NCCCO Mobile Crane Exam Test Bank: 300+ Questions with
Detailed Rationales Covering Site, Load Charts, Rigging,
Power Lines, Signals, Two-Blocking, and Personnel Hoisting.
COMPLETE NCCCO MOBILE CRANE TEST BANK - 300 QUESTIONS
Based on 2024-2026 NCCCO Core Exam Standards
SECTION 1: SITE & GROUND CONDITIONS (Questions 1-40)
1. Hidden underground voids, such as abandoned storage tanks or loose backfill, present what
primary hazard during crane setup?
A. They interfere with the LMI signal
B. They attract lightning strikes
C. They could collapse under the crane's weight
D. They increase static electricity buildup
Answer: C
Rationale: Underground voids undermine the soil's ability to support the crane's weight. When the
ground collapses, the crane can tip suddenly or suffer structural damage. The operator cannot see
,these hazards, making pre-setup site evaluation critical. The controlling entity is responsible for
identifying and communicating these hazards .
2. A crane must be set up within what percentage of level for its load chart ratings to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 3%
D. 5%
Answer: A
Rationale: NCCCO and OSHA require the crane to be within 1% of level (approximately 0.57 degrees).
Exceeding this changes the true load radius and stability calculations, invalidating the load chart.
Even a slight tilt can significantly reduce capacity and increase tipping risk .
3. According to OSHA, which accessible area of an operating crane must always be barricaded?
A. The entire job site
B. The area under the boom tip
C. The swing radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure
D. The area within 10 feet of the outriggers
Answer: C
Rationale: The counterweight swings blindly during rotation. Anyone caught in this radius can be
crushed. OSHA requires barricading to prevent unauthorized access. This is one of the most
frequently cited violations in crane operations .
,4. What is the minimum distance that outriggers or tracks must be placed from the edge of an
excavation?
A. At least 2 feet
B. At least the depth of the excavation
C. At a distance at least half the depth of the excavation
D. It depends on the crane's capacity
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench collapses occur at a 45-degree angle (1:1 slope). If the excavation is 10 feet deep,
the crane must be back 10 feet to prevent the ground from sliding out from under the
tracks/outriggers. This is based on the angle of repose of typical soils .
5. What is the primary responsibility of the "controlling entity" regarding crane operations?
A. Greasing the boom
B. Ensuring adequate ground conditions
C. Hand signal training
D. Wire rope replacement
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1402 defines the controlling entity as the organization with authority to
prevent or correct ground condition hazards. This is typically the general contractor or site owner.
They must inform the operator of underground hazards and ensure ground can support the crane .
, 6. How should the wheels (tires) of a crane be positioned when it is set up for working on
outriggers?
A. Just touching the ground
B. As high as possible off the ground
C. Just high enough off the ground to relieve the tires of crane weight
D. Firmly on the ground to support the crane
Answer: C
Rationale: The outriggers are designed to take the full load. Tires should be slightly off the ground
(or just touching) to prevent the crane from rocking. If tires bear weight, the suspension can
compress unevenly, causing instability .
7. A crane is set up on a slope. The cab level indicates 0.5% grade, but the ground slopes 8 degrees. Is
this setup acceptable?
A. Yes, as long as the crane is level within 1%
B. No, the slope must not exceed 5 degrees
C. Yes, as long as outriggers are fully extended
D. No, the crane must be level within 0.25% on a slope
Answer: A
Rationale: The load chart requires the chassis to be level within 1% , regardless of the underlying
slope. Cribbing under outriggers can level the crane on a slope. The key is the chassis level, not the
ground slope angle .
Detailed Rationales Covering Site, Load Charts, Rigging,
Power Lines, Signals, Two-Blocking, and Personnel Hoisting.
COMPLETE NCCCO MOBILE CRANE TEST BANK - 300 QUESTIONS
Based on 2024-2026 NCCCO Core Exam Standards
SECTION 1: SITE & GROUND CONDITIONS (Questions 1-40)
1. Hidden underground voids, such as abandoned storage tanks or loose backfill, present what
primary hazard during crane setup?
A. They interfere with the LMI signal
B. They attract lightning strikes
C. They could collapse under the crane's weight
D. They increase static electricity buildup
Answer: C
Rationale: Underground voids undermine the soil's ability to support the crane's weight. When the
ground collapses, the crane can tip suddenly or suffer structural damage. The operator cannot see
,these hazards, making pre-setup site evaluation critical. The controlling entity is responsible for
identifying and communicating these hazards .
2. A crane must be set up within what percentage of level for its load chart ratings to remain valid?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 3%
D. 5%
Answer: A
Rationale: NCCCO and OSHA require the crane to be within 1% of level (approximately 0.57 degrees).
Exceeding this changes the true load radius and stability calculations, invalidating the load chart.
Even a slight tilt can significantly reduce capacity and increase tipping risk .
3. According to OSHA, which accessible area of an operating crane must always be barricaded?
A. The entire job site
B. The area under the boom tip
C. The swing radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure
D. The area within 10 feet of the outriggers
Answer: C
Rationale: The counterweight swings blindly during rotation. Anyone caught in this radius can be
crushed. OSHA requires barricading to prevent unauthorized access. This is one of the most
frequently cited violations in crane operations .
,4. What is the minimum distance that outriggers or tracks must be placed from the edge of an
excavation?
A. At least 2 feet
B. At least the depth of the excavation
C. At a distance at least half the depth of the excavation
D. It depends on the crane's capacity
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench collapses occur at a 45-degree angle (1:1 slope). If the excavation is 10 feet deep,
the crane must be back 10 feet to prevent the ground from sliding out from under the
tracks/outriggers. This is based on the angle of repose of typical soils .
5. What is the primary responsibility of the "controlling entity" regarding crane operations?
A. Greasing the boom
B. Ensuring adequate ground conditions
C. Hand signal training
D. Wire rope replacement
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA 1926.1402 defines the controlling entity as the organization with authority to
prevent or correct ground condition hazards. This is typically the general contractor or site owner.
They must inform the operator of underground hazards and ensure ground can support the crane .
, 6. How should the wheels (tires) of a crane be positioned when it is set up for working on
outriggers?
A. Just touching the ground
B. As high as possible off the ground
C. Just high enough off the ground to relieve the tires of crane weight
D. Firmly on the ground to support the crane
Answer: C
Rationale: The outriggers are designed to take the full load. Tires should be slightly off the ground
(or just touching) to prevent the crane from rocking. If tires bear weight, the suspension can
compress unevenly, causing instability .
7. A crane is set up on a slope. The cab level indicates 0.5% grade, but the ground slopes 8 degrees. Is
this setup acceptable?
A. Yes, as long as the crane is level within 1%
B. No, the slope must not exceed 5 degrees
C. Yes, as long as outriggers are fully extended
D. No, the crane must be level within 0.25% on a slope
Answer: A
Rationale: The load chart requires the chassis to be level within 1% , regardless of the underlying
slope. Cribbing under outriggers can level the crane on a slope. The key is the chassis level, not the
ground slope angle .
