RIGGER

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Candidate Handbook

N AT I O N A L C E N T E R F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N E D U C AT I O N A N D R E S E A R C H

July 2020
 (such as ADA and EEO), or applicable na-
all required tional regulations in other countries
CCER at the • Grievances/complaints process
w through to
upon receipt.

Table of Contents NCCER – 2016 Edition

Purposes of the Program............................................................................................................................ 1

Development of the Program..................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives of Rigger Certification............................................................................................................... 1
Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed Accredited Assessment Center................................................................ 1
Certification Policies................................................................................................................................... 2
Confidentiality of Information..................................................................................................................... 2
Methods of Evaluation................................................................................................................................ 2
Rigger Certification Criteria......................................................................................................................... 3
Assessment................................................................................................................................................ 3
Practical Examination.................................................................................................................................. 4
Scoring........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Retest Policy............................................................................................................................................... 4
Certification and Testing Time Frames........................................................................................................ 4
Recertification............................................................................................................................................. 5
Certification Action..................................................................................................................................... 5
Changes During Period of Certification....................................................................................................... 5
Revocation of Certification.......................................................................................................................... 5
Reapplication.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Appeal ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Resources and Forms................................................................................................................................. 6
Assessment Specifications........................................................................................................................ 6
Application for Rigger Practical Examination.............................................................................................. 6
Registration & Release Form...................................................................................................................... 6

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 RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
ding balance for
invoice date, the
payment is not
suspension,Purposes
the of the Program
The goals of the NCCER Rigger Certification Program are as follows:
port by August
e communicated ‹ Enhance the practice and profession of rigging through validated and reliable certification
instruments.
bmitted by De- ‹ To directly promote rigger competency and a safer work environment.
suspended.
‹ Organize and implement a comprehensive program for the certification of riggers.
ual maintenance ‹ Promote the development of knowledge and skills of those interested in the rigging profession.
‹ Provide technical assistance to agencies having regulatory authority applicable to testing and
ee is not paid
certification of riggers.
date, the AAC
Development of the Program
within 90 days
l be terminated.
NCCER developed the Rigger Certification Program to meet or exceed current ASME standards and state
ately if theand
Pri-OSHA regulations. Assessments were developed following strict professional testing guidelines
e organization.
endorsed by the American Psychological Association. All development phases involved subject matter
ding change of
experts (SMEs) who represented their respective technical areas. Prov, NCCER’s test-development partner,
status. Thisprovides
in- psychometricians who monitor test development and performance on an ongoing basis, in
uisitions and/or
conjunction with NCCER.
hanges, the AAC
to NCCER Objectives
and of Rigger Certification
of business and
The Rigger Certification Program was developed to identify those individuals with the professional
nd/or notarized
knowledge and skills worthy of being designated as a Certified Rigger. Therefore, the Rigger Certification
erable fromProgram
one is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
‹ Identify riggers who meet the minimum criteria for certification.
CER materials. ‹ Stimulate the improvement of rigging and establish it as a certifiable profession.
erformance ver-
ations and any
als producedRigger/Signal
by Person Endorsed Accredited Assessment Center
The NCCER Rigger Certification program can only be administered through an NCCER Rigger/Signal Person
en policy/proce-
ministration Endorsed
and Accredited Assessment Center (AAC). Each AAC determines the schedule and cost of services to
gram. An orga-
be provided. Visit www.nccer.org or call NCCER customer service at 888-622-3720 to locate a Rigger/Signal
t meet or exceed
Person Endorsed AAC.
ines. This policy
how the organi-
or will address

ession, conceal-
controlled sub-
ms
eral regulations
r applicable na-
countries
cess

