Rigger
Program Overview
The CCO Rigger certification is a nationally recognized and internationally accredited program developed to verify the knowledge and skills required for safe rigging operations. CCO offers two certification levels: Rigger Level I (RIG-I) and Rigger Level II (RIG-II).
Who Is a Rigger?
A certified rigger is a person who has been trained and certified to handle and move loads. The level of certification depends upon the individual’s training, knowledge, skill base, and ability to perform functions related to the selection, inspection, and proper use of rigging equipment.
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Standard
ASME B30.5 · ASME B30.9 · ASME B30.26
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Exam Format
Written + Practical
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Validity
5 Years
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Accredited by
ANAB
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The Path to Certification
Follow these four steps to earn your CCO Rigger Operator certification.
01 Confirm Eligibility
Be at least 18 years old and comply with CCO’s Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics.
02 Apply Online
Submit your application and pay the exam fees through the myCCO portal.
03 Take the Written Exam
Take and pass the written exam. Choose from online proctored, event-based, or test-center testing.
04 Take the Practical Exam
Schedule with a CCO Practical Proctor to complete and pass the hands-on exam at an approved site.
Rigger Specialties
RIG I
Rigger I
RIG II
Rigger II
Written & Practical Exam Content
Written
Written Exam Content
Exam Format
Level I Written Examination: Tests knowledge and skills related to safe rigging practices and material handling.
Knowledge Areas
- Scope of the Rigging Activity (15%) – Load characteristics, travel paths, weight verification, attachment points, special handling requirements, hazard identification, and safe rigging practices.
- Technical Knowledge (13%) – ASME B30.5, ASME B30.9, ASME B30.10, ASME B30.20, ASME B30.26, OSHA 1910.184, OSHA 1926.251, and OSHA 1926.1431 requirements related to rigging operations.
- Inspection (30%) – Frequent inspection requirements for slings, hooks, below-the-hook lifting devices, and rigging hardware in accordance with ASME and OSHA standards.
- Execution of Rigging Activity (42%) – Proper use of slings, rigging hardware, below-the-hook lifting devices, tag lines, knots, load securement, rigging removal, and equipment storage.
Exam Format
Written examination evaluating knowledge of advanced rigging principles, load handling, rigging equipment selection, safety standards, inspections, and execution of complex rigging activities.
Skills Tested
- Scope of the Rigging Activity – Demonstrate knowledge of identifying loads, determining load travel paths and positioning requirements, calculating load weight and dimensions, determining center of gravity, identifying attachment points, recognizing load characteristics, and identifying hazards and unsafe rigging practices.
- Planning the Rigging Activity – Demonstrate knowledge of developing rigging plans, determining equipment requirements, understanding lifting characteristics, verifying rigging removal requirements, and understanding the responsibilities of signalpersons, equipment operators, and lift directors.
- Rigging Calculations and Load Control – Apply knowledge of sling tensions, rigging hardware capacities, load balance, center of gravity considerations, and factors affecting safe lifting operations.
- Selection of Rigging Components – Identify proper selection and application of rigging components, including chain slings, wire rope slings, metal mesh slings, synthetic rope, synthetic web and round slings, shackles, hooks, turnbuckles, hoists, compression hardware, and other rigging accessories.
- Selection of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices – Demonstrate knowledge of structural lifting beams, mechanical lifting devices, vacuum lifting devices, lifting magnets, material handling grapples, plate clamps, and beam/girder clamps.
- Technical Knowledge of Standards and Regulations – Understand and apply applicable ASME standards, including B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Crane, B30.9 Slings, B30.10 Hooks, B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices, and B30.26 Rigging Hardware.
- OSHA Safety Regulations – Demonstrate knowledge of applicable OSHA requirements related to rigging equipment, material handling, and personnel lifting, including 1910.184, 1926.251, and 1926.1431.
- Rigging Inspection Requirements – Identify inspection requirements for slings, hooks, below-the-hook lifting devices, and rigging hardware according to ASME periodic inspection standards and OSHA frequent inspection requirements.
