New York Master Rigger Exam Book Package

Prepare for the New York City Master Rigger examination with a comprehensive exam book package focused on the regulations, construction safeguards, rigging practices, cranes and derricks, scaffolds, hoisting equipment, material handling, industrial rope access, critical lifting operations, and supervisory responsibilities that apply to licensed Master Rigger work in New York City.

The New York City Master Rigger examination is a closed-book test. Reference materials are not permitted during the examination, so the books and code sections in this package are intended for study and preparation before test day. Candidates should use these materials to build retained knowledge of New York City rigging rules, equipment, load handling, safety practices, accident prevention, and the responsibilities assigned to a licensed Master Rigger.

A New York City Master Rigger is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings to hoist materials and equipment outside of buildings. The scope requires substantial technical knowledge because rigging operations may involve cranes, derricks, hoisting machines, suspended scaffolds, rigging hardware, critical picks, ropes, equipment, material handling, and coordination of workers involved in lifting operations.

The Master Rigger licensing process currently requires candidates to pass both a written examination and a practical examination. The examinations assess knowledge of New York City rules and regulations governing hoisting and rigging, weights of materials being hoisted, safety measures, accident prevention, and the ability to perform rigging operations. The current passing score for the examination is 70%.

This package includes selected provisions from the 2014 NYC Administrative Code, 2014 NYC Construction Codes, and Rules of the City of New York, along with the Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) and New York City Department of Buildings material addressing industrial rope access procedures.

The package is focused entirely on technical, regulatory, safety, equipment, and rigging preparation. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law materials.

What You Get

• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work — study material addressing construction administration and licensing requirements relevant to regulated Master Rigger work.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General — study material covering general safeguards and requirements for construction and demolition operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site — study material addressing protection and maintenance requirements for active construction sites.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3314: Scaffolds — study reference covering scaffold requirements and conditions relevant to rigging operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment and Material Handling Equipment — study material focused on hoisting machinery, equipment, and material handling.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3317: Material Hoists and Bucket Hoists — study material addressing material hoists and bucket hoists used during construction.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3319: Cranes and Derricks — study reference covering crane and derrick requirements.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment — study material addressing material handling equipment and safeguards.
• Rules of the City of New York Title 1 Chapter 3300 Section 3319-01: Safeguards during Construction or Demolition-Cranes and Derricks — detailed rules related to cranes, derricks, and associated construction safeguards.
• New York City Department of Buildings - Industrial Rope Access: Application Procedures — Department material addressing procedures for industrial rope access applications.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists — study material covering derrick load and boom hoist drum requirements.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; 104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger — study material addressing supervisory duties and responsibilities of licensed riggers.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 3300: Safeguards During Construction or Demolition; Section 3310-01 Site Safety — study material focused on site safety requirements during construction and demolition.
• Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) — trade reference supporting preparation involving rigging equipment, load handling, cranes, slings, hardware, lifting methods, and practical rigging concepts.

Exam Details

The New York City Master Rigger licensing process requires candidates to pass a written examination and a practical examination.

The examinations evaluate knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations governing hoisting and rigging in New York City
• Weights of materials being hoisted
• Safety measures
• Accident prevention
• Rigging operations
• Hoisting equipment and rigging hardware
• Cranes and derricks
• Supervisory responsibilities

The current passing score is 70%. Candidates who pass the written examination proceed to the practical examination as part of the licensing process.

Because the Master Rigger examination is based on both regulatory knowledge and practical rigging ability, candidates should prepare to do more than memorize section numbers. They should understand why a rule applies, what equipment or activity it controls, and how to apply it to a real lifting or rigging situation.

Closed Book Test

The New York City Master Rigger examination is a closed-book test.

Reference materials are not permitted during the examination. The books and code sections in this package are intended to be used during preparation so candidates can build the knowledge needed to answer questions without consulting the references.

Closed-book preparation should emphasize active recall and practical application. After reviewing a section on cranes, derricks, scaffolds, hoisting equipment, site safety, or supervisory responsibilities, close the reference and explain the requirement from memory.

Candidates should also practice applying regulations to realistic rigging situations. Consider the load being lifted, the equipment being used, the support conditions, rigging hardware, work area, supervisory requirements, and potential hazards.