6 Edition NCCER – 2020 Edition 1

RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
Process One: • If the AAC has an outstanding balance for
The AAC may apply to add an international more than 90 days after the invoice date, the
Authorized Assessment Site (AAS) and provide AAC will be suspended. If payment is not
Certification Policies
oversight of international training from the US. received within 90 days of suspension, the
Such organizations must be in good standing AAC will be terminated.
with NCCER in the US for all programs. Each
Through continuing and careful study of rigger qualifications, 4. NCCER has developed
Must complete the following
the annual report bybasic
August
international location added to the accreditation 31 each year unless otherwise communicated
policies:
must have the required certified personnel and by NCCER.
‹ be
must Forapproved
a candidate to be the
through certified, all parts of the certification
AAS registration process must be successfully
processcompleted.
prior to delivering any NCCER assessments • If annual report is not submitted by De-
and/or performance cember 31, the AAC will be suspended.
‹ The candidate verifications internationally.
shall acknowledge, by affidavit, that he/she has passed a substance abuse test,
By completing this process, the AAC assumes
pursuant to the employer’s drug and alcohol-free5. workplace Must submit payment ofabuse
and substance annual maintenance
policy.
compliance responsibilities and liabilities for all fee each January.
‹ To certify
international AASs.riggers within the specified level(s) as outlined in federal, state, and local requirements.
• If annual maintenance fee is not paid
‹ To deny certification to candidates who lack understanding in any subject area in which riggers
Process Two: within 90 days of invoice date, the AAC
are expected
International locationstomay
haveapply
competence.
for accreditation will be suspended.
‹ To ensure
independent NCCER’s
of the US-basedRigger Certification
organization. Program keeps
Such • If pace with is
payment the constantly
not received changing
within 90rigging
days
locations must go through
and lifting environments.the application process of suspension, the AAC will be terminated.
as defined in the qualitative
‹ To assess Accreditation
as Guidelines and will factors in making the certification decision.
well as quantitative 6. Must notify NCCER immediately if the Pri-
be responsible for compliance with the all policies
‹ To securely maintain a registry of certified riggers’ mary Administrator
assessment leaves
and practical the organization.
exam records.
and procedures required of an AAC. Once accred-
ited, the international AAC is considered to be in- 7. Must notify NCCER regarding change of
dependent of the US-based
Confidentiality of Information organization, with its ownership or organizational status. This in-
own distinct liabilities and responsibilities. cludes buyouts, mergers, acquisitions and/or
RecordsExisting
of all examiners and candidates in the program executive turnovers.
AACs may not deliver assessments or will be confidentially maintained.
deliver performance
‹ Information verifications
supplied and not by the•individual’s
internationally
by a candidate, For organizational
employer,name
is forchanges, the AAC
the confidential
under use
theirofUS must submit notification to NCCER and
theaccreditation.
AAC and NCCER, Please
andcontact the be disclosed without the specific written permission
it will not
NCCER Customer Service department for more provide an updated proof of business and
of
information.the individual candidate concerned. certificate of insurance and/or notarized
‹ Information supplied by the employer company is for the confidential
security letter. use of the AAC and NCCER
and it will not be disclosed without the specific written • Accreditation
permission ofisthe
nontransferable from one
employer concerned.
secTion Two organization to another.
All candidates are required to sign an NCCER Registration & 8. Release
Must notformtranslate
allowing NCCER
any NCCER to verify a
materials.
candidate’s status with the AAC, if requested. This includes assessments, performance ver-
2.0.0 Accredited Assessment center ifications, practical examinations and any
resPonsibilities other documentation/materials produced by
Methods of Evaluation NCCER.
1. Must maintain the security of all assessments
Becauseordered.
qualitative factors can be more important than the9.number Must ofmaintain
hours ainternal written
rigger has spentpolicy/proce-
on the job,
the general
2. Must principles
not useoutlined in theof
any portion Rigger Certification criteria will be checked closely by analyzing eachand
an assessment dures document for the administration
or performance verification without written control of its assessment program. An orga-
candidate. nization’s internal policy must meet or exceed
consent from NCCER. All assessments, per-
formance verifications and practical exams NCCER’s Accreditation Guidelines. This policy
The prime considerations in evaluating a candidate for certification
must asinclude,
a riggeratare as follows:how the organi-
a minimum,
areThat
1. the copyrighted
the results ofintellectual
examinationproperty
of his/herofknowledge and skills are considered satisfactory as a
NCCER. zation/Primary Administrator will address
the followingoftopics:
rigger in general, in addition to whatever specific requirements the level of rigger for which
3. Must remain in good financial
certification is sought, and, standing with • Prohibiting the use, possession, conceal-
NCCER.
2. That the depth of his/her understanding in these samement, areas or sale the
merits of designation
drugs, controlled sub-
“Certified
• If additional documentation is required (i.e., stances, alcohol, and firearms
Rigger.
PO ”
#, project name/#, etc.) for an invoice • Compliance with US federal regulations
payment to be processed, it is the AAC’s (such as ADA and EEO), or applicable na-
responsibility to ensure that all required tional regulations in other countries
information is provided to NCCER at the • Grievances/complaints process
time of the order and to follow through to
ensure that the invoice is paid upon receipt.

