How to Get Your Crane Rigging Training 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 training. This type of program 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 courses and explore the steps to take to get yours online.
What Is Crane Rigging Training?
Crane rigging training is a program designed to teach workers how to safely rig loads for lifting with cranes and other heavy equipment.
Rigging involves selecting the proper slings, hooks, shackles, and other gear to safely attach a load to a crane. Because improper rigging can lead to dropped loads, injuries, or fatalities, OSHA and ANSI standards require that riggers take some kind of training, depending on the complexity of the task.
These types of courses can help workers become riggers through accredited training programs that teach essential skills like load calculations, sling angles, equipment inspection, and communication with crane operators.
These courses are often offered by recognized organizations like:
- NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators)
- OSHA-authorized trainers
The goal is to ensure riggers meet the necessary qualifications for the work they perform, especially on high-risk construction or industrial sites.
Which Industries Use Crane Rigging?
Crane rigging is essential in any industry where heavy lifting, moving, or positioning of large materials or equipment is part of the job. Here are the major industries that rely on rigging:
1. Construction
Crane rigging is everywhere in construction, from lifting steel beams on high-rises to positioning precast concrete panels, HVAC units, or roofing materials. Both residential and commercial construction projects depend on qualified riggers to keep operations safe and efficient.
2. Oil and Gas
In oilfields and refineries, crane rigging is used to move heavy pipes, drilling equipment, and structural components. Offshore platforms also rely on rigging for transporting supplies and installing large machinery, often in extreme environments.
3. Manufacturing and Industrial
Manufacturing plants use cranes and rigging to move large machinery, molds, engines, and industrial components. It’s especially common in shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
4. Shipping and Logistics
Ports, docks, and freight terminals use rigging to load and unload containers, cargo, and oversized freight. Cranes are essential tools in these settings, and rigging ensures items are moved securely.
5. Mining
In mining operations, rigging helps move large rock crushers, conveyors, and other equipment, often in confined or uneven terrain. Safety is critical due to the heavy loads and hazardous working conditions.
6. Utilities and Infrastructure
Utility companies use crane rigging to install and maintain power poles, transformers, substations, wind turbines, and other infrastructure components.
7. Entertainment and Events
Less obvious, but rigging is also used in the entertainment industry for concerts, theater productions, and film sets to lift and suspend lighting, sound equipment, and stage structures.
What Is the Difference Between Basic and Advanced Rigging Training?
The difference between basic and advanced rigging training comes down to the complexity of tasks, level of responsibility, and types of loads and equipment involved.
Here’s a breakdown:
Basic Rigging Training
Who it’s for:
Entry-level workers or those assisting in routine lifts under the supervision of a qualified rigger.
What it covers:
- Definitions and rigging terminology
- Introduction to rigging hardware (slings, shackles, hooks, etc.)
- Basic load weight calculations
- Proper inspection of rigging gear
- Safe lifting practices for simple, repetitive lifts
- Communication and hand signals
- OSHA and ANSI compliance basics
Goal:
To prepare workers to assist with non-critical lifts where the load is under control, symmetrical, and well-understood.
Advanced Rigging Training
Who it’s for:
Experienced workers who are responsible for planning and executing critical lifts or working with complex rigging scenarios.
What it covers:
- Advanced load calculations (center of gravity, sling angles, off-balance loads)
- Lifting irregular, heavy, or hazardous materials
- Multi-crane lifts or tandem lifting
- Use of specialized rigging hardware
- Rigging in confined spaces or unstable environments
- Planning lift operations and risk assessments
- Engineering principles behind rigging systems
Goal:
To qualify workers for independent decision-making and complex lift planning, often in high-risk or high-precision environments.
Rigger Level I vs. Rigger Level II
There are two basic levels of rigger training:
- Rigger Level I
- Rigger Level II
These courses differ concerning the knowledge and degree of responsibility that the rigger can exercise.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at each.
What Is Rigger Level I?
Rigger Level I is the entry-level training for rigging professionals. It qualifies individuals to perform basic rigging tasks such as selecting and inspecting rigging equipment, attaching loads, and signaling crane operators under the direction of a more qualified person.
This course demonstrates that you understand fundamental rigging principles and can safely assist with non-critical lifts.
A Level I Rigger should be able to:
- Inspect the 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 Your Level I Rigging Training Online
To qualify for Level I rigger training, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and agree to follow the ethics code and substance abuse policies of the certifying body.
The process has two parts:
1. Online Training and Written Exam
This portion can be completed online. You'll go through training that covers rigging terminology, equipment types, hitch applications, load-handling basics, and general safety practices.
Once you've finished the course, you’ll take a multiple-choice written exam to test your understanding. After passing, you'll receive a certificate of completion. Be sure to keep a copy for your records and share one with your employer.
2. Practical Evaluation
Next, your employer will provide hands-on training at the job site.
Once you're ready, they’ll assess your ability to perform basic rigging tasks safely and correctly. This practical exam confirms you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Passing both components officially qualifies you as a Level I Rigger.
What Is Rigger Level II?
Rigger Level II is an advanced training for rigging professionals who have already completed Level I. It builds on the foundational skills and knowledge from Level I and qualifies you to plan and perform rigging tasks without direct supervision.
Moreover, with a Level II rigging training, you have the necessary knowledge to choose rigging components and perform rigging procedures without supervision. Level II riggers are trusted to handle more complex lifts, assess rigging requirements, and ensure safety protocols are followed on the job site.
A Level II rigger should be able to do everything a Level I rigger can, and:
- 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
- Have a comprehensive knowledge of risks and hazards
It’s worth noting that Level II riggers are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of industrial rollers, jacks, winches, and similar hoisting equipment.
How to Earn Your Level II Rigging Training Online
To be eligible for a Level II rigger training certificate, you need to have an existing Level I rigging training and pass both components of the Level II training.
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.
How Long Is a Rigger Training Certificate Good For?
A rigger who has passed both component exams (for Level I or Level II) will have a valid training 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
Moreover, Level I riggers can upgrade to Level II at any time – there is no minimum experience requirement. Riggers often choose to upgrade their training by taking Level II crane and rigging training when their Level I certificate is within 12 months of its expiration.
How to Get Your Crane Rigging Training Online With OSHAcampus by 360training
Rigging is demanding work that requires skill, focus, and proper training. For professionals working long hours on construction sites, finding time to attend in-person classes can be a challenge. That’s where online rigging training comes in, offering the flexibility to train on your schedule, from anywhere.
At OSHAcampus by 360training, we’ve been a trusted OSHA-authorized provider for over 20 years, making us part of the best online courses for rigging training. Our self-paced, online rigging courses let you take control of your learning so you can spend more time where you need it and move quickly through what you already know.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your skills, we’ve got a course for the rigging license you need:
Start training today and take the next step toward a safer, more confident rigging career!
