Level I Practical Examination: Four Published Tasks

Level I Practical Examination: Four Published Tasks

Official structure

The current CCO candidate handbook gives the Rigger Level I practical one overall 60-minute limit. If time expires, the exam ends and incomplete tasks or subtasks receive no credit. The handbook does not publish separate time limits for each Level I task.

The four tasks, in sequence, are:

1. Pre-Use Rigging Inspection
2. Rigging Hitches
3. Rigging Connections
4. Basic Knots

Crane hand signals are not one of the four Level I rigger practical tasks. Level lifts and frame rotations are Level II practical tasks. Do not spend Level I preparation time memorizing an invented “Station 4 signals” rubric.

Task 1: Pre-Use Rigging Inspection

At the proctor's start, inspect all slings and hardware placed in front of you. Select the items that meet ASME or OSHA removal-from-service criteria, move them to one side, and say “Done.”

The task calls for a decision on the supplied specimens; the current outline does not say there are exactly four specimens or require a scripted defect speech. Inspect systematically:

• identification and rating;
• synthetic cuts, burns, stitching, cover, and fittings;
• wire-rope broken wires, wear, distortion, heat, corrosion, and terminations;
• chain tag, link wear, cracks, stretch, heat, and attachments;
• metal-mesh edge joints, wire loss, flexibility, and handles; and
• hooks and hardware for markings, cracks, deformation, wear, threads, pins, latches, and function.

Apply the exact source to the exact item. For example, do not use a universal chain 10% rule or confuse OSHA's 15% sling-hook throat criterion with a B30.10 gauge.

Task 2: Rigging Hitches

The candidate demonstrates six different hitches, saying “Done” after each completed setup. One is a complete straight-line system using the 5-foot web sling and 5/8-inch shackle on the eyebolt attached to the round tube. All other hitches are rigged around the round tube.

Published scoring considerations include:

• Hardware normally requiring final torque need only be secured finger-tight for the exam assignment.
• Softeners are not required for these task fixtures.
• A shackle may be used with the double-wrap choker.
• The straight-line hitch must include the eyebolt, shackle, and web sling as a complete compliant system.
• A double-wrap choker or basket may not overlap or cross at the bottom of the load.
• Full or partial overlap of synthetic web or roundslings in a hook, shackle, or other hardware is scored correct.
• A tag wrapped against the load in a choker or basket is incorrect.
• More than a half twist in a sling is a scoring deficiency.

These are controlled exam-fixture directions. In field work, edge protection and installation torque follow the actual load and manufacturer.

Shouldered eyebolts may use an additional washer between the shoulder and top of the load, and double nutting or double washering is accepted for securing them in this fixture. CCO also accepts double nutting or double washering under the load for the swivel hoist rings.

Task 3: Rigging Connections

The candidate receives one minute to review the inspected, approved rigging equipment available for the session. The proctor randomly selects three task cards—one from each color—and reads them aloud.

For each assignment, gather and assemble the gear needed to comply with the card and applicable ASME B30 recommendations. Rig and suspend the 6-inch by 30-inch square aluminum tube as described. Say “Done” for evaluation, then disassemble before the next assignment.

Follow every card detail. The handbook says deviations cause deductions, and a finished setup that does not match the required same or opposing plane is marked incorrect. Do not replace the card with a connection you prefer from field experience.

Inspect fit as you assemble: correct original pins, seated shoulders, compatible eyes, free latches, intended bearing surfaces, and the stated plane. Finger-tight is the exam rule where final torque would normally be needed.

Task 4: Basic Knots

Tie five knots using the supplied rope or ropes of different diameters and the 4-inch PVC pipe and eyebolt when needed. Say “Done” after each knot and place the rope on the table after the final evaluation.

The required knots and current scoring cues are:

• Sheet bend: use the larger-diameter rope as the bight; finished rope ends are on the same side.
• Clove hitch: the free portions pass each other and are contained by the loops on the PVC pipe.
• Inside bowline: the free end is inside the loop.
• Square or reef knot: free ends are on the same side; either both ropes or one rope may be used.
• Two half hitches: the running end crosses over the standing end for the second hitch.

Practice tracing each rope path and dressing the knot cleanly. No current official basis supports adding a mandatory 3–4-rope-diameter tail rule to this scoring list.

What not to invent

The current handbook publishes scoring considerations but does not list the author's claimed automatic disqualification for dropping a shackle, entering a fall zone, or rolling a load in this Level I task outline. Those actions can be unsafe in the field, but do not teach an unsupported exam result.

It also does not publish individual task times or say candidates calculate sling tension, make a 2–4-inch test lift, place softeners, or demonstrate hand signals. Those claims mix field practice or Level II tasks into Level I.

Preparation routine

Build a repeatable order:

1. Inspect from tag through body to every fitting.
2. Rehearse each hitch with the exact practical scoring notes.
3. Read connection cards literally and assemble in the required plane.
4. Tie and dress all five knots from memory.
5. Practice the sequence under a single 60-minute limit.

On exam day, listen to the proctor, ask for clarification when instructions are not understood, and say “Done” only when the task is ready to score.