2 4 NCCER
NCCER––2020
2016 Edition
Edition
 RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
ding balance for
invoice date, the
payment is not
suspension,Rigger
the Certification Criteria
NCCER’s primary objective is to assure that the specific competencies identified in the ASME standards
port by August
e communicated
have been achieved. The decision to certify or re-certify will be based on an evaluation of the degree to which
the rigger has achieved these competencies. The rigger must provide, through assessment and practical
bmitted byexamination,
De- clear and convincing evidence to NCCER that such competencies have been achieved.
suspended.
The candidate must fulfill all the following prior to issuance of certification:
ual maintenance
1. Pass a rigger assessment.
ee is not paid 2. Pass an applicable rigger practical examination.
date, the AAC 3. Complete and submit the Application for Rigger Practical Examination in the Registry System,
which includes an affidavit that that he/she has successfully passed a substance abuse test,
within 90 days
l be terminated. pursuant to the employer’s drug and alcohol-free workplace and substance abuse policy, and will
continue to comply.
ately if the Pri-
e organization. 4. Have photo submitted and approved by the AAC and NCCER. Upon satisfaction of the above
requirements, results will be posted in the Registry System. Credentials will be forwarded to the
ding change of
status. This in- AAC for distribution.
uisitions and/or
Candidates meeting the above requirements will be granted certified status for a period of five years from
issuance of certification.
hanges, the AAC
to NCCER and
of business and
Assessment
nd/or notarized

erable fromThere
one are three assessments for rigger certification:
1. Basic Rigger
CER materials. 2. Intermediate Rigger
erformance ver- 3. Advanced Rigger
ations and any
als producedThebyfollowing topics are included in the rigger assessments:
‹ Communications
en policy/proce- ‹ Crane Operations
ministration and ‹ Rigging equipment
gram. An orga- ‹ Rigging practices
t meet or exceed
ines. This policy ‹ Safety
how the organi- ‹ Load lifting criteria (where applicable)
or will address ‹ Lift planning (where applicable)
‹ Personnel lifting (where applicable)
ession, conceal-
controlled The
sub-assessment must be delivered through a Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed AAC by a certified assessment
ms proctor or assessment administrator.
eral regulations
r applicable na-
countries
cess

