NCCCO Certification

Why should you become a Certified Rigger Level I or II?

In accordance with OSHA Regulation (1926.1404(r)(1) and 1926.1425(c)), employers are required to use a qualified Rigger during hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly work, and whenever workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure. 

Although OSHA Regulations only require “qualified” at this point, some jurisdictions and employers require Riggers to be certified. By becoming an NCCCO Certified Rigger, you demonstrate the ability to pass a written and practical exam developed by a nationally recognized and internationally certified program. Many employers, federal and state agencies, labor unions, industry organizations, and insurance firms have come to recognize or require NCCCO certification.

Becoming a Certified Rigger makes you more marketable and often means a higher pay rate. As an employer, having properly trained Riggers makes your job site safer for everyone working around moving loads.  

What does USTC offer?

Rigger Level I

USTC can provide OSHA-compliant training at your facility in preparation for NCCCO Certified Rigger Level I testing in accordance with OSHA Regulation 1926.1404(r)(1) and 1926.1425(c)). USTC will provide both classroom and practical training on the following topics:

• How to determine hoisting and rigging hazards.
• Elements that can affect hoisting safety
• Factors that reduce capacity
• Determining load weights
• OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.184 Slings
• OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926.251 Rigging Equipment for Material Handling
• ASME B30 as it pertains to lifting and material handling related to lifting equipment.
• Use and inspection of different types of slings.
• Basic hitch connections: Their advantages and disadvantages.
• Calculating sling loading based on rigging configuration. 
• Basic understanding of crane operation and what to be aware of during a lift.
• Signal operations
• Use and inspection criteria for different types of rigging hardware.
• Basic rigging knots
• And more

Once training is complete, a Certified Rigger Level I can perform simple, repetitive rigging tasks when the load weight, center of gravity, rigging, and rigging configuration are provided or known by the Rigger through experience or on-the-job training prior to the rigging activities. Specifically, Level I Riggers should be able to demonstrate or have knowledge of how to:

• Inspect rigging before use
• Identify and attach rigging with basic knowledge of hitch configurations, capacities, and basic knots.
• Recognize associated hazards
• Signal operations

Rigger Level II 

The Rigger Level II training/certification is a “step up” from Rigger Level I. The training prepares the candidate to select rigging components and lifting procedures based on rigging capacity.  

A Level II Rigger can perform the following rigging tasks unsupervised:

• Estimate load weight and center of gravity.
• Identify lift points
• Determine and select rigging and lift points.
• Identify and attach rigging with knowledge of hitch configurations and load angle factors, rigging capacities, and load integrity.
• Understand load dynamics and associated hazards.

As applicable, Level II Riggers will also have a working knowledge of hoisting equipment, winches, jacks, industrial rollers, and similar equipment.  

A typical training course is completed in two to three working days. USTC will work with you to address any site-specific training needs to ensure employees have the best job-specific training possible. The actual training schedule is dependent on the number of students and the extent of site-specific training. Once coursework is completed students will take a written and practical exam through NCCCO.