RSP Practice Test

Candidates preparing for National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators credentials take the Rigger Level I, Rigger Level II, or Signalperson examinations. This page provides free practice questions generated with artificial intelligence tools, structured review sets, and detailed question breakdowns. You can use these materials alongside official testing resources to review operational concepts, load handling principles, and crane communication requirements before scheduling your written or practical tests.

RSP Exam at a Glance

What changed for RSP in 2026

• Oct 26, 2026: Exam fee (Rigger Level I) changed to $105 written; $95 practical (previously $105 written (OPT/TCT/EOT); $95 practical).^[2]
• Oct 26, 2026: Exam fee (Rigger Level II) changed to $105 written; $95 practical (previously $105 written (OPT/TCT/EOT); $95 practical).^[2]
• Oct 26, 2026: Exam fee (Signalperson) changed to $105 written; $95 practical (previously $105 written (OPT/TCT/EOT); $95 practical).^[6]
• Oct 26, 2026: Delivery changed to Written: online proctored, test center or event online; practical in person (previously Written: online proctored (OPT), test center (TCT) or event online (EOT); practical: in person at a test site).^[2]
• Oct 26, 2026: Number of questions (Signalperson) changed to 60 multiple-choice questions (written); practical has 30 scenarios (previously 60 multiple-choice questions (written) + practical exam).^[3]
• Oct 26, 2026: Score release changed to Practical score reports by email and myCCO Portal shortly after scoresheet submission (previously Practical score reports by email and myCCO Portal shortly after the scoresheet is submitted).^[5]
• Oct 26, 2026: Retake policy changed to Written and practical in either order; pass the other within 12 months (previously Written and practical in either order; must pass the other within 12 months).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions (Rigger Level I) changed to 60 multiple-choice questions (previously 60 multiple-choice questions (written) + practical exam).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions (Rigger Level II) changed to 50 multiple-choice questions (previously 50 multiple-choice questions (written) + practical exam).^[1]

What the RSP is and how it works

According to National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, “The Certified Rigger Level I Written Examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.”^[1]

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators offers credentials for Rigger Level I, Rigger Level II, and Signalperson. Rigger Level I candidates must be at least 18 years of age, comply with the Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics, and pass both a written and practical exam. To hold a valid Rigger Level II credential, Rigger Level I certification must also be current.

Written exams are delivered via Online Proctored Testing, Test Center Testing, or Event Online Testing. Practical exams are administered in person. Rigger Level I features 60 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit. Rigger Level II contains 50 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit. The Signalperson written test has 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, while the practical exam includes 30 scenarios, is untimed, and takes approximately 15 minutes. The fee for each credential is $105 for the written exam and $95 for the practical exam.

Candidates may take written and practical tests in either order, with 12 months from passing the first test to pass the corresponding test. Practical score reports arrive via email and the myCCO Portal shortly after electronic scoresheet submission. Certifications remain valid for 5 years. Local or state regulations can vary, so verify specific jurisdiction requirements on the official NCCCO website.

Worked examples: how to reason through RSP questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: When must a signal person be used during crane operations?

1. Whenever the operator has an unobstructed view of the load path
2. When the point of operation is not in full view of the operator
3. Only when the load exceeds 10,000 pounds
4. When the crane boom angle exceeds 60 degrees

Answer: B. When the point of operation is not in full view of the operator

Explanation:

Option B is correct because a signal person is required whenever the operator does not have a clear, direct view of the point of operation, the load path, or the landing area. Option A is incorrect because an unobstructed view allows the operator to track movement without needing a signaler. Option C is incorrect because signaling mandates stem from site visibility and hazards, not weight thresholds like 10,000 pounds. Option D is incorrect because exceeding a 60 degrees boom angle does not trigger this rule. Remember that signaling necessity depends strictly on operator sightlines.

Example 2

Question: A rigger is asked to rig a load using a 'basket hitch' around a pipe. What protective measure is required?

1. Apply petroleum jelly to the sling contact points
2. Use softeners or edge protectors where the sling contacts the pipe edges
3. Double-wrap the sling twice around the pipe before hooking
4. Spray the pipe with water to reduce friction on the sling

Answer: B. Use softeners or edge protectors where the sling contacts the pipe edges

Explanation:

Option B is correct because slings contacting rough or cornered surfaces must be shielded with softeners or edge protectors to prevent cuts, abrasion, and capacity reduction. Option A is incorrect because petroleum jelly can chemically damage rigging fibers and causes slick surfaces. Option C is incorrect because wrapping the sling repeatedly does not eliminate sharp contact points or substitute for padding. Option D is incorrect because spraying water fails to guard against cutting and introduces moisture hazards. Remember that mechanical protection at load contact points is mandatory for rigging safety.

Example 3

Question: A crawler crane differs from a mobile crane primarily because it:

1. Uses a hydraulic boom instead of a lattice boom
2. Travels on tracks instead of rubber tires
3. Cannot rotate the superstructure past 180 degrees
4. Requires outriggers to be deployed before lifting

Answer: B. Travels on tracks instead of rubber tires

Explanation:

Option B is correct because crawler cranes are mounted on continuous steel tracks, whereas standard mobile cranes travel on rubber tires. Option A is incorrect because crawler cranes can feature either lattice or hydraulic boom systems, meaning boom construction is not the distinguishing trait. Option C is incorrect because crawler cranes rotate without being restricted to 180 degrees. Option D is incorrect because crawlers rely on their track base rather than outriggers during operations. Remember that the undercarriage running gear defines crawler equipment classification.

How to use these practice tests

Begin by reviewing the official candidate handbook from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators to understand examination rules and policies. Next, work through AI-generated practice sets topic by topic to evaluate your recall of key standards and procedures.

• Start with foundational equipment concepts in RSP Rigging Procedures & Equipment and RSP Crane Types & Operational Limits.
• Review signaling protocols and site safety through RSP Signal Person Responsibilities & Communication and RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices.
• Verify your understanding of safety compliance using RSP OSHA Regulations & Standards.

When you answer a practice question incorrectly, review the explanation and cross-check the topic against official reference materials. Because written examinations have a 60-minute time limit, practice answering questions steadily without rushing. If you are preparing for the Signalperson practical examination, review hand and voice signaling scenarios so you are comfortable responding clearly during the in-person assessment.

Sources & last verified

1. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — number of questions, time limit, eligibility (official source). “The Certified Rigger Level I Written Examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
2. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — exam fee, delivery (official source). “Rigger Level I$105$95” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
3. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — retake policy, validity, number of questions, renewal (official source). “The Written and Practical Exams may be taken in either order. Candidates have 12 months from the time they pass their first Written or Practical…” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
4. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — renewal (official source). “CCO certification is valid for five years. Candidates must complete all of their recertification requirements during the 12 months prior to their certification’s expiration date.” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
5. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — time limit, score release (official source). “The Signalperson Practical Examination consists of 30 scenarios. There is no time limit for this examination. Candidates typically complete the exam in approximately 15 minutes.” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
6. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators — exam fee (official source). “Signalperson$105$95*” Verified Oct 26, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.