6 Edition NCCER – 2020 Edition 3

RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
Process One: • If the AAC has an outstanding balance for
The AAC may apply to add an international more than 90 days after the invoice date, the
Authorized Assessment Site (AAS) and provide AAC will be suspended. If payment is not
Practical Examination
oversight of international training from the US. received within 90 days of suspension, the
Such organizations must be in good standing AAC will be terminated.
with NCCER in the US for all programs.
There are three assessments for rigger certification: Each 4. Must complete the annual report by August
international location added to the accreditation
1. Basic Rigger 31 each year unless otherwise communicated
must have the required certified personnel and by NCCER.
must2. be
Intermediate
approved through Rigger the AAS registration
3. Advanced
process Rigger any NCCER assessments
prior to delivering • If annual report is not submitted by De-
and/or performance verifications internationally. cember 31, the AAC will be suspended.
The following topics are
By completing thisincluded
process,inthe
theAAC
riggerassumes
practical examinations:
5. Must submit payment of annual maintenance
compliance responsibilities
‹ Communication and liabilities for all fee each January.
international AASs.
‹ Rigging equipment • If annual maintenance fee is not paid
Process Two:
‹ Rigging practices within 90 days of invoice date, the AAC
International locations may apply for accreditation will be suspended.
‹ Safety
independent of the US-based organization. Such • If payment is not received within 90 days
‹ Load
locations mustlifting (where applicable)
go through the application process of suspension, the AAC will be terminated.
‹ Lift planning
as defined (where applicable)
in the Accreditation Guidelines and will
6. Must notify NCCER immediately if the Pri-
be responsible for compliance with the all policies
Candidate must have site-appropriate Personal mary Administrator
Protective Equipment leaves
(including gloves) the organization.
before they will be
and procedures required of an AAC. Once accred-
ited, the international AAC is considered
permitted to perform any practical examination tasks. to be in- 7. Must notify NCCER regarding change of
dependent of the US-based organization, with its ownership or organizational status. This in-
own distinct
The practical liabilitiesmust
examination and responsibilities. cludes buyouts,
be delivered by a certified Rigger/Signal Person mergers,
Practical acquisitions and/or
Examiner (RSPE).
executive turnovers.
Existing AACs may not deliver assessments or
The Application for Riggerverifications
deliver performance Practical Examination must be completed,
internationally electronically inname
• For organizational the Registry
changes,System,
the AAC
by the candidate prior to taking the practical
under their US accreditation. Please contact the exam and be approved by
must the AAC.
submit notification to NCCER and
NCCER Customer Service department for more provide an updated proof of business and
Note: The assessment
information. and practical examination (title) must match to ensure
certificate of certification
insurance for that
and/or level of
notarized
rigger. security letter.
• Accreditation is nontransferable from one
Scoring secTion Two organization to another.
8. Must not translate any NCCER materials.
Both2.0.0
assessments and practical examinations This includes
are scored by computers. assessments,
Scores are availableperformance
immediatelyver-
Accredited Assessment center ifications, practical examinations and any
upon test submission.
resPonsibilities other documentation/materials produced by
1. Must maintain the security of all assessments NCCER.
Retestordered.
Policy 9. Must maintain internal written policy/proce-
dures document for the administration and
If the2.passing
Must score
not use anyattained
is not portiononofthe
an initial
assessment
rigger assessment or practical
control exam, a retest
of its assessment may be
program. Antaken
orga-
or performance verification without written
followingconsent
a two-day waiting period. Subsequent
from NCCER. All assessments, per- retests (after nization’s
two internal
attempts) policy
require a must
30-day meet
waitingor exceed
period
with no more than verifications
formance four attempts and
within 365 days.
practical exams NCCER’s Accreditation Guidelines. This policy
are the copyrighted intellectual property of must include, at a minimum, how the organi-
NCCER. zation/Primary Administrator will address
Certification and Testing Time Frames the following topics:
3. Must remain in good financial standing with • Prohibiting the use, possession, conceal-
NCCER. have 12 months from passing either the assessment
Rigger candidates ment, or or practical
sale of examination to complete
drugs, controlled sub-
the other.• Results
If additional
expiredocumentation is requiredand
if both the assessment (i.e.,applicable practical
stances,exam areand
alcohol, not firearms
successfully
completed PO #, project
within name/#, etc.) for an invoice
12 months. • Compliance with US federal regulations
payment to be processed, it is the AAC’s (such as ADA and EEO), or applicable na-
responsibility to ensure that all required tional regulations in other countries
information is provided to NCCER at the • Grievances/complaints process
time of the order and to follow through to
ensure that the invoice is paid upon receipt.