This approach helps transform written rules into usable field knowledge and strengthens preparation for both the written and practical portions of the Master Rigger examination.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the Master Rigger license is appropriate. Review the New York City Department of Buildings Master Rigger scope and make sure it matches the rigging work you intend to perform or supervise.
2. Meet the basic qualifications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be able to read and write English, be fit to perform the authorized work, and satisfy the applicable character requirements.
3. Obtain the required certifications. Current licensing requirements include valid certifications for both rigging supervision and lift direction from an applicable accredited certification program.
4. Complete required Department-approved training. Current requirements include a Department-approved 32-hour lift directing course and a Department-approved 32-hour rigging supervision course within the applicable period before applying.
5. Meet an approved experience pathway. Applicants must satisfy one of the current experience pathways established by the New York City Department of Buildings.
6. Apply for the written examination. Complete the applicable Master Rigger written examination application process.
7. Prepare for the closed-book examination. Study rigging rules, cranes, derricks, hoisting equipment, scaffolds, material handling, site safety, calculations, and supervisory responsibilities.
8. Pass the written examination. Candidates must earn the required passing score before proceeding to the practical examination.
9. Complete the practical examination. Demonstrate the ability to apply rigging knowledge and safe operating practices.
10. Submit the license application. Complete the applicable online license application through the New York City Department of Buildings licensing system and satisfy the remaining approval requirements.

State Requirements

The Master Rigger license is issued by the New York City Department of Buildings. Master Riggers are licensed to hoist materials and equipment outside of buildings and carry significant responsibility for the safe planning, supervision, and execution of rigging operations.

Current licensing requirements include passing a Department-sponsored Master Rigger examination within the applicable period before license application. Candidates must also satisfy current training, certification, experience, fitness, and application requirements.

Applicants must currently possess valid certifications covering rigging supervision and lift direction. Those certifications address areas such as rigging hardware inspection and use, rigging techniques, signaling, rigging hazards, calculations, and problem solving.

Current experience pathways include qualifying experience as a designated Master Rigging Foreman in New York City under a licensed Master Rigger, qualifying experience as a licensed Professional Engineer working with critical pick plans and onsite verification, or qualifying experience as a licensed lift director in New York City.

The Master Rigger license requires a higher level of knowledge than routine lifting work. Candidates should understand rigging hardware, hoisting machines, cranes, derricks, suspended scaffolds, critical picks, lift direction, load control, signaling, fall hazards, and supervisory responsibilities.

Reference Books

• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work
  Supports preparation involving New York City construction administration, license responsibilities, regulated occupations, enforcement concepts, and the legal framework governing licensed rigging work.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General
  Supports study of general requirements and safeguards applicable to construction and demolition operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site
  Supports preparation involving jobsite protection, maintenance, safeguards, and construction-site safety responsibilities.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3314: Scaffolds
  Supports study of scaffold requirements relevant to suspended access and rigging-related construction operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment and Material Handling Equipment
  Supports preparation involving hoisting equipment, material handling equipment, equipment use, safeguards, and supervision.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3317: Material Hoists and Bucket Hoists
  Supports study of material hoists, bucket hoists, and their use during construction operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3319: Cranes and Derricks
  Supports preparation involving cranes, derricks, lifting operations, equipment requirements, and rigging relationships.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment
  Supports study of requirements governing equipment used for handling and moving construction materials.
• Rules of the City of New York Title 1 Chapter 3300 Section 3319-01: Safeguards during Construction or Demolition-Cranes and Derricks
  Supports preparation involving detailed New York City rules governing cranes, derricks, rigging activities, and associated construction safeguards.
• New York City Department of Buildings - Industrial Rope Access: Application Procedures
  Supports study of Department procedures associated with industrial rope access applications.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists
  Supports preparation involving derrick hoist drums and related lifting equipment requirements.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; 104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger
  Supports preparation involving the supervisory duties, accountability, and responsibilities assigned to licensed riggers.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 3300: Safeguards During Construction or Demolition; Section 3310-01 Site Safety
  Supports study of site safety requirements and the management of hazards during construction and demolition operations.
• Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005)
  Supports practical preparation involving cranes, rigging hardware, slings, load handling, lifting techniques, equipment selection, calculations, and safe rigging practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong New York Master Rigger study plan should begin with rigging fundamentals. Candidates should understand how loads are connected, supported, lifted, controlled, and lowered using appropriate rigging hardware and equipment.

Load weight and calculations deserve careful attention because the examination evaluates knowledge of the weights of materials being hoisted. Candidates should be comfortable estimating or calculating loads and understanding how load weight affects equipment selection and rigging configuration.

Rigging hardware should be studied from an inspection and application perspective. Review slings, shackles, hooks, blocks, wire rope, attachments, and other equipment used to connect and control loads.

Cranes and derricks are major preparation areas. Candidates should understand their role in lifting operations, the rigging relationships associated with them, and the New York City rules governing their use.

Hoisting equipment should be studied in relation to safe operation, equipment condition, load control, setup, and supervision. Candidates should understand how hoisting equipment interacts with rigging hardware and lifting plans.

Suspended scaffolds should also receive dedicated review because Master Rigger training and responsibilities include knowledge of suspended scaffold systems and their hazards.

Critical picks should be understood as higher-risk lifting operations requiring careful planning, coordination, equipment selection, and verification of safe procedures.

