How to Get Your Crane Rigging Certification Online
Lifting and rigging play important roles in transporting heavy loads on construction sites. However, hoisting an airborne load has the potential to be extremely dangerous.
For everyone's safety, riggers specializing in transporting materials with cranes, derricks, or chain hoists require crane and crane rigging certification that teaches them how to recognize potential hazards and safely operate this machinery.
In this article, we'll look at the different kinds of crane rigging certifications and explore the steps to take to get yours online.
Certified Rigger Level I
There are two basic levels of rigger training certification: Certified Rigger Level I and Certified Rigger Level II. The certifications differ concerning the knowledge and degree of responsibility that the rigger can exercise. Level I Rigger is the primary rigger training certificate. It qualifies you to perform basic tasks in the profession.
What is Level I Rigging?
The tasks of a Level I rigger are straightforward and often repetitive. Factors like the center of gravity, load weight, and configuration are determined by someone else.
A Certified Level I Rigger should be able to:
- Inspect rigging before use,
- Attach rigs to hitches with standard configurations,
- Identify potential safety hazards,
- Understand and use signal operations
- Use various types of rigging equipment and hitch applications.
How to Earn Level I Rigging Certification Online
To be eligible for a Level I rigger training certificate, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and pass both components of the certification. You also must be willing to comply with the substance abuse policies and ethics code of the regulating authority.
The first component of Rigger Level I certification is the training and written exam. This is the portion that can be completed online. You'll study a curriculum that includes topics like rigging vocabulary, types of equipment and hitch applications, and basic rigging safety precautions. After you've completed the material, you'll take a written exam made up of multiple-choice questions.
Once you pass, you'll get a certificate of completion. Keep a copy for yourself and provide one for your employer's records.
At this point, your employer will provide hands-on training. Afterward, they'll ask you to demonstrate basic competency for rigging procedures. This is your practical exam.
Certified Rigger Level II
Level II Rigger builds on the knowledge, concepts, and skills you learned in Rigger Level I. It qualifies you to perform rigging work without supervision.
What is Level II Rigging?
Once you've earned Level II rigging certification, you have the necessary knowledge to choose rigging components and perform rigging procedures without supervision.
A Certified Level II rigger should be able to do everything a Level I rigger can, as well as:
- Estimate the center of gravity and weight for a load,
- Identify appropriate lift points,
- Determine the method of rigging and hitch configurations to be used,
- Perform detailed inspections of the rigging,
- Attach rigging with knowledge about rigging capacities and load integrity,
- Know the detailed dynamics of rigging, and
- Have a comprehensive knowledge of risks and hazards.
An important point to note is that Level II riggers are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of industrial rollers, jacks, winches, and similar hoisting equipment.
How to Earn Level II Rigging Certification Online
To be eligible for a Level II rigger training certificate, you need to have an existing Level I rigging certification and pass both components of Level II certification.
As with Level I, your "classroom learning" and written exam can be completed with an online course. You'll study topics like load balancing techniques and the steps to planning a heavy lifting job, then take a written exam composed of 40 multiple-choice questions.
You'll follow this up with hands-on training and your practical exam, which requires you to demonstrate competency in rigging a load for level lift and rotating a load.
Time Frames for Rigger Training Certificates
A rigger who has passed both component exams (for Level I or Level II) will have a valid certification for five years. However, OSHA requires retraining if the rigger:
- Is observed in an accident or near miss
- Received a poor evaluation or is observed to be working in a dangerous manner
- Is assigned to operate on/around a different type of crane/rigging
- If the workplace has changed significantly enough to require additional training.
Although most certified riggers complete the online/written portion of the certification first and the practical portion second, there is actually no restriction on the order of completion. It's at the candidate’s (or their employer's) discretion.
However, you need to pass the second portion of your certification within 12 months of passing the first.
Certified Level I riggers can upgrade to Level II at any time – there is no minimum experience requirement. Riggers often choose to upgrade their certification by taking Level II crane and rigging training when their Level I certificate is within 12 months of its expiration.