4 4 NCCER
NCCER––2020
2016 Edition
Edition
 RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
ding balance for
invoice date, the
payment is not
suspension,Recertification
the

In order to obtain recertification, a candidate must repeat the initial certification requirements. Riggers must
port by August
e communicated
recertify every five years.

bmitted by De-
suspended.Certification Action
ual maintenance
Certification is granted for a specific period of five years from the date of certificate issuance. The term
of certification is subject to review for cause at any time during the period of certification. Certification is
ee is not paid
granted if current conditions are judged to be meeting or exceeding the minimum criteria requirements. If,
date, the AAC
for any reason, the future of a rigger’s abilities appears precarious or weak, certification may be revoked.
within 90 Adays
“Not to Certify” action is effective immediately after exhausting the appeal procedures. The notification to
l be terminated.
the rigger, employer, or the Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed AAC when applicable, shall indicate the following:
ately if the Pri- ‹ The termination supersedes the certification status of the rigger, and
e organization.
‹ The Certifier expects the certified individual to notify his/her employer of the termination of the
ding change of certified status.
status. This in-
uisitions and/or
The Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed AAC is restricted by NCCER policies and procedures in the granting
of certification. The Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed AAC has no authority to impose any restrictions or
hanges, the AAC
standards upon riggers or their employers.
to NCCER and
of business and
Changes During Period of Certification
nd/or notarized

erable fromItone
is the obligation of the Certified Rigger to notify the Certifier of any significant changes in the medical,
physical, or other abilities of the rigger that would affect the certification status during the period of
certification. Notification of changes in abilities must be made to NCCER within 48 hours of
CER materials.
erformancethe
ver-change in ability; failure to do so constitutes immediate revocation of all certification
ations and any
types.
als produced by
NCCER reserves the right to obtain and review feedback from Rigger/Signal Person Endorsed AACs on those
en policy/proce-
riggers certified in the program (to monitor individuals that have completed the program).
ministration and
gram. An orga-
Certified Riggers must report changes in medical, physical, or other abilities by emailing support@nccer.org.
t meet or exceed
ines. This policy
Revocation of Certification
how the organi-
or will address
NCCER reserves the right to revoke certifications for the following reasons but not limited to:
ession, conceal- ‹ Any misrepresentation or fabrication of documents submitted to NCCER regarding the Rigger
controlled sub- Certification Program.
ms
‹ Failed substance abuse test as required in the Rigger Certification Program.
eral regulations
r applicable na-
countries
cess

