1.2 Level I vs Level II Scope

Key Takeaways

  • Level I performs simple, repetitive rigging when weight, center of gravity, rigging, and configuration are known or provided.
  • Level II adds calculating or estimating weight and center of gravity when required.
  • Level II identifies lift points and selects rigging from loading and load integrity.
  • Level II may perform the published Level II tasks unsupervised.
  • The handbook does not define the levels by a universal list of lift labels or one crane-capacity percentage.
Last updated: August 2026

The published distinction

CapabilityLevel ILevel II addition
Weight and center of gravityUses values that are known or providedCalculates or estimates them when required
Lift pointsUses the prescribed or known arrangementIdentifies lift points
Rigging selectionUses known or prescribed rigging and configurationDetermines and selects rigging from loading
Angles and load integrityApplies basic known configurations and capacitiesSelects with load-angle factors, capacity, and integrity
IndependencePerforms simple, repetitive known-configuration workPerforms the listed Level II tasks unsupervised

Do not replace this competency test with an invented universal rule that every blind, tandem, personnel, “critical,” or above-75%-capacity lift automatically maps to one CCO level. Those operations may require specialized plans, roles, employer controls, signalpersons, engineers, or regulatory compliance, but the CCO Level I/II distinction in the candidate handbook is stated through the skills above. OSHA 1926.1431 also appears in the Level I Technical Knowledge reference list, so the mere presence of personnel-hoisting rules does not prove an item is Level II.

When a task exceeds the rigger’s training, provided information, authority, or employer plan, stop and escalate regardless of credential label.

Test Your Knowledge

What most clearly moves a task into the published Level II skill set?

A
B
C
D