New York Tower Crane Rigger Exam Book Package

Prepare for the New York City Tower Crane Rigger examination with a focused exam book package covering tower crane rigging, cranes and derricks, hoisting equipment, material handling, construction safeguards, site safety, load handling, rigging hardware, derrick hoists, and the supervisory responsibilities that apply to licensed rigger operations in New York City.

The New York City Tower Crane Rigger examination is a closed-book test. Reference materials are not permitted during the examination, so the codes, rules, and technical materials included in this package are intended for study before test day. Candidates should use the references to develop retained knowledge of New York City crane and rigging requirements and the practical skills associated with erecting, dismantling, jumping, climbing, and working with tower and climber cranes.

The New York City Department of Buildings requires Tower and Climber Crane Rigger candidates to pass both a written examination and a practical examination. The examinations evaluate 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 is 70%.

Tower crane rigging requires more than general lifting knowledge. Candidates are expected to understand the risks associated with tower and climber crane work, including connecting pins, cables, anchorages, platforms or pads, mast plumb, bolt torque, supervision of rigging and hoisting operations, placement of crane components, and coordination of erection or dismantling sequences.

This package combines selected provisions from the 2014 NYC Administrative Code, 2014 NYC Construction Codes, and Rules of the City of New York with the Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005). Together, the references support preparation involving regulatory requirements, construction safeguards, cranes and derricks, hoisting machinery, rigging responsibilities, material handling, and practical lifting principles.

This package is dedicated to technical, regulatory, safety, crane, and rigging preparation. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law study 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 supporting New York City construction administration and licensing requirements.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General — study material covering general construction and demolition safeguards.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site — study material addressing protection, maintenance, and site safety during construction operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment and Material Handling Equipment — study material focused on hoisting machinery and equipment used to move construction materials.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3317: Material Hoists and Bucket Hoists — study material addressing material and bucket hoisting equipment.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3319: Cranes and Derricks — key study material addressing crane and derrick operations in New York City.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment — study reference covering equipment used to handle and move construction materials.
• Rules of the City of New York Title 1 Chapter 3300 Section 3319-01: Safeguards during Construction or Demolition-Cranes and Derricks — detailed NYC requirements governing crane and derrick operations.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists — study material addressing derrick load and boom hoist drums.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; 104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger — study material addressing the responsibilities and oversight duties of licensed riggers.
• Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) — practical trade reference supporting rigging hardware, lifting methods, cranes, slings, load handling, calculations, and safe rigging principles.

Exam Details

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

The examinations assess knowledge of:

• New York City hoisting and rigging rules and regulations
• Weights of materials being hoisted
• Rigging operations
• Tower and climber crane components
• Safety measures and accident prevention
• Hoisting equipment
• Cranes and derricks
• Material handling equipment
• Supervisory responsibilities

The current passing score is 70%. Candidates who successfully complete the written portion proceed through the practical examination process required for the license.

The exam is designed to evaluate both regulatory understanding and practical rigging ability. Candidates should be able to connect New York City code requirements with real tower crane operations rather than memorizing regulatory language without understanding its field application.

Closed Book Test

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

Candidates are not allowed to use reference materials during the examination. The books and code sections included in this package are therefore intended for preparation before test day.

Closed-book preparation should emphasize active recall, practical scenarios, equipment recognition, sequencing, calculations, and understanding of regulatory responsibilities.

After reviewing a section involving cranes, derricks, hoisting equipment, material handling, or licensed rigger responsibilities, close the reference and explain the requirement from memory. Then compare your explanation with the source material and review any details that were missed.

Tower crane candidates should also practice explaining erection and dismantling sequences. Understanding why components are installed in a particular order can reinforce knowledge of safe crane assembly, load control, mast alignment, connections, and coordination among workers.

