Key Takeaways
- NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II certifications are the most widely recognized construction rigger credentials, valid for 5 years with no grace period after expiration.
- OSHA requires a qualified rigger during crane assembly/disassembly and whenever workers are in the fall zone, and third-party certification is the clearest way to document that qualification.
- Signal person certification is separate from rigger certification, and a qualified rigger is not automatically qualified as a signal person.
- AMC&S offers courses that support five of these seven credentials through online and on-site delivery, so safety managers can train crews through a single provider.
- ANSI Z359.2 recommends fall protection retraining every 2 years, making Authorized Person Fall Protection one of the most frequently renewed credentials on this list.
When you choose the right rigging certification course, you meet jobsite requirements, satisfy general contractor expectations, and stay current with OSHA and ANSI standards. American Crane & Safety offers training that prepares riggers for several of the credentials listed below, delivered both online and on-site. This guide covers the seven rigging certifications for construction that matter most in 2026, with details on each issuing body, exam format, renewal period, and the AMC&S course that maps to it.
Why These Credentials Matter Now
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC requires a qualified rigger during crane assembly and disassembly and whenever workers are in the fall zone. OSHA does not mandate a specific third-party certification, but general contractors, project owners, and insurers increasingly require documented proof of qualification. An NCCCO rigger certification or equivalent credential is the most straightforward way to provide that proof. Holding multiple construction rigger credentials also broadens the types of projects and roles you can take on.
All 7 Certifications at a Glance
| Certification | Issuing Body | Exam Format | Validity | AMC&S Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCCCO Rigger Level I | NCCCO | Written (60 questions) + Practical | 5 years | NCCCO Prep Course |
| NCCCO Rigger Level II | NCCCO | Written (50 questions) + Practical | 5 years | Rigging Courses (Level II prep not offered) |
| NCCER Rigger | NCCER | Written + Practical | See NCCER policy | Rigging Courses (overlapping content) |
| NCCCO Certified Signal Person | NCCCO | Written + Practical | 5 years | Certified Crane Signal Person Course (AMC&S certificate, overlapping content) |
| Authorized Person Fall Protection | Employer-designated (ANSI Z359.2) | Training completion | 2 years (recommended) | Authorized Person Fall Protection |
| OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction | OSHA (via authorized trainers) | Course completion | Does not expire federally | No direct AMC&S equivalent |
| Crane Awareness | Training provider | Course completion | Per employer policy | Crane Awareness Course |
1. NCCCO Rigger Level I
The NCCCO Rigger Level I is the most common starting point for construction rigger credentials. It verifies competency in basic rigging tasks performed under the direction of a qualified rigger.
Key details:
- Issuing body: National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
- Scope: Inspecting rigging hardware before use, identifying and attaching rigging with basic knowledge of hitch configurations and capacities, recognizing hazards, and demonstrating proficiency in signal operations (NCCCO Rigger Candidate Handbook)
- Exam format: 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes (written), plus a practical examination demonstrating basic rigging competency
- Eligibility: Must be 18 or older, comply with NCCCO Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics
- Validity: 5 years. Recertification requires passing the written exam during the 12 months before expiration. No practical exam is required for recertification. There is no grace period after expiration.
- Accreditation: NCCCO is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17024
AMC&S course: The online NCCCO Prep Course prepares candidates for the Level I written and practical exams. NCCCO administers the exams.
2. NCCCO Rigger Level II
Level II is the natural progression for riggers ready to work unsupervised. It covers the full range of rigging decisions: weight estimation, center of gravity identification, rigging selection based on loading, and load dynamics.
Key details:
- Issuing body: NCCCO
- Prerequisite: Active NCCCO Rigger Level I certification
- Scope: Estimating load weight and center of gravity, identifying lift points, selecting rigging based on loading requirements, performing pre-use inspections, and understanding load dynamics during the lift (NCCCO Rigger Candidate Handbook)
- Exam format: 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes (written), plus a practical exam that includes rigging a load for a level lift and rotating a load
- Validity: 5 years. The Level II recertification written exam covers both Level I and Level II content, so passing it maintains both designations.
