AND CORRECT ANSWERS/ NCCCO TOWER CRANE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
EXAM WITH 300 REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Question 1
When torquing the tower base bolts, how should the counter jib be positioned in relation to
the bolt being torqued?
A) 180 degrees opposite the bolt
B) 90 degrees to the left of the bolt
C) 90 degrees to the right of the bolt
D) 0 degrees (directly over) the bolt
E) 45 degrees from the bolt
Correct Answer: D) 0 degrees from the bolt
Rationale: According to general tower crane maintenance standards and the NCCCO reference
manual, the counter jib (or the machinery deck depending on the specific crane manual) should
be positioned 0 degrees from the bolt (directly over the specific leg) when checking or torquing
bolts. This places the weight of the upper structure directly on that leg, compressing the
connection and ensuring that the bolt tension is applied correctly under load.
Question 2
According to the NCCCO Tower Crane reference manual, which of the following items
must be part of the operator’s daily pre-operational check?
A) Magnetic particle testing of the hook
B) Wire ropes and limit switches
C) Torquing of all mast bolts
D) Replacement of the hydraulic fluid
E) Load testing to 110% capacity
Correct Answer: B) Wire ropes and limit switches
Rationale: The NCCCO Tower Crane Management (TCCM) manual (Maintenance 2-19)
specifies that the operator must check wire ropes and limit switches daily. These are critical
safety components that can degrade or fail during operation. NDT testing (A) and load testing
(E) are periodic or annual requirements, not daily.
Question 3
According to the NCCCO Tower Crane reference manual, how many safety turns (wraps)
must be left on the hoist drum when the load hook is in its lowest possible position?
A) 1 full wrap
B) 2 full wraps
C) 3 full wraps
D) 5 full wraps
E) 7 full wraps
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Correct Answer: C) 3 full wraps
Rationale: The manual (TCCM Wire Rope 5-1) and ASME B30.3 standards require that a
minimum of 3 full wraps of rope remain on the drum at all times. This friction ensures that the
load is not held solely by the wedge or swage point where the rope attaches to the drum,
preventing the rope from pulling out of its anchor.
Question 4
When installing a new hoist wire rope on a tower crane, the rope should be wound onto the
drum with a tension of approximately how much of the maximum permissible load?
A) 1%
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 25%
E) 50%
Correct Answer: C) 10%
Rationale: To prevent "crushing" or loose spooling, new wire rope must be installed under
tension. The TCCM Wire Rope 5-1 section recommends winding the rope with
approximately 10% of the maximum permissible load. This ensures the rope lays tight and
firm on the drum, preventing lower layers from being crushed by upper layers under heavy load.
Question 5
According to ASME B30.3, what is the required design factor (safety factor) for rotation-
resistant load hoist wire rope?
A) 3.5 to 1
B) 5.0 to 1
C) 7.0 to 1
D) 10.0 to 1
E) 2.0 to 1
Correct Answer: B) 5.0 to 1
Rationale: ASME B30.3-15.5(b) stipulates that the design factor for rotation-resistant wire rope
used for hoisting loads must be 5.0 to 1. This means the rope must have a breaking strength five
times greater than the maximum rated load it will lift.
Question 6
Who is responsible for determining the correct specifications of the hoist wire rope to be
installed on a tower crane?
A) The crane operator
B) The project manager
C) The Manufacturer
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D) The OSHA inspector
E) The rigger
Correct Answer: C) Manufacturer
Rationale: The Manufacturer determines the specifications (diameter, grade, construction) of
the wire rope required for the crane. Using a rope that deviates from the manufacturer's
specifications can compromise the safety and stability of the crane.
Question 7
According to OSHA 1910.184, what is the minimum grade of alloy steel chain that may be
used for crane hoisting slings?
A) Grade 30
B) Grade 43
C) Grade 70
D) Grade 80
E) Grade 1000
Correct Answer: D) Grade 80
Rationale: OSHA regulations specify that only Grade 80 (or Grade 100) alloy steel chain is
approved for overhead lifting. Lower grades (like 30, 43, or 70) are for transport or tie-down
purposes and do not possess the necessary elongation and tensile properties for overhead lifting.
Question 8
According to ASME B30.3, when using rotation-resistant running rope on a tower crane,
what is the maximum number of broken wires allowed in six rope diameters before it must
be removed from service?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 6
Correct Answer: A) 1
Rationale: ASME B30.3-2.4.3(b)(2) states that for rotation-resistant rope, the discard criterion
is 1 broken wire in six rope diameters (or 4 broken wires in thirty rope diameters). Rotation-
resistant rope is more susceptible to internal damage, so the tolerance for broken wires is much
lower than standard rope.
Question 9
According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection of a tower crane’s wire rope shall be
performed at least how often?
A) Daily