- Execution of Rigging Activities – Demonstrate knowledge of proper use and application of rigging equipment, including slings, hardware, hoists, dollies, rollers, trolleys, compression hardware, jacks, and below-the-hook lifting devices.
Practical
Practical Exam Content
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency performing Rigger duties. Candidates must complete four hands-on tasks demonstrating the ability to inspect rigging equipment, perform rigging hitches, assemble rigging connections, and tie basic knots in accordance with applicable safety standards and requirements.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Pre-Use Rigging Inspection – Demonstrate the ability to inspect slings and rigging hardware, identify equipment that meets or fails ASME and OSHA removal-from-service criteria, and determine whether rigging components are safe for use.
- Task 2: Rigging Hitches – Demonstrate the ability to properly configure and secure different rigging hitches using appropriate slings and hardware. Candidates must complete six assigned hitch configurations while maintaining proper rigging techniques and equipment selection.
- Task 3: Rigging Connections – Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate rigging equipment, interpret rigging assignment requirements, assemble rigging systems, and safely suspend a designated load using proper connections and techniques.
- Task 4: Basic Knots – Demonstrate the ability to properly tie common rigging knots using rope of various diameters, including sheet bend, clove hitch, inside bowline, square/reef knot, and two half hitches.
Candidates are evaluated on rigging equipment inspection, identification of defective components, proper sling and hardware use, hitch selection, rigging assembly, load connection techniques, knot tying proficiency, and safe rigging practices. Failure to follow required procedures, improper rigging techniques, or unsafe practices may result in point deductions or failure of the practical examination.
Exam Format
Practical examination demonstrating proficiency in advanced rigging operations. Candidates must successfully complete two hands-on tasks involving load control, sling selection, hardware application, and precision lifting techniques.
Skills Tested
- Task 1: Level Lift – Select and apply appropriate slings and hardware to designated attachment points, perform a controlled lift, and achieve a true level position within one degree using proper rigging techniques.
- Task 2: Rigging Frame Rotation – Select and apply rigging components, lift and rotate a suspended load 90 degrees under control, and achieve proper final positioning within two degrees of true level.
- Sling and Hardware Selection – Demonstrate knowledge of selecting appropriate rigging components based on load requirements, attachment points, lifting configuration, and applicable safety standards.
- Rigging Configuration and Application – Properly apply slings and hardware while maintaining correct sling angles, avoiding point loading, preventing improper hardware connections, and ensuring safe load control.
- Load Balance and Control – Demonstrate the ability to evaluate load position, control suspended loads, maintain stability, and compensate for load center-of-gravity considerations during lifting operations.
- Precision Lifting Techniques – Execute controlled lifting attempts while maintaining level requirements, limiting unnecessary adjustments, and ensuring proper final load positioning.
- Safe Rigging Practices – Apply ASME B30 and OSHA-based rigging practices, including proper sling use, hardware application, load handling procedures, and identification of unsafe conditions.
- Communication and Completion Procedures – Follow examiner instructions, complete assigned rigging tasks within required time limits, announce completion, and properly disassemble and return rigging equipment after each task.
What It Costs to Certify
Written Exam
Per written exam, across any modality (OPT, EOT, or TCT).
$105
Practical Exam
Per practical exam, administered by a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor.
$95
Fees are paid through the myCCO portal at the time of application. The Rigger certification requires both a written and a practical exam.
Prepare to Succeed
Candidate Handbook
Get the official Rigger candidate handbook which contains the exam outline, program overview, reference list, and policies. Download Handbook →
Training Providers
Find an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) or other providers near you offering Rigger program training.Find a Provider →
Exam Reference Materials
See the reference materials used by Subject Matter Experts to develop exam content for this program.View Reference Materials →
Exam Prep Materials
Purchase ASME standards to help you prepare for the exam through the CCO Store.Visit CCO Store →
Ready to Get Certified?
Apply for your Articulating Crane Operator exam through the myCCO portal today.