NCCCO offers two rigger certifications — Level I and Level II. They sound like a hierarchy, and they are, but the distinction is sharper than it sounds. Level II isn’t just “more experience” — it covers fundamentally different rigging operations. Picking the wrong level for your project can mean either over-credentialing (cost) or under-credentialing (audit failure).
NCCCO Rigger Level I — Scope
Rigger Level I is the foundational rigging certification. It covers single-point lifts using common rigging hardware and standard sling hitches under typical conditions. The Level I rigger can:
- Identify proper rigging equipment for a given lift.
- Perform basic load weight estimation.
- Inspect rigging hardware against ASME B30.9, B30.10, and B30.26.
- Use common hitches: vertical, choker, basket, double basket.
- Apply sling angle effects and basic load distribution.
- Communicate with crane operators using standard hand and voice signals.
- Recognize common rigging hazards and unsafe configurations.
NCCCO Rigger Level I — Requirements
- 18+ years old.
- Pass a substance abuse test within 12 months of certification.
- Comply with applicable medical requirements.
- Pass the NCCCO written exam.
- Pass a practical demonstration covering basic rigging tasks.
No minimum experience is required for Level I. New riggers can sit for the exam after completing a training program.
NCCCO Rigger Level II — Scope
Rigger Level II covers complex rigging operations. The Level II rigger handles tasks that go beyond the Level I scope, including:
- Multi-point and multi-crane lifts.
- Calculations for unequal sling lengths and asymmetric loads.
- Center-of-gravity determination for irregular loads.
- Below-the-hook lifting devices (ASME B30.20).
- Specialty hitches (bridle, double-wrap, basket-on-edge).
- Engineered lifts requiring rigging plans.
- Rigging hardware selection for high-load and critical lifts.
- Identification of rigging configuration errors and recommendation of corrections.
- Mentorship and oversight of Level I riggers on the project.
NCCCO Rigger Level II — Requirements
- Pass the advanced written exam covering Level II content.
- Pass an advanced practical exam covering complex rigging tasks.
- Maintain medical and substance abuse testing currency.
NCCCO publishes the current eligibility requirements for each level in its candidate handbooks; check them before you schedule a crew.
When to Use Level I
- Standard daily rigging on most construction sites.
- Single-crane, single-point lifts of common loads.
- Basic rigging gear inspection.
- Toolbox-level signal and communication.
- Material handling at distribution and manufacturing facilities.
When to Use Level II
- Multi-crane (tandem) lifts.
- Critical or engineered lifts requiring written rigging plans.
- Lifts of irregular, oversized, or asymmetric loads.
- Industrial turnaround / shutdown rigging on equipment installations.
- Below-the-hook lifting device deployment.
- Tower crane jumping and climbing operations (alongside engineering).
- Federal construction projects requiring documented advanced rigging competence.
Exam Costs and Validity
- NCCCO written and practical exam fees: set by NCCCO and updated periodically; see NCCCO’s current exam fees.
- Training programs (Level I): $500-$1,200.
- Training programs (Level II): $800-$1,800.
- Validity: 5 years for both levels (recertification by exam or continuing education).
OSHA Requirements for Rigger Qualification
OSHA 1926.1425 requires riggers to be qualified — meaning trained and competent — but does not specifically mandate NCCCO certification. In practice, prime contractors, USACE, and most large GC’s require NCCCO Rigger Level I or II for all rigging on the project. Insurer requirements often go further, requiring Level II for engineered lifts.
Rigger Level I vs Level II Practical Differences
NCCCO Rigger Level I covers basic rigging: standard sling configurations, hitch types, basic load weight estimation, single-crane lifts within capacity, standard rigging hardware (shackles, eye bolts, turnbuckles), and pre-use sling/hardware inspection. Sufficient for routine production lifts where rigging follows manufacturer guidelines.
Rigger Level II covers advanced operations: critical and complex lifts, multi-crane tandem lifts, load weight calculation for irregular loads, center of gravity determination, structural rigging engineering, custom rigging design and review, load testing, and instructor authority over Level I riggers. Typically required for lift directors on critical lifts, USACE EM 385-1-1 projects with elevated rigging complexity, and fabrication/erection of pre-engineered structural assemblies.
