Key Takeaways
- OSHA accepts online training as part of a broader program but does not consider it sufficient on its own for most standards.
- Online rigging training costs less per student for small or dispersed teams, while on-site training becomes more cost-effective as class size grows.
- American Crane & Safety offers both online and on-site delivery under one provider, so you can build a blended program without coordinating multiple vendors.
- LMS platforms automatically generate timestamped completion records, which simplifies documentation for compliance audits.
- A blended approach (online knowledge modules plus on-site practical evaluation) aligns with OSHA guidance and covers both written and hands-on competency.
Online Rigging Training vs On-Site: Choosing the Right Format
When you need to get a crew trained and compliant, the first decision is format. Do you enroll workers in self-paced online courses, or bring an instructor to your job site? The answer depends on crew size, location, budget, timeline, and how much hands-on evaluation your workers need.
American Crane & Safety offers both online courses and on-site training for most of its catalog. That means you can compare online rigging training vs on-site delivery and choose the best rigging training format for your situation, or combine both, without switching providers.
This guide breaks down the differences so training coordinators and safety managers can make a clear decision.
What OSHA Expects from Rigging Training
Before comparing formats, it helps to understand what OSHA actually requires.
OSHA does not mandate a specific third-party certification for riggers. Under 29 CFR 1926.1404(r), the employer determines rigger qualification based on training, knowledge, and experience. The standard is performance-based. If an inspector asks, you must demonstrate the basis for your rigger’s qualification.
Acceptable evidence includes:
- Completion of a recognized rigging training program
- Supervised on-the-job experience with dates and supervisor sign-off
- Practical evaluation results
- Employer verification letter
On the topic of computer-based training, OSHA’s 1994 interpretation letter states that self-paced, interactive computer-based training “can serve as a valuable training tool in the context of an overall training program.” However, OSHA also states that “use of computer-based training by itself would not be sufficient to meet the intent of most of OSHA’s training requirements.” OSHA expects hands-on practice and the opportunity for trainees to ask questions of a qualified trainer.
Training records must be readily accessible to the employer, employees, and OSHA. Records may be kept in any form the employer deems appropriate, as long as they are available when needed.
For signal persons, the requirements are more specific. Under 29 CFR 1926.1428, qualification requires both written/oral evaluation and practical evaluation.
OSHA adjusts penalties annually. For current penalty amounts, see the OSHA penalties page.
Online Rigging Training: How It Works
Online courses from American Crane & Safety are delivered through a TalentLMS platform. Workers log in, complete modules at their own pace, and receive completion records automatically.
Courses Available Online
- NCCCO Prep Course
- Certified Crane Signal Person Course
- Crane Awareness Course
- Authorized Person Fall Protection
- Entertainment Rigging Courses
- Rigging Courses
Browse the full list in the online course catalog.
How Online Delivery Works
- Access: Available 24/7 from any device with internet access
- Pacing: Self-paced. Workers complete modules on their own schedule.
- Assessment: Knowledge checks and quizzes built into each module
- Documentation: The LMS automatically records completion timestamps, quiz scores, and certificates. These records are available on demand for compliance audits.
- Enrollment minimum: One student
Best Scenarios for Rigging Training Online
- Crews spread across multiple job sites or states
- Individual workers who need to complete training before a project start date
- Refresher training for workers whose knowledge needs updating
- NCCCO Rigger Level 1 exam prep (the online NCCCO Prep Course covers the written and practical exam content)
- Entertainment production crews on tour or at varying venues
- Workers in remote locations where arranging in-person training is difficult
The trend toward online safety training is clear across the industry. In FY 2025, 60.8% of trainees in OSHA’s Outreach Training Program completed their training online, up from 29.8% in FY 2016 (OSHA Outreach Training Growth Data).
On-Site Rigging Training: How It Works
American Crane & Safety sends an instructor to your location. Training takes place at your facility or job site, using your equipment and addressing your specific conditions.
Courses Available On-Site
- Certified Crane Signal Person Course
- Crane Awareness Course
- Authorized Person Fall Protection
- Rigging Courses, including Certified Rigger Level 1 and Level 2
The NCCCO Prep Course and the Entertainment Rigging Courses are online only.
Request on-site training through the on-site course page.
How On-Site Delivery Works
- Scheduling: Coordinated with the instructor. Training dates are set based on crew availability and project timelines.
- Location: Your facility, job site, or another location you choose
- Assessment: Both written/oral and practical hands-on evaluation
- Documentation: Instructor-issued certificates, sign-in sheets, and evaluation records
- Class size: Contact AMC&S for class size and scheduling details.
Best Scenarios for an On-Site Rigging Course
- Full crew training at a single location
- Hands-on skills assessment for qualification documentation
- Site-specific rigging scenarios that require practical instruction
- Signal person qualification, which requires both written/oral and practical evaluation per 29 CFR 1926.1428
- New hires who need comprehensive initial training before starting work
- Training tied to specific equipment on your site
On-site training also gives experienced workers the chance to ask questions and work through real scenarios with an instructor, which aligns directly with OSHA’s expectation that trainees have access to a qualified trainer.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Online Training | On-Site Training |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Self-paced, available 24/7 | Coordinated with instructor, set dates |
| Per-Student Cost Trend | Lower for small groups or dispersed teams | Lower per head as class size grows |
| Hands-On Practice | Not included (knowledge-based modules) | Included with practical exercises |
| Self-Paced Option | Yes | No |
| Audit Documentation | Automatic LMS records: timestamps, scores, certificates | Instructor-issued certificates, sign-in sheets |
| Minimum Enrollment | One student | Set with AMC&S when you book |
| NCCCO Rigger Level 1 Prep | Online course covers written and practical exam content | Hands-on rigging practice before the practical exam |
| Best For | Dispersed crews, individual enrollments, refresher training, knowledge modules | Full crew certification, hands-on assessment, site-specific training |
| Crew Size Sweet Spot | 1 to 10 workers across multiple locations | 10 or more workers at one location |
When to Choose Online Training
Online rigging training is the better fit when:
- Your workers are spread across multiple job sites, cities, or states
- You need to train one or two individuals, not a full crew
- The training is knowledge-based (Crane Awareness Course, NCCCO written exam prep)
- Your project timeline is tight and workers need to start training immediately
- You need audit-ready records generated automatically
- You are training entertainment production crews who travel between venues
- Travel costs for gathering a crew in one place would exceed the training budget
AMC&S offers state-specific rigging training and NCCCO prep pages to help you find the right course for your region.
