First, what "rigger certification" really means
Two different ideas get lumped together under this phrase.
- Certification is a credential issued by an independent certifying body, such as NCCCO or NCCER, after you pass its written exam and its hands-on practical exam.
- Qualification is a determination, usually by an employer, that a person has the knowledge, training and experience to do specific rigging work. OSHA's crane rules require a qualified rigger for certain tasks, such as assembly and disassembly work (1926.1404) and rigging when workers are in the fall zone during hooking and unhooking (1926.1425). OSHA does not require that qualified rigger to hold third-party certification, though many employers and project owners do.
An online course can prepare you for a certification exam or provide the classroom portion of an employer qualification. It cannot, by itself, hand you an NCCCO or NCCER card. Keep that distinction in mind as you compare products.
Type 1: Certification exam prep
These courses map their lessons to a certifying body's published content outline and prepare you to pass the written exam. Expect topics such as:
- Rigging hardware identification and inspection (shackles, hooks, eyebolts, wire rope, synthetic slings)
- Hitch types and how they affect rated capacity
- Sling angles and the tension they add
- Load weight estimation and center of gravity
- Hand signals and communication
- ASME B30.9 (slings) and B30.26 (rigging hardware) basics
Good fit for: riggers who want a portable credential, or whose employer or project requires one. Our Rigger Level I certification prep and Rigger Level II certification prep fall into this category.
Type 2: Rigging qualification courses
Qualification courses focus on knowledge an employer can use when designating someone as a qualified rigger. They are often shorter and closer to day-to-day jobsite rigging than to a specific exam outline. A training record can support your employer's qualification decision, but the employer still evaluates your practical ability.
Good fit for: crews where the employer qualifies riggers in-house, new hires who need a baseline, or workers who will rig occasionally. See our Rigger Level I qualification course as an example.
Level I versus Level II
The two common certification tiers describe different responsibility:
| Level I | Level II | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical role | Performs routine rigging when load weight and rigging setup are provided | Selects rigging, estimates weight and center of gravity, handles non-routine lifts |
| Math involved | Basic capacity and sling angle concepts | Load weight calculation, center of gravity, sling tension and load dynamics |
| Supervision | Often works under direction | Can work without close supervision |
| Who usually starts here | New riggers, operators adding a credential | Experienced riggers, foremen, future lift directors |
If you are new to rigging, Level I is the natural starting point. If you already plan lifts, go straight to Level II material. Read the overviews for NCCCO Rigger Level I and the NCCER Rigger Level 2 path to compare the two certifying bodies' approach.
Type 3: Recertification refreshers
NCCCO rigger certifications run for five years. A refresher course reviews standards and exam content ahead of the recertification exam. These are worth considering if your card is approaching expiry, especially if you have specialized in one kind of rigging and other topics have faded.
Delivery formats compared
| Format | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Self-paced online | Study around shifts, replay hard lessons, no travel | Requires discipline; fewer chances to ask questions in the moment |
| Live online class | Real-time questions, set schedule keeps you moving | Fixed times; group pace |
| In-person classroom | Handle real hardware, peer discussion | Travel, time off work |
| Blended | Online theory plus hands-on day | Requires coordinating both parts |
Whichever format you choose, you will still need hands-on rigging practice before the practical exam, ideally under an experienced rigger who can correct your technique.
Cost factors to ask about
Prices change and vary by provider, so compare what is included instead of headline numbers:
- Course fee and length of access
- Whether practice exams and explanations are included
- Exam fees, which go to the certifying body and are usually separate
- Practical exam arrangements and any equipment or site fees
- Travel and time away from work for in-person components
- Whether a group or company enrollment changes how training is tracked
A checklist for comparing any rigging course
- Does it name the credential and level it prepares you for?
- Does it follow the certifying body's current content outline?
- Does it cover the math at the level you need (especially for Level II)?
- Are practice questions explained, not just scored?
- Can you contact someone with field experience when you are stuck?
- Does it say plainly that the practical exam happens separately?
Be cautious about any course that suggests you will be "certified" just by finishing it, or that relies on statistics and testimonials you cannot check.
Matching courses to common situations
- Crane operator adding rigging: Level I certification prep, then practice tying in your hooking-up duties.
- Industrial maintenance crew: a qualification course for the whole team, with certification prep for the lead riggers. Our page on rigging certification for industrial crews covers this setup.
- Foreman or future lift director: Level II prep, followed by lift planning study.
For a deeper look at the entry-level credential, read our guide to Rigger Level 1 certification.