Building a Multi-Level Rigging Crew
On most active projects, the right rigging crew structure is one Level II rigger as supervisor or lift director, two to four Level I riggers as working crew, and one designated signal person who may also be Level II qualified. Level II rigger handles planning, calculations, and supervision; Level I riggers do hands-on rigging, sling selection from pre-approved list, and inspection. For complex lifts (multi-crane, irregular loads, lifts over critical infrastructure), crew may include structural engineer for rigging design review and third-party inspector to witness.
Building Level II judgment takes time and structured experience. Best practice: assign Level I riggers to assist Level II on complex lifts, observe and document planning process, gradually take on more planning responsibility under supervision.
Continuing education for both levels should cover annual ASME B30 standards revisions, OSHA enforcement letters and interpretations, manufacturer technical bulletins, and incident lessons learned from industry data sources. The most effective continuing education for active riggers is post-incident analysis from real lifts — what went wrong and what would prevent recurrence.
Crew Coordination on Multi-Rigger Lifts
Multi-rigger lifts require explicit role assignment before the lift begins. The Level II rigger is the rigging supervisor and has stop-work authority for any rigging concern. Each Level I rigger has a defined work area or load contact point. The signal person communicates with the operator and is separate from any rigger-on-load operations. Roles should be confirmed in writing in the lift plan and reviewed in pre-task briefing.
During the lift, riggers maintain radio or visual communication with the rigging supervisor and stay clear of the lift path during slewing and movement. The “hold and hold and hold” principle applies to rigging contact — riggers should never remain in contact with a load during lift, slew, or lower; they should be clear of the load while moving and only return for unload positioning and de-rigging.
Post-lift debriefs are valuable for crew development. After each significant lift, the rigging supervisor and crew should discuss what went well, what could be improved, and any deviations from the plan. Documented debriefs become part of the project safety record and provide feedback that improves future lift performance.
Long-Term Career in Rigging
Rigging is a viable long-term career with multiple specialization paths. Senior production rigger (lead Level II on day-to-day operations) earns $70,000-$110,000 in 2026 depending on region and work complexity. Rigging supervisor or lift director earns $90,000-$140,000. Rigging engineer (with engineering degree and PE license) earns $110,000-$180,000. Independent rigging consultant or shop owner can earn significantly more with successful business operations.
Career-development credentials beyond NCCCO Level I and II include NCCCO Crane Inspector (qualifies third-party annual inspections), NCCCO Lift Director (qualifies complex lift supervision), and PE license in mechanical or civil engineering (for rigging engineering roles). Each credential opens different career paths and typically supports compensation increases.
Mentorship and apprenticeship are important in rigging because much practical judgment is not captured in written standards. Experienced riggers should be encouraged to formally mentor junior crew members with documented training plans and progress reviews. Apprenticeship programs through IUOE provide structured 2-4 year tracks for production rigging roles.
3P Safety Crane Training — Rigger Level I and II Qualification Classes
3P Safety Crane Training delivers Rigger Level I and Level II qualification classes at our training facility and on-site at client jobsites nationwide: classroom instruction and hands-on rigging practice built around the qualified-rigger requirements in OSHA 1926 Subpart CC. Schedule rigger training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Level II rigger perform Level I work?
Yes. Level II is a superset of Level I scope. A Level II rigger covers all Level I duties plus the advanced ones.
Can a Level I rigger perform multi-crane lifts?
No. Multi-crane (tandem) lifts require Level II competence. The lift director must verify that any rigger involved in a tandem lift holds the appropriate credential.
Is Rigger Level I or II required for tower crane construction?
Tower crane erection and climbing typically involves engineered lifts and multi-point loads. Level II is the standard credential for the rigging crew on tower crane operations. Level I may participate under Level II oversight.
Can a Level I rigger supervise other riggers?
No. Supervision authority over riggers and approval of non-standard rigging configurations requires Level II qualification under most general contractor and federal owner programs.
Is Level I sufficient for tandem lifts?
No. Tandem lifts are typically critical lifts under ASME B30.5, requiring rigging design and supervision by a Level II rigger or equivalent qualified person.
Does USACE require Level II for federal projects?
EM 385-1-1 Section 16 requires “qualified rigger” designation for all rigging. In practice, Level II is typical for lift directors and complex rigging design; Level I for routine production rigging.
How long does Level I to Level II progression take?
NCCCO does not set a fixed timeline between levels; the current candidate handbook lists the eligibility requirements for each. On most crews, riggers build Level II judgment through supervised work on complex lifts.
Ready to certify your riggers? 3P Safety Crane Training runs NCCCO rigger certification for Level I and II.