Where to Get Your Rigging Certification Online
Rigging is a tough job that requires commitment and dedication. Riggers employed at construction sites follow rigorous schedules that can prevent them from attending in-person classes for their professional certifications, which is why online rigging courses provide a feasible option. Well-designed online courses provide the flexibility for busy professionals to study whenever and wherever they have the time.
We've been an OSHA-authorized and trusted online training provider for over 20 years. Our self-paced curriculum lets you spend time on the topics that are challenging and breeze through the ones that aren't. Plus, you can advance your career from the comfort of your own home.
Enroll in our online Rigging Level I course today and pave the way for your professional growth!
Certified Rigger Level I
Eligibility
The requirements for this certification are:
- Age of participant must be 18 years or
- Comply with the substance abuse policies of the regulating authority.
- Comply with the Code of Ethics as laid down by the regulating authority.
- Must pass both components of the certification: written and practical.
Certification Components
The certifications are divided into two parts: written and practical. The written exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions. The candidates are permitted 60 minutes to complete the test. The practical exam is a demonstration of the candidate’s basic competency for rigging procedures.
Overview
Level I is the primary Rigging Certification issued to riggers which enables them to perform the basic tasks required in the profession. A Level I rigger can complete repetitive and straightforward rigging tasks only when necessary information has been provided through prior experience or on-job training. The essential information includes load weight, the center of gravity, etc. A certified level I rigger should be able to:
- Inspect rigging before use
- Identify and attach rigging. This is possible through prior knowledge of hitch configurations, capacities, and basic knots.
- Identify potential safety hazards.
- Identify the use of signal operations and what it means.
- Use rigging equipment and hitch applications of various types.
Certified Rigger Level II
Eligibility
The requirements for this certification are:
- Age of participant must be 18 years or
- Comply with the substance abuse policies of the regulating authority.
- Comply with the Code of Ethics as laid down by the regulating authority.
- Must pass both components of the certification: written and practical.
- Must have a Rigging Level I certification.
Certification Components
This certification is also divided into the same two parts: written and practical. The written exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The candidates are allowed 60 minutes to complete the tests. The practical exam, on the other hand, requires the candidate to demonstrate competency in rigging a load for level lift, and for rotating a load.
Overview
Level II provides riggers with an upgrade on the Level I base. In addition to the demonstration of primary rigging tasks according to Level I certification, a certified Level II rigger can efficiently perform rigging components and procedures without supervision. Some of the tasks a Level II certified Rigger can perform are:
- Estimate the center of gravity.
- Identify possible lift points for the load.
- Determine the method of rigging to be used, according to the load.
- Match-rigging knowledge with knowledge about hitch configurations and load angle factors.
- Attach rigging with knowledge about rigging capacities and load integrity.
- Understand the dynamics of the load attached and the potential hazards associated with the load.
An important point to note is that Level II riggers are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of industrial rollers, jacks, winches, and similar hoisting equipment.
Upgrading From Rigger Level I to Rigger Level II Certification
Certified Level I professionals are encouraged to opt for Level II certifications. An accredited Level I rigger can opt for Level II examinations at any time.
Furthermore, a rigger may submit a Level II written test in place of a Level I recertification I test, if a Level I certificate is set to expire in 12 months. In order to complete the certification, the practical is to be passed within 12 months from the written test.
Time Frames
A rigger who was completed both components of the certification is certified for five years. There is no restriction on the order of completion, i.e., whether the written component is attempted first or the practical component is up to the candidate’s discretion.
However, both parts need to be attempted within 12 months of one another. In addition, if a candidate fails one of the components while applying for their certification, the candidate is allowed to retake the exam within 12 months of the other component.
How to Receive Your Rigging Certification Online
Rigging is a tough job that requires commitment and dedication. Riggers employed at construction sites follow tedious schedules that prevent them from attending classes for their professional certifications.
Online rigging courses provide a feasible option for such people. Well-designed quality courses that provide instant feedback and certifications on course completion enable you to excel in your profession from the comfort of your home. Enroll in the course today and complete Rigging Certification Level I to pave the way for your professional growth.