6 Edition NCCER – 2020 Edition 5

RIGGER CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
Process One: • If the AAC has an outstanding balance for
The AAC may apply to add an international more than 90 days after the invoice date, the
Authorized Assessment Site (AAS) and provide AAC will be suspended. If payment is not
Reapplication
oversight of international training from the US. received within 90 days of suspension, the
Such organizations must be in good standing AAC will be terminated.
with NCCER in the US for all programs.
If a rigger’s credentials are revoked due to a failed substance Each 4. abuse
Must test, the candidate
complete the annual may reapply
report by for
August
international location added to the accreditation 31 each year unless otherwise communicated
certification 12 months after the date of the revocation. If a rigger’s credentials are revoked two or more
must have the required certified personnel and
timesmust
(for any reason) they
be approved may not
through theapply
AAS for recertification. If abyrigger’s
registration
NCCER. credentials are revoked because of
misrepresentation
process prior toordelivering
fabrication
anyofNCCER
documentation,
assessments they may not • If annual
apply report is not submitted by De-
for recertification.
and/or performance verifications internationally. cember 31, the AAC will be suspended.
All reapplications
By completing must goprocess,
this before andthebe considered
AAC assumes by the5.Crane
MustOperator
submit Certification Board for
payment of annual review.
maintenance
compliance responsibilities and liabilities for
Reapplication may require additional documentation/verification. all fee each January.
international AASs.
• If annual maintenance fee is not paid
Reapplication
Process Two:means that a candidate must complete all requirements within for90
certification.
days of invoice date, the AAC
International locations may apply for accreditation will be suspended.
Appealindependent of the US-based organization. Such • If payment is not received within 90 days
locations must go through the application process of suspension, the AAC will be terminated.
as defined in the Accreditation Guidelines and
In the event a Certified Rigger wishes to appeal revocation 6. will of certification
Must notifyactions
NCCER taken by NCCER,if notice
immediately of
the Pri-
be responsible for compliance with the all policies
intentand
to appeal
procedures mustrequired
be received
of anwithin
AAC. 30 days
Once of the date ofmary
accred-
Administrator
revocation leaves
notification. the organization.
NCCER will forward
the appeal to international
ited, the the Crane Scheme AAC isCommittee.
considered Upon receipt of
to be in- 7. such
Must notice,
notify theNCCER
Committee will review
regarding changethe of
dependent of the US-based organization, with its
appeal and make its decision in a timely manner. The findings of the Committee will be reported to the in-
ownership or organizational status. This
ownwho
Certifier, distinct
willliabilities
report backandtoresponsibilities.
the rigger and Rigger/Signal Person cludesEndorsed
buyouts, AACmergers,
(whereacquisitions
applicable). and/or
executive turnovers.
Existing AACs may not deliver assessments or
A “revocation” action is effective
deliver performance immediately
verifications after exhausting •the
internationally appeal
For procedures.
organizational The changes,
name notificationtheto the
AAC
riggerunder
or thetheir US accreditation.
Rigger/Signal Please contact
Person Endorsed AAC when must submit notification
the applicable, shall indicate the following: to NCCER and
a. The termination supersedes the certification status ofprovide
NCCER Customer Service department for more an updated proof of business and
the rigger, and
information. certificate of insurance and/or notarized
b. The Certifier expects the certified individual to notify his/her security employer
letter. of the termination of the
certified rigger status. • Accreditation is nontransferable from one
Resources and Forms secTion Two organization to another.
8. Must not translate any NCCER materials.
The following resources/forms are included in this section for reference only. assessments,
This includes Updated copies and
performance ver-
2.0.0 can
information Accredited
be found onANCCER’s
ssessment center
website at www.nccer.org.ifications, practical examinations and any
resPonsibilities other documentation/materials produced by
NCCER.
Assessment Specifications
1. Must maintain the security of all assessments
ordered. 9. Must maintain internal written policy/proce-
Specifications list the topics, number of questions,
2. Must not use any portion of an assessment time dures
allowed, and document for the
passing scores administration
of each assessment.and
or performance verification without written control of its assessment program. An orga-
consent forfromRigger
NCCER.Practical
All assessments, per- nization’s internal policy must meet or exceed
Application Examination NCCER’s Accreditation Guidelines. This policy
formance verifications and practical exams
are themust
copyrighted intellectual property of must include, at a minimum, how the organi-
All candidates submit this form, electronically, in the Registry System priorAdministrator
zation/Primary to taking the practical
will address
NCCER.
examination. This application must be approved by the AAC for the following
credentials totopics:
be issued.
3. Must remain in good financial standing with • Prohibiting the use, possession, conceal-
NCCER. ment, or sale of drugs, controlled sub-
Registration & Release
• If additional Form is required (i.e.,
documentation stances, alcohol, and firearms
PO #, project name/#, etc.) for an invoice
This form releases
paymentand to holds NCCER harmless
be processed, it is the for the disclosure Compliance
AAC’s
• with in
of any information USconnection
federal regulations
with the
(such as ADA and EEO), or applicable na-
verificationresponsibility
process of theto individual’s training
ensure that and/or assessmenttional
all required records. The Registration
regulations in other & Release Form
countries
information
can be completed is provided
in paper form and to NCCER
kept on file at
bythe
the AAC or •completed electronically in
Grievances/complaints the Registry
process
time of the order and to follow through to
System. All candidates must complete the Registration & Release form before any testing activity takes
ensure that the invoice is paid upon receipt.
place.

6 4 NCCER
NCCER––2020
2016 Edition
Edition