Because reference materials are unavailable during the test, study should gradually move away from book-dependent review and toward confident recall of principles and procedures.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the Tower and Climber Crane Rigger license is appropriate. Make sure the license matches the crane rigging work you intend to perform in New York City.
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. Meet the experience requirement. Current New York City Department of Buildings requirements call for five years of practical experience in the tower or climber crane rigging business in New York City within the seven years before application.
4. Complete required training. Applicants must complete a Department-approved 30-hour Tower Crane Rigger course within the applicable period before the license application.
5. Prepare for tower crane responsibilities. Develop knowledge of connecting pins, cables, anchorages, platforms, pads, mast plumb, bolt torque, rigging supervision, component placement, and sequencing.
6. Apply for the written examination. Complete the applicable NYC Department of Buildings examination application process.
7. Pass the written examination. Demonstrate knowledge of New York City crane and rigging regulations, safety, material weights, and rigging operations.
8. Complete the practical examination. After passing the written examination, proceed with the Department's practical examination process.
9. Submit the license application. Complete the applicable New York City Department of Buildings online licensing application and provide the required supporting documentation.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Satisfy the applicable background, documentation, and approval requirements before license issuance.

State Requirements

The Tower and Climber Crane Rigger license is issued by the New York City Department of Buildings and applies specifically to regulated tower and climber crane rigging work in New York City.

Current licensing qualifications require applicants to have five years of practical experience in the tower or climber crane rigging business in New York City within the seven years before applying.

Applicants must understand the hazards and necessary safety precautions associated with tower and climber crane work. This includes knowledge involving connecting pins, cables, anchorages, platforms or pads, mast plumb, bolt torque, supervision of rigging and hoisting loads, placement of crane components, and coordination of sequencing.

Applicants must also complete a Department-approved 30-hour Tower Crane Rigger training course within the applicable period before applying for the license.

The written and practical examination requirement is another component of the licensing process. Candidates must pass the Department-sponsored examination within the applicable period before submitting the license application.

Passing the examinations alone does not result in automatic license issuance. Applicants must also satisfy the Department's training, experience, application, fitness, character, documentation, and other applicable licensing requirements.

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 licensing requirements, administrative responsibilities, regulated construction occupations, and the legal framework governing crane rigging work.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General
  Supports study of general construction safeguards and requirements applicable to active building operations.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site
  Supports preparation involving site protection, maintenance, public safety, and construction safeguards.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment and Material Handling Equipment
  Supports preparation involving hoisting equipment, lifting machinery, material handling, safeguards, and equipment responsibilities.
• 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 crane and derrick operations, equipment requirements, lifting activities, and construction safeguards.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment
  Supports study of equipment used for moving and controlling 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 detailed preparation involving New York City rules governing cranes, derricks, and related construction safeguards.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists
  Supports study of derrick load and boom hoist drum requirements and related lifting equipment.
• Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; 104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger
  Supports preparation involving licensed rigger supervision, oversight, accountability, and responsibilities during regulated lifting operations.
• Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005)
  Supports practical preparation involving cranes, rigging hardware, wire rope, slings, hitches, lifting techniques, load handling, calculations, equipment selection, and safe rigging practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong New York Tower Crane Rigger study plan should begin with tower crane components and erection sequencing. Candidates should understand how tower and climber crane sections, connections, supports, anchorage systems, platforms, and related components work together.

Connecting pins and structural connections should receive careful attention. Candidates should understand their purpose, the importance of correct installation, and how connection integrity affects the crane structure.

Cables and rigging hardware should be studied from both an identification and inspection perspective. Review wire rope, slings, shackles, hooks, blocks, and related equipment used during crane erection and lifting operations.

Anchorages, platforms, and pads are important because tower and climber cranes rely on properly prepared support conditions. Candidates should understand how support and anchorage relationships affect stability.

Mast plumb is another important subject. Tower crane mast alignment affects the entire crane system, so candidates should understand why plumb conditions must be monitored and maintained.

Bolt torque should be studied as part of component assembly. Properly secured connections are essential during erection, climbing, operation, and dismantling.

Sequencing is central to tower crane rigging. Candidates should understand how planning, communication, equipment availability, component placement, and worker coordination affect safe erection and dismantling.

Load weights and calculations should receive dedicated practice. The examination assesses knowledge of weights of materials being hoisted, so candidates should understand how load weight affects rigging equipment and lifting decisions.

The Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) can help strengthen practical rigging knowledge. Study sling arrangements, hitches, wire rope, load handling, lifting hardware, and basic calculation concepts.

