger Level II adds complex and multi-crane lifts, engineered lift plans, and crew leadership.
How do I become a qualified signal person under OSHA?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1428 requires a signal person to be qualified through a third-party certification like NCCCO or an employer’s documented evaluation. NCCCO Signal Person certification is the most transferable option.
Do I need Rigger Level I before Level II?
NCCCO recommends Level I first, but Level II can be challenged directly with sufficient field experience. Level I fundamentals are embedded in Level II content, so most candidates benefit from earning Level I first.
How long are rigger and signal person certifications valid?
Both are valid for 5 years. Recertify before expiration to avoid losing qualified status under OSHA 1926.1428.
Can I take the signal person exam without rigger certification?
Yes. Signal Person is a standalone NCCCO certification with its own written and practical exam — no rigger credential is required.