Lift direction is another important subject. Candidates should understand the responsibilities associated with directing lifting operations, coordinating workers, recognizing hazards, and maintaining control of the operation.

Signals and communication are essential during rigging operations. Candidates should understand the importance of clear communication among the lift director, rigging personnel, equipment operator, and other workers involved in the lift.

Site safety should be integrated into every topic. Hoisting operations can create hazards involving suspended loads, fall exposure, equipment movement, public areas, nearby structures, and changing site conditions.

Supervisory responsibilities should receive special attention because the Master Rigger carries significant responsibility for regulated rigging operations. Candidates should understand how supervision, designated personnel, equipment control, and compliance work together.

The Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) can be used to strengthen practical trade knowledge. Study rigging terminology, lifting methods, hardware, sling configurations, load control, equipment relationships, and field practices.

Because the examination is closed book, candidates should gradually reduce their dependence on the references. After studying a topic, explain it from memory and then check the book to identify missing details.

Practice scenarios are especially useful. Create a lifting situation, identify the load, select appropriate rigging equipment, consider the lifting machine, identify potential hazards, and determine the supervisory steps required before the lift begins.

When a practice question is missed, identify whether the weakness involves code knowledge, rigging hardware, load calculations, equipment, site safety, or supervisory responsibility. Return to the relevant reference and review the concept rather than memorizing only the answer.

As examination day approaches, use mixed-topic practice that moves among rigging hardware, cranes, derricks, site safeguards, hoisting equipment, scaffolds, calculations, and licensed rigger responsibilities. This better reflects the broad knowledge required of a Master Rigger.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports New York City Master Rigger candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure.

This exam book package brings together the New York City administrative provisions, construction code sections, safeguard rules, crane and derrick requirements, hoisting provisions, industrial rope access procedures, site safety requirements, supervisory responsibilities, and practical rigging material needed for focused preparation.

Because the Master Rigger examination is closed book, preparation emphasizes retained knowledge and practical understanding rather than exam-room reference navigation. Candidates can use the materials to study a subject, test recall, work through field scenarios, and identify areas needing additional review.

Trade-focused preparation supports stronger understanding of cranes, derricks, lifting hardware, load handling, hoisting machines, suspended scaffolds, critical picks, signaling, calculations, and jobsite safety.

Practice-oriented study can help candidates determine whether missed questions result from weak code knowledge, unfamiliar rigging terminology, calculation errors, equipment confusion, or difficulty applying supervisory responsibilities to a real lifting operation.

The goal is to help candidates approach the New York City Master Rigger examinations with stronger technical knowledge, better understanding of rigging responsibilities, improved safety awareness, and a structured study routine without guaranteeing a passing score or license approval.

Is the New York Master Rigger examination open book?

No. The New York City Master Rigger examination is a closed-book test. Reference materials are not permitted during the examination.

Does the Master Rigger licensing process include more than one exam?

Yes. Current New York City Department of Buildings requirements include both a written examination and a practical examination.

What is the passing score for the New York Master Rigger exam?

The current passing score is 70%.

Who licenses Master Riggers in New York City?

Master Rigger licenses are issued by the New York City Department of Buildings.

What work does a New York City Master Rigger perform?

Master Riggers are licensed to hoist materials and equipment outside of buildings.

Does the exam cover cranes and derricks?

Yes. Cranes, derricks, hoisting equipment, rigging operations, and related safeguards are important areas of Master Rigger preparation.

Does the exam include material weights and calculations?

Yes. The examination assesses knowledge of the weights of materials being hoisted as part of safe rigging operations.

Does this package include practical rigging material?

Yes. The package includes the Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) along with New York City code and rule references.

Does this package include site safety material?

Yes. It includes New York City site safety and construction safeguard provisions relevant to rigging operations.

Does this package include supervisory responsibility material?

Yes. It includes Rules of the City of New York material addressing the Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger.

Does this package include business books?

No. This package focuses on technical, regulatory, safety, equipment, and rigging preparation. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law materials.

Are certifications required for a current Master Rigger license application?

Yes. Current licensing requirements include valid certifications for rigging supervision and lift direction from an applicable accredited certification program.

Is Department-approved training required?

Yes. Current requirements include Department-approved training for lift directing and rigging supervision within the applicable period before the license application.

How should I study for a closed-book Master Rigger examination?

Use active recall, load and rigging scenarios, mixed-topic practice, calculation review, equipment identification, and repeated explanation of New York City rigging requirements without relying on the references.

Does passing the exams automatically issue a Master Rigger license?

No. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable training, certification, experience, application, background, and licensing requirements established by the New York City Department of Buildings.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the New York Master Rigger exam?

No. This package provides technical and regulatory references designed to support organized preparation. Examination performance depends on each candidate's experience, study, rigging knowledge, calculation skills, and ability to apply New York City requirements on test day.