TheoryCrane Operator NCCCO
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30 free Crane Operator NCCCO questions
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Inspections & Maintenance
When must a pre-shift inspection of a crane be performed?
Correct — A. ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1412 require a visual inspection before each shift the equipment is to be used. This ensures any damage or defect that occurred since the last use is caught before operations begin. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Which of the following is included in a pre-shift (frequent) inspection of a mobile crane?
Correct — C. Pre-shift (frequent) inspections include visual checks of control mechanisms, wire rope, hooks, and safety devices. Disassembly, load testing, and non-destructive testing (NDT) are part of periodic inspections. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Who is responsible for conducting the pre-shift inspection of a crane?
Correct — B. OSHA 1926.1412 specifies that equipment must be inspected by a qualified person or, for the pre-shift visual inspection, by the operator prior to use each shift. -
Inspections & Maintenance
During a pre-shift inspection, the operator finds that the load line anti-two-block device is not functioning. What is the correct action?
Correct — D. Anti-two-block devices are required safety devices. OSHA 1926.1416 states that if a required safety device is not functioning, the equipment must be taken out of service until repaired. Operating with a substitute measure does not satisfy the regulation. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What condition of wire rope requires it to be immediately removed from service?
Correct — B. ASME B30.5 specifies removal criteria including six randomly distributed broken wires in one lay length or three broken wires in one strand in one lay. Lubrication and minor oxidation are normal; small diameter variance within tolerance is acceptable. -
Inspections & Maintenance
A mobile crane wire rope shows a reduction in diameter of 1/64 inch from its nominal diameter of 3/4 inch. What should the operator do?
Correct — C. ASME B30.5 requires removal from service if the wire rope diameter has decreased more than 1/64 inch from nominal for ropes up to 3/4 inch diameter. A 1/64-inch reduction on a 3/4-inch rope is exactly at the removal threshold. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Which type of wire rope deterioration is characterized by a corkscrewing or helical deformation of the rope's axis?
Correct — D. Corkscrew or wavy distortion occurs when one or more strands deform out of position, giving the rope a helical set. This condition reduces the rope's load-bearing capacity and requires removal from service. -
Inspections & Maintenance
For a 6×19 classification wire rope of 1-inch nominal diameter, what is the maximum number of broken wires per lay length before removal from service under ASME B30.5?
Correct — A. ASME B30.5-4.1.2 specifies removal when there are 12 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or 4 broken wires in one strand in one lay for 6×19 classification rope. The 6-wire criterion applies to 6×7 classification rope. -
Inspections & Maintenance
A crane hook must be removed from service if it has been opened (throat opening increased) by more than what percentage of its original dimension?
Correct — C. ASME B30.10 requires that hooks be removed from service if the throat opening has increased more than 15% from the original dimension. This indicates the hook has been overloaded and deformed beyond safe use. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What is the purpose of the safety latch on a crane hook?
Correct — A. The safety latch (also called a safety catch or keeper) is designed to retain the sling or load line inside the hook's bowl, preventing accidental disengagement during lifting operations. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What action should be taken if a crane hook shows a twist of more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent shank?
Correct — D. ASME B30.10 requires removal from service if a hook is twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of its unbent shank. Hooks must never be repaired by heating and bending; replacement is required. -
Inspections & Maintenance
How often should a crane hook used in normal service be given a periodic (thorough) inspection?
Correct — B. ASME B30.10 and manufacturer guidance generally require periodic thorough inspections of hooks at least annually for normal service. The frequency may increase for severe service applications. -
Inspections & Maintenance
A crane hook with a rated capacity of 10 tons shows a crack indication at the base of the shank after magnetic particle testing. What is the required action?
Correct — C. Any crack indication found by non-destructive testing (NDT) in a hook requires permanent removal from service. Hooks must not be repaired by welding or grinding, as this alters the metallurgy and can hide defects. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Where must a mobile crane's load chart be located during crane operations?
Correct — A. OSHA 1926.1416(d)(1) requires that the load chart be in the cab of the crane and accessible to the operator. The operator must be able to reference it to ensure rated capacities are not exceeded. -
Inspections & Maintenance
A load chart shows a rated capacity of 40,000 lb at a 30-foot radius with the boom at 70 degrees. What does this rating assume regarding outriggers?
