NCCCO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NCCCO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of a crane maintenance log? → To document inspections, repairs, and services, ensuring safety and compliance.
2. Which regulation requires crane operators working near energized power lines to maintain a minimum distance unless the utility owner has de-energized the lines? → OSHA 1926.1407
3. A telescoping boom crane shows a boom angle of 55° and a boom length of 90 feet. Approximately how far does the hook extend horizontally from the centerline? → 51.6 feet
4. An operator discovers a crack in the boom during inspection. What should they do? → Immediately take the crane out of service and report the defect
5. During a pick-and-carry operation with a service truck crane, what is the operator's primary responsibility? → Ensuring the load does not exceed the capacity listed for pick-and-carry on the load chart
6. An operator performing a pre-shift inspection finds that the anti-two-block device's warning weight is missing. What should the operator do? → Remove the crane from service until the ATB device is repaired or replaced
7. An operator who knowingly operates a crane with a disabled safety device to meet a project deadline is: → Violating OSHA regulations and NCCCO ethical standards
8. What are the consequences of failing to comply with crane safety standards? → Accidents, injuries, legal penalties, and project delays.
9. During a pick and carry operation, how must the outriggers be positioned before the crane begins to travel? → Fully retracted into their travel position
10. A rigger notices that a hook's latch does not spring back into the closed position after being depressed. What is the correct action? → Remove the hook from service until repaired
11. A hydraulic mobile crane's boom drifts down slowly when holding a suspended load with no commands given. What is the most likely cause? → Internal leakage in the boom cylinder or holding valve
12. What is the function of a pressure relief valve in a mobile crane's hydraulic system? → It limits maximum system pressure to protect hoses, cylinders, and the pump from overload
13. Which practice is an example of an operator maintaining professional competency as required by NCCCO standards? → Regularly reviewing updated manufacturer manuals, regulations, and industry standards
14. Which document must an NCCCO certified crane operator carry while operating a crane? → Their wallet card or a copy of their certificate
15. What is the purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI) on a mobile crane? → To alert the operator when the crane approaches its rated capacity
16. A tower crane is equipped with a 'dead man' control. What does this mean? → Controls automatically return to neutral when the operator releases them
17. When operating a mobile crane near energized power lines, OSHA requires a minimum clearance of ___ for lines up to 50 kV: → 10 feet
18. If a crane's boom or load line makes contact with an energized power line, what is the safest immediate action for the operator? → Remain in the cab and try to break contact.
19. When boom length increases while boom angle remains constant, what happens to the working radius? → Working radius increases proportionally
20. An NCCCO candidate who disagrees with their exam results may do which of the following? → File a formal score verification or appeal request with NCCCO
21. If an operator bypasses or overrides an LMI system to complete a lift, who bears responsibility for that decision according to NCCCO and OSHA standards? → The operator, employer, and any qualified person who authorized the bypass
22. Which of the following best describes a 'critical lift' under ASME B30.5? → A lift exceeding 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involving unusual hazards
23. Which factor is NOT typically considered when selecting outrigger pad size? → Color of the pad material
24. When must a qualified rigger be responsible for the rigging used in a crane lift? → Whenever the load is attached to the crane's hook
25. When an employee must perform maintenance work on a crane boom at height without a permanent walkway or safety cable, what fall protection method is required? → A personal fall arrest system anchored to an approved structural point on the boom
26. A choker hitch reduces the rated capacity of a synthetic web sling to approximately what percentage of its straight-basket capacity? → 75%
27. A crane's load moment indicator (LMI) displays a warning at 90% of rated capacity. What is the operator's correct response? → Stop operations and reassess the lift plan
28. What is the primary purpose of a shackle's safety pin or bolt? → To prevent the pin from unscrewing under load
29. Which statement about LMI accuracy tolerances is correct per industry standards? → LMIs are generally required to be accurate within ±5% of actual load
30. Under NCCCO standards, an operator's certification card is required to be: → Carried by the operator or immediately available on the job site