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Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................4
Who Should Use This Guide ............................................................................................................. 4
How to Use This Guide ..................................................................................................................... 4
Section 1 The Exam .........................................................................................................................5
Exam Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 5
What is certification and why do I need it? ........................................................................ 5
Where does this exam fit into the whole certification process? ........................................ 5
Am I writing the right exam? .............................................................................................. 6
After writing this exam, what happens next?..................................................................... 6
About the Exam ............................................................................................................................... 6
How do I apply to take the exam? ...................................................................................... 6
What if I have to reschedule the exam date? ..................................................................... 6
What is a pass/fail? ............................................................................................................. 7
What if I dont pass the exam? ........................................................................................... 7
Exam Questions ............................................................................................................................... 7
What types of questions are on the exam? ........................................................................ 7
What are the questions testing? ........................................................................................ 7
Strategies for Success ...................................................................................................................... 8
Studying .............................................................................................................................. 8
Minimizing Test Anxiety and Stress .................................................................................... 8
Before the Exam.................................................................................................................. 9
During the Exam................................................................................................................ 10
Strategies for Answering Multiple Choice Questions ....................................................... 10
Section 2 Exam Topics ................................................................................................................... 12
Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 12
About the topic ................................................................................................................. 12
Competencies Tested........................................................................................................ 12
Key study areas ................................................................................................................. 12
Communications ............................................................................................................................ 12
About the topic ................................................................................................................. 12
Competencies tested ........................................................................................................ 13
Key study areas ................................................................................................................. 13
Cranes ............................................................................................................................................ 14
About the topic ................................................................................................................. 14
Competencies tested ........................................................................................................ 14
BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS)
www.bcacs.ca
Introduction
Who Should Use This Guide
This document is for any new or experienced crane operator preparing to write a crane
operator certification exam.
It may have been a while since you wrote an exam. And if you are like most people, the
prospect of writing an exam causes you some anxiety. Use this guide to help you
prepare. The better prepared you are, the less stress you will feel, and the better you
are likely to perform on the exam.
Please note: This Getting Ready Guide is not a training course. It is provided only to
help you prepare for writing this exam.
Where does this exam fit into the whole certification process?
There are four levels of certification for operators in each category of cranes. Each level
is described in detail on the CraneSafe website (http://www.fulford.ca/cs_levels.html).
The table below summarizes the differences between each level.
Operator Status
Certificate
Owner
Supervision
Required
Certification Steps
Required
Expires
Journeyperson
Operator
None
Written exam on
crane type for which
certification is issued
Recertification
is not
required at
this time
Practical Assessment
B
Trainee/
Apprentice
Employer
Indirect at all
times. Direct
for critical lifts
Written Exam on
crane type on which
operator is being
trained
1 year
(renewable)
Probation (direct
supervision
required)
Employer
Direct at all
times
None
6 months
Periodic Use
Employer
Indirect at all
times
Written Exam on
crane type on which
operator is being
trained
Recertification
is not
required at
this time
Tower
Tower, Self-Erect
Failure to provide at least five days notice is considered a no-show, and a reschedule
service fee will be charged.
What is a pass/fail?
If you achieve 70% or more on the exam, you are determined to be competent in the
knowledge skills related to operation of the crane on which you have been tested.
If you achieve 69% or less on the exam, you are determined to be not yet competent in
the knowledge skills related to operation of the crane on which you have been tested.
Exam Questions
What types of questions are on the exam?
All of the exam questions are multiple choice, and written according to the
specifications for all Red Seal exams. Each question on the exam is worth the same as
every other question no question is worth more or less.
Each question is clearly and simply written, and deals with only one main idea or
concept.
Negative questions are avoided (e.g., Which of the following is NOT).
Questions are not asked about obscure topics or documentation.
Multiple choice answers are presented in ascending length (shortest to longest
answer), or ascending numerical order (lowest to highest number).