When to Choose On-Site Training
An on-site rigging course is the better fit when:
- You have 10 or more workers at one location who need training
- The course requires hands-on evaluation (signal person qualification, practical rigging skills)
- You want training tailored to your specific equipment and job site conditions
- Your crew includes workers who learn better with direct instructor interaction
- You need both written and practical evaluation completed in one session
- OSHA compliance requires you to demonstrate hands-on competency, not just knowledge
On-site training also eliminates travel for your crew. Instead of sending workers to a training center, AMC&S brings the instructor to you.
The Blended Approach
For many teams, the best rigging training format is a combination of both.
A blended approach works like this:
- Workers complete knowledge-based modules online at their own pace (rigging theory, load charts, signaling standards, regulations).
- An on-site session follows, where an instructor conducts hands-on practical exercises and evaluations.
- Both sets of records (LMS completion data and instructor evaluations) go into the training file.
This structure aligns directly with OSHA’s guidance. The online component delivers the knowledge foundation. The on-site component provides the hands-on practice and trainer access that OSHA expects.
Because American Crane & Safety offers both formats under one catalog, you coordinate with a single provider. There is no need to match online content from one vendor with on-site instruction from another. Course content stays consistent across both delivery methods.
Example Blended Scenarios
- NCCCO Rigger Level 1 prep: Riggers complete the NCCCO Prep Course online, then attend on-site rigging training for hands-on practice before the NCCCO practical exam. NCCCO certification requires passing both written and practical exams.
- Fall protection: Workers complete the Authorized Person Fall Protection course online, then receive on-site instruction specific to the fall protection systems installed at their job site.
- Entertainment rigging: Crew members complete the online Entertainment Rigging Courses between productions, and add on-site rigging courses for hands-on practice.
Documentation for Compliance Audits
Training coordinators need records that hold up during an OSHA inspection or a client audit. Both formats produce acceptable documentation, but the format differs.
Online training records include:
- Trainee name and unique login
- Course name and version
- Completion date and timestamp
- Quiz or assessment scores
- Digital certificate of completion
All of these are generated automatically by the LMS and stored digitally. You can pull reports for any individual or for your entire team.
On-site training records include:
- Sign-in sheets with trainee names, dates, and signatures
- Instructor name and qualifications
- Course outline and topics covered
- Practical evaluation results
- Instructor-issued certificates
OSHA states that training records may be kept in any form the employer deems appropriate, as long as they are readily accessible. Both digital LMS records and physical instructor records meet this standard.
For the strongest audit file, combine both: LMS completion records showing knowledge acquisition, plus instructor evaluations showing hands-on competency.
Supplemental Resources
American Crane & Safety also offers the Rigging Pocket Guide as a field reference for trained riggers. A Spanish-language version is available as well. These guides support ongoing reference after training is complete.
For answers to common questions about courses, enrollment, and scheduling, visit the FAQ page. For background on American Crane & Safety’s training programs and instructors, see the About Us page.
How to Get Started
Pick the format that fits your team’s situation, or combine both.
- Enroll in online courses now: Browse the full online course catalog and enroll individual workers or your entire crew.
- Request on-site training: Visit the on-site course page to request a quote and schedule an instructor at your location.
- Find training by state: Use the state-by-state rigging training and NCCCO prep page to find options near your job site.
American Crane & Safety delivers most of its catalog in both formats: Certified Crane Signal Person Course, Crane Awareness Course, Authorized Person Fall Protection, and Rigging Courses. The NCCCO Prep Course and Entertainment Rigging Courses are online only. One provider, two delivery methods, consistent content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does online rigging training satisfy OSHA requirements on its own?
OSHA has stated that computer-based training alone would not be sufficient to meet the intent of most training requirements. Online training is acceptable as one component of a broader program that includes hands-on practice and access to a qualified trainer for questions.
What is the minimum class size for on-site rigging training?
Contact American Crane & Safety through the on-site training page for class size and scheduling details.
Can I use online training to prepare for the NCCCO certification exam?
Yes, for NCCCO Rigger Level 1. The online NCCCO Prep Course from American Crane & Safety covers the written and practical exam content. On-site rigging training adds hands-on practice before the NCCCO practical exam.
What documentation do I get from online vs. on-site training?
Online courses delivered through the LMS automatically record completion timestamps, quiz scores, and certificates. On-site training provides instructor-issued certificates and sign-in sheets. Both formats produce records that OSHA considers acceptable.
Does American Crane & Safety offer entertainment rigging training online?
Yes. Entertainment Rigging Courses are available through the online course catalog, making them accessible to production crews regardless of location.