Correct — D. Load charts are based on specific configurations. Unless otherwise noted, rated capacities on a mobile crane load chart assume outriggers are fully extended and properly set on adequate blocking or pads, providing full stability. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What visual condition on a lattice boom chord member should immediately trigger removal from service?
Correct — C. Visible bending, cracking, or buckling of lattice boom chord members are serious structural defects that can lead to catastrophic collapse. Such conditions require immediate removal from service and engineering evaluation. -
Inspections & Maintenance
During inspection of a hydraulic telescoping boom, the operator notices that the boom does not fully retract to its minimum length. What is the most likely cause?
Correct — A. Inability to fully retract a telescoping boom section is most commonly caused by hydraulic cylinder seal failure, internal bypass, or a bent cylinder rod. This condition must be evaluated by a qualified mechanic before further use. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What inspection method is most appropriate for detecting subsurface cracks in a lattice boom chord that show no visible surface indication?
Correct — D. Magnetic particle testing (MT) is effective at detecting near-surface and slightly subsurface cracks in ferromagnetic steel boom members. Dye penetrant (PT) finds only surface-breaking defects; radiographic testing is used for volumetric defects; visual inspection cannot detect subsurface flaws. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Before crane operations, outrigger pads or mats must be checked to ensure they are:
Correct — B. Outrigger pads or mats must be sized and rated to spread the concentrated outrigger load across a sufficient area of the ground to prevent settlement or puncture. The ground bearing capacity and outrigger reaction force must both be considered. -
Inspections & Maintenance
During setup, the operator notices that one outrigger cylinder extends but does not hold pressure (slowly sinks under load). The correct action is to:
Correct — C. An outrigger that sinks under load indicates internal hydraulic cylinder seal failure. This can lead to catastrophic tip-over. The crane must be removed from service until the cylinder is repaired and retested. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What is the primary purpose of checking outrigger extension marks or indicators during crane setup?
Correct — A. Load chart capacities are based on specific outrigger extension positions (e.g., full, mid, retracted). Extension marks allow the operator to verify the actual configuration matches the chart being referenced, preventing accidental use of the wrong capacity column. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What symptom may indicate that a crane's slewing ring (swing bearing) is worn or failing?
Correct — D. A failing slewing ring typically produces abnormal noise (grinding, clicking), vibration during rotation, and measurable play (tilt or axial/radial movement) beyond manufacturer's tolerances. These are warning signs of bearing deterioration. -
Inspections & Maintenance
During periodic inspection, how is slewing ring play typically measured?
Correct — B. Slewing ring play is quantitatively measured using a dial indicator placed against the inner or outer race while applying a known load, then comparing the measured deflection to the manufacturer's maximum allowable play tolerance. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What is the function of a crane's load moment indicator (LMI)?
Correct — A. An LMI (also called a rated capacity indicator or RCI) continuously monitors the combination of load weight and working radius to warn the operator when approaching or exceeding the rated capacity. It provides an alert but does not replace the operator's judgment. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Which safety device prevents the load block from being hoisted into the boom tip sheaves?
Correct — C. The anti-two-block (ATB) device detects when the load block or headache ball is approaching the boom tip (upper block), stopping the hoist before a two-block collision that could damage the rope and drop the load. -
Inspections & Maintenance
A crane's boom angle indicator reads 60 degrees but the actual boom angle as measured with an inclinometer is 55 degrees. What is the significance of this discrepancy?
Correct — D. A lower actual boom angle means a greater working radius than what the indicator shows. Since rated capacities decrease as radius increases, the operator may believe a lift is within capacity when it is actually overloading the crane. The device must be repaired before use. -
Inspections & Maintenance
What type of safety device stops drum rotation when the minimum number of wraps on the drum has been reached?
Correct — B. A lower hoist limit switch (also called a dead wrap switch) stops the drum from lowering the hook further when the minimum number of wraps required to maintain rope integrity and fleet angle is reached, preventing rope from completely unwinding off the drum. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Under OSHA 1926.1416, if a crane's load moment indicator (LMI) malfunctions, which action is permitted?
Correct — A. OSHA 1926.1416(d)(1) lists the LMI as required equipment. However, under (e)(4), if a listed safety device fails, the equipment must be taken out of service. A qualified person evaluates and documents the situation, and the deficiency must be corrected before the next shift begins. -
Inspections & Maintenance
How frequently must a periodic (annual) inspection be performed on a crane in regular service?