Every question has been reviewed numerous times by industry personnel to ensure it is
relevant to today's work environment. The competencies that are being tested have
been defined by industry personnel as necessary in order to operate a crane safely and
effectively.
Procedure and Application Your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures and
theoretical concepts to new or practical situations.
Critical Thinking Your ability to judge the relevancy and accuracy of data, to
interpret data, solve problems, identify cause-and-effect relationships, and
formulate valid conclusions.
Studying
Study at the same time and same place regularly, so your body and brain know
when it is time to study. Try to pick a time when you can concentrate, and stick to
your routine.
Study for shorter periods of time over a longer timeframe. Avoid cramming.
At the beginning of a study session, prepare a quick list of what you need to cover in
order to stay focused and not overlook important topics.
Organize your study material into chunks, based on the topics and competencies
covered on the exam.
Frequently review material you have already covered. Repeated exposure keeps it
fresh in your mind and helps get it into your long-term memory.
Periodically take breaks when you are studying (e.g., last 10 minutes of each hour)
to give you brain time to process the new material.
Prepare a summary of key information (e.g., one or two pages of formulas,
definitions, key concepts). Write it yourself, using your own words, to enhance your
understanding of the material.
Create a study plan that ensures you finish studying several days before the exam.
That way, you will feel well-prepared, and can spend the remaining time reviewing
areas where you feel least confident.
Remind yourself of what you have already accomplished, and encourage yourself
that you will get through this, too.
Concentrate on the next task. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything, just
focus on what you need to do next. Step-by-step, you will make it.
Get adequate rest, regular exercise, and proper nutrition. Studying when you are
physically or mentally fatigued will only make you upset or more anxious, and
hinder your ability to learn.
Consider re-scheduling the exam if you have too much on the go at the moment, or
if there has been a significant event in your life that causes stress (e.g., an accident,
death of a friend or family member, birth of a child).
Avoid gossip about the exam, especially fear-mongering (its the hardest thing Ive
ever done), or bragging (it was a snap or I finished in only one hour).
Concentrate instead on studying the necessary material.
Do not try to second guess what will or will not be on the exam. There are multiple
versions of the exam, and the exams are continually under revision. It is highly
unlikely you will ever write the same exam as someone else you know.
Get a good sleep the night before the exam. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine the
night before the exam.
Avoid stressing yourself out the night before the exam. Avoid others who may make
you anxious, and do not try to learn new material. Focus on what you know.
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Before answering a question, try to determine the answer without looking at the
response options. Once you think you know the answer, look for the one that
matches your answer. Doing this helps you avoid being distracted by incorrect
response options.
Read all of the responses before you select an answer. Sometimes the distracters
(or the wrong answers) contain familiar words to make them appear correct, or are
correct statements by themselves, but they do not answer the question asked.
If you are not sure of the answer, identify the ones you know are wrong to narrow
your options. If none of the response options seem correct, re-read the question
and try to figure out what you may have missed.
If more than one answer seems correct, try to determine the difference between
the possible options. Then re-read the question to figure out how the differences
are important. The answer you choose should completely address the question it
should not be correct only sometimes, or be correct only if you make significant
assumptions.
If you are still unable to answer the question, move on and come back to it later. It
is better to finish the questions you know first, and come back later to the ones you
find harder to answer. Sometimes the answer comes to you when you are working
on another question.
Never leave any questions unanswered, even if you have to guess at the answer.
You are not penalized for incorrect answers.
Only select one answer for each question. If you circle more than one response, the
question is marked wrong, even if one of the answers you select is correct.
Try not to second guess or over-analyze your answers as your first instinct is often
correct. However, if you have a good reason to change an answer (e.g., the
information provided in another question suggests that your answer may be
incorrect), then do so.
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Competencies Tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
Communications
About the topic
Hand signals and radio communication are used to direct crane operations. The ability
to communicate clearly with crane owners, supervisors, dispatchers and crew members
is an essential skill for a crane operator.
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You must be able to interpret common hand signals, and give and receive clear direction
to avoid problems and accidents. Repeat what you