Cranes and derricks should be connected with New York City regulatory requirements. Review Building Code Section 3319 and the applicable Rules of the City of New York to understand how regulated lifting equipment must be managed.

Hoisting equipment should also be studied closely. Candidates should understand equipment limitations, load control, operation, condition, and supervisory responsibilities.

Material handling equipment can introduce additional hazards during construction. Candidates should understand how loads are moved, supported, controlled, and protected during operations.

Site safeguards should be integrated throughout preparation. Crane rigging operations can create hazards involving suspended loads, falling objects, equipment movement, elevated work, and public areas.

Supervisory responsibilities should receive significant attention. A Tower Crane Rigger must understand how to supervise rigging and hoisting operations and coordinate the sequence of work.

Use active recall after every study session. Review a tower crane operation and then explain the sequence, equipment, hazards, and supervisory responsibilities without opening the references.

Practice scenarios can combine several topics. For example, create a tower section erection scenario and identify the component weight, rigging configuration, connection points, support conditions, hazards, sequence, and required supervision.

Another scenario can focus on dismantling. Consider how removing components changes crane configuration and why sequencing and load control remain essential throughout the operation.

When practice questions are missed, identify whether the weakness involves code knowledge, terminology, equipment, calculations, sequencing, or safety. Return to the applicable reference and study the underlying concept.

As examination day approaches, move into mixed-topic review covering regulations, rigging hardware, loads, crane components, sequencing, safeguards, and supervision. This supports the broader understanding required for both written and practical testing.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

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

This exam book package brings together New York City administrative provisions, construction safeguards, hoisting requirements, crane and derrick rules, material handling requirements, licensed rigger responsibilities, and practical crane and rigging material.

Because the examination is closed book, preparation focuses on retained knowledge rather than exam-room reference navigation. Candidates can use the references to study requirements, work through realistic rigging situations, and strengthen recall.

Trade-focused preparation supports understanding of tower crane components, pins, cables, anchorages, platforms, mast alignment, bolt torque, load handling, hoisting supervision, component placement, and sequencing.

Practice-oriented preparation helps identify weaknesses in equipment knowledge, calculations, regulatory responsibilities, and safe rigging procedures so study time can be focused where it is most useful.

The goal is to help candidates approach the New York City Tower Crane Rigger written and practical examinations with stronger technical knowledge, improved understanding of crane operations, greater safety awareness, and a structured study routine without guaranteeing a passing score or license approval.

Is the New York Tower Crane Rigger examination open book?

No. The New York City Tower Crane Rigger examination is a closed-book test.

Can I use these references during the examination?

No. Reference materials are not permitted during the Tower Crane Rigger examination.

Who licenses Tower Crane Riggers in New York City?

The license is issued by the New York City Department of Buildings.

Does the licensing process include a written and practical exam?

Yes. Candidates must pass both a written examination and a practical examination.

What is the passing score?

The current passing score for the examination is 70%.

How much experience is required?

Current requirements call for five years of practical experience in the tower or climber crane rigging business in New York City within the seven years before application.

Is a training course required?

Yes. Current licensing requirements include a Department-approved 30-hour Tower Crane Rigger course within the applicable period before application.

Does the examination cover load weights?

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

Does the exam cover cranes and derricks?

Yes. Cranes, derricks, hoisting equipment, material handling, and related safeguards are central areas of preparation.

Should I study tower crane erection sequencing?

Yes. Placement of components and coordination of sequencing are specifically important areas of Tower Crane Rigger knowledge.

Does this package include practical rigging material?

Yes. The package includes the Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005) in addition to New York City codes and rules.

Does this package include business books?

No. This package contains technical, regulatory, crane, safety, and rigging preparation material only. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law materials.

How should I study for the closed-book examination?

Use active recall, rigging scenarios, equipment identification, calculation practice, sequencing exercises, and repeated review of New York City crane requirements without depending on the references during practice.

Does passing the examinations automatically issue a Tower Crane Rigger license?

No. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable experience, training, qualification, application, documentation, and approval requirements established by the New York City Department of Buildings.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the New York Tower Crane 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, safety awareness, and ability to apply New York City crane requirements.