Correct — D. ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1412 require periodic inspections at intervals not to exceed 12 months. For cranes in severe service, the frequency may be increased. The inspection must be documented. -
Inspections & Maintenance
Periodic inspections of cranes must be performed by:
Correct — B. OSHA 1926.1412(f) requires that periodic inspections be performed by a qualified person—someone with a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience can solve problems related to the subject matter.
Crane Operator NCCCO sample questions
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Inspections & Maintenance During a periodic inspection, a qualified person finds a crack in the crane's rotating bed (superstructure) weld. What must happen before the crane can return to service?
A. The operator must document the crack and monitor it for 30 days
B. The crane may operate at 50% capacity while repair is scheduled
C. The crack must be filled with weld and reground before any inspection
D. The repair must be made and inspected by a qualified person before the crane is returned to service ✓
Correct — D. Structural cracks in the rotating bed are serious defects that can lead to catastrophic failure. The crane must remain out of service, the crack must be properly repaired (typically by a certified welder following approved procedures), and the repair must be re-examined by a qualified person before returning to service.
Load Charts & Capacity On a mobile crane load chart, what does the rated capacity represent?
A. The maximum load the crane can lift at a given radius under specified conditions ✓
B. The weight of the crane itself including counterweights
C. The maximum travel speed of the crane while loaded
D. The minimum load required to keep the crane stable
Correct — A. Rated capacity is the manufacturer-specified maximum load the crane may lift at a particular radius and configuration. Exceeding it is prohibited because the chart already includes a stability and structural safety factor.
Operations Before beginning crane operations each day, the operator must perform which of the following?
A. A pre-shift inspection of the crane ✓
B. A load test at maximum capacity
C. A lubrication of all wire ropes
D. A calibration of the rated capacity limiter
Correct — A. ASME B30.5 requires operators to conduct a pre-shift inspection before each shift to identify any deficiencies that could affect safe operation. Load tests and detailed lubrication are not required daily.
Rigging Basics Which type of sling is most susceptible to damage from sharp edges on a load?
A. Wire rope sling ✓
B. Chain sling
C. Alloy chain sling
D. Synthetic web sling
Correct — A. Synthetic web slings are most susceptible to damage from sharp edges because the nylon or polyester webbing can be cut. Wire rope and chain slings are far more resistant to sharp-edge damage.
OSHA/ASME Safety Which OSHA standard specifically governs cranes and derricks in construction?
A. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC ✓
B. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart N
C. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R
D. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H
Correct — A. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC is the OSHA standard that specifically covers cranes and derricks used in construction activities. Subpart N covers general industry material handling, but construction crane operations fall under Subpart CC.
Setup & Stability Ground bearing pressure is calculated by dividing the total crane load by which measurement?
A. The contact area of the outrigger float or crawler shoe ✓
B. The total weight of the crane only
C. The radius of the lift
D. The height of the boom
Correct — A. Ground bearing pressure equals total load (crane + load + rigging) divided by the supporting contact area of the outrigger float or crawler shoe. A smaller contact area produces higher pressure on the ground.
Hand Signals & Communication What hand signal is used to tell the crane operator to hoist (raise) the load?
A. Arm extended, index finger pointing up, moving in a horizontal circle ✓
B. Arm extended, palm facing down, moving up and down
C. Both arms raised above the head, palms facing out
D. Arm extended horizontally with a closed fist
Correct — A. The ASME B30.5 standard hand signal for 'Hoist' is an arm extended with the index finger pointing up and moving in a small horizontal circle. This universally recognized motion mimics the rotational direction of the hoist drum.
Site Hazards & Power Lines What is the minimum safe working clearance required from an energized power line when the voltage is unknown?
A. 10 feet (3 m) ✓
B. 5 feet (1.5 m)
C. 15 feet (4.6 m)
D. 20 feet (6.1 m)
Correct — A. OSHA 1926.1408 and NCCCO standards require a minimum clearance of 10 feet when voltage is unknown or cannot be determined. Greater clearance may be required once voltage is confirmed.
About the Crane Operator NCCCO test
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Load Charts & Capacity, Setup & Stability, Rigging Basics, Hand Signals & Communication, Operations, Inspections & Maintenance — and more.
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You will be tested on
- Work health & safety law and duty of care
- Spotting site hazards and controlling risk
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency procedures and incident reporting
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Topics in this question bank
Work health & safety law and duty of care
Spotting site hazards and controlling risk
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Emergency procedures and incident reporting
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