- Step-up provision: Level I certificants can add Level II at any time. If you are in the final year of your Level I certification, the Level II written exam can substitute for the Level I recertification written exam.
AMC&S course: The online NCCCO Prep Course covers Level I only. AMC&S also offers its own Certified Rigger Level 2 certificate, on-site or virtual, for riggers who hold its Certified Rigger Level 1 and Certified Signal Person certificates. It is an AMC&S certificate, not NCCCO Level II prep. Check the state-by-state training page to find scheduled sessions near you.
3. NCCER Rigger
The NCCER Rigger certification is an alternative credentialing pathway recognized across many construction sectors. It is offered through NCCER Accredited Endorsed Assessment Programs.
Key details:
- Issuing body: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
- Tiers: Two levels. “Rigger” covers entry-level or skilled craft professionals incorporating rigging into their duties. “Advanced Rigger” covers experienced riggers working with cranes who demonstrate both core and advanced rigging practices.
- Standards alignment: Developed with industry experts to meet or exceed ASME B30 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC standards
- Exam format: Written assessment plus practical exam. NCCER provides a gap analysis report for each assessment.
- Recommended training hours: Basic (140 hours, includes Core curriculum), Intermediate (105 hours), Advanced (95 hours) (NCCER Rigger Craft page)
AMC&S note: AMC&S does not offer an NCCER-specific prep course. However, the Rigging Courses cover content that overlaps with NCCER curriculum, including hitch configurations, load calculations, and hardware inspection. This certification is included here because safety managers comparing NCCCO and NCCER pathways need to know both options exist.
4. NCCCO Certified Signal Person
Signal person certification is separate from rigger certification. A qualified rigger is not automatically qualified as a signal person. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1428, a signal person must be qualified by either a third-party evaluator or the employer. NCCCO certification satisfies the third-party requirement.
Key details:
- Issuing body: NCCCO
- Exam format: Written examination plus practical examination. Both must be passed for certification. (NCCCO Signalperson Candidate Handbook)
- Validity: 5 years. Recertification requires passing the practical exam, not just the written.
- Why riggers need it: On most construction lifts, the rigger is also the closest person to the load and the crane operator. Having both rigger and signal person credentials makes you eligible for more assignments and eliminates the need for a second qualified individual at the hook.
AMC&S course: The Certified Crane Signal Person Course is AMC&S’s own signal person certificate, with practical instruction and written and practical testing. It covers the same OSHA signal requirements the NCCCO exam tests, but it is not NCCCO certification. Available online and on-site.
5. Authorized Person Fall Protection
Fall protection training is required by OSHA 29 CFR 1926.503 for every employee exposed to fall hazards. The “authorized person” designation under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(d) refers to a person approved or assigned by the employer to perform specific duties at the jobsite.
Key details:
- Regulatory basis: OSHA requires fall protection training for all workers exposed to falls at or above 6 feet in construction (OSHA Fall Protection)
- ANSI Z359.2 standard: Defines authorized person training requirements, including training on the employer’s fall protection policy and procedures, proper use and inspection of fall protection equipment, and identification and reporting of unsafe conditions
- Renewal: ANSI Z359.2 recommends retraining every 2 years, or when conditions change, or when performance indicates a gap
- Compliance note: This is employer-designated training, not a third-party certification in the NCCCO sense. Having documented third-party training from a recognized provider strengthens your compliance record during audits and inspections.
AMC&S course: Authorized Person Fall Protection covers the authorized person training requirements. Available online and on-site for full crews.
6. OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety Training
The OSHA Outreach Training Program covers foundational construction safety topics, including the “Focus Four” hazards: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution.
Key details:
- Issuing body: U.S. Department of Labor, delivered through OSHA-authorized trainers (OSHA Outreach Training Program FAQ)
- Federal requirement: Voluntary at the federal level. OSHA does not require the 10-hour or 30-hour card.
- State requirements: Multiple states mandate OSHA 10 or 30 cards for construction workers on public works projects, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
- Card expiration: Federal OSHA cards do not expire. Some jurisdictions, including Nevada and New York City, require renewal every 5 years.
- Why riggers need it: Many general contractors and project owners require an OSHA 10 or 30 card as a condition of site access, regardless of your other certifications. Without it, you may not be allowed past the gate.
AMC&S note: AMC&S does not currently list a standalone OSHA 10 or 30-Hour course. The Crane Awareness Course covers complementary safety awareness content for workers operating around cranes.
7. Crane Awareness Training
Crane Awareness training is designed for anyone working around cranes, not just operators. Riggers who are in proximity to crane operations every day benefit from this course because it gives them the ground-level hazard recognition knowledge they may otherwise lack.
Key details:
- Scope: Hazard recognition, safe work zones, load path awareness, and basic crane operations awareness
- Regulatory context: OSHA Subpart CC requires a qualified rigger during assembly and disassembly and when workers are in the fall zone. Riggers who understand crane operations from the ground perspective are less likely to be involved in struck-by incidents, which remain one of OSHA’s Focus Four hazards.
- Delivery: Typically a shorter course than NCCCO exam prep, making it a practical addition for crews that need broad awareness training quickly
AMC&S course: The Crane Awareness Course is available online and on-site.
How to Choose Your Next Certification
Your next move depends on where you are in your career and what your current project requires.
- Starting out or changing trades: Begin with NCCCO Rigger Level I and Authorized Person Fall Protection. These two credentials cover the baseline requirements for most construction jobsites.
- Ready to work unsupervised: Add NCCCO Rigger Level II. The step-up provision allows you to add it at any time after earning Level I.
- Assigned to signaling duties: Get the NCCCO Certified Signal Person credential. Do not assume your rigger certification qualifies you for signaling. It does not.
- Working on state or public projects: Verify whether your state requires an OSHA 10 or 30-Hour card. Check with your state labor department or the OSHA Outreach Training Program FAQ.
- Managing or coordinating a crew: Ensure everyone on the team has Crane Awareness training. It is one of the fastest credentials to complete and reduces incident risk across the board.
- Expanding into entertainment rigging: AMC&S also offers Entertainment Rigging Courses for riggers moving into live events and production work. Few training providers cover both construction and entertainment rigging.
Supplementary Study Resources
AMC&S publishes a Rigging Pocket Guide in English and Spanish. These are useful as quick-reference tools during exam prep and on the jobsite.
How AMC&S Can Help
AMC&S provides rigging certification course preparation through two delivery methods:
- Online: Self-paced courses through the full online course catalog, accessible on your schedule
- On-site: Instructor-led training at your location for teams and full crews. Request on-site training here.
Courses that map directly to the certifications in this article:
- NCCCO Prep Course (Rigger Level I, online only)
- Certified Crane Signal Person Course
- Authorized Person Fall Protection
- Crane Awareness Course
- Rigging Courses
- Entertainment Rigging Courses
To find training sessions scheduled in your state, visit the rigger training and NCCCO prep by state page. For questions about course delivery, group pricing, or scheduling, check the FAQ or visit the About Us page to learn more about AMC&S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does OSHA require riggers to hold a specific certification?
OSHA requires a “qualified” rigger under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC but does not mandate a specific third-party certification. However, most general contractors, insurers, and some state or local jurisdictions effectively require NCCCO or NCCER certification as proof of qualification.
What is the difference between NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II?
Level I covers basic rigging tasks performed under supervision. Level II covers unsupervised rigging, including weight estimation, center of gravity identification, and independent rigging decisions. Level I is a prerequisite for Level II.
Can I complete rigging certification courses online?
Some coursework and exam preparation can be completed online. AMC&S offers online courses through their course catalog at amcands.talentlms.com. Practical exams for NCCCO certifications must be completed in person.
How often do I need to renew my NCCCO Rigger certification?
NCCCO Rigger certifications are valid for 5 years. You must pass the written recertification exam during the 12 months before expiration. There is no grace period. If your certification expires, you must retake both the written and practical exams.
Does AMC&S offer on-site rigging training for crews?
Yes. AMC&S provides on-site instruction for teams, covering rigging, signal person, crane awareness and fall protection courses. The NCCCO Prep Course is online only. You can request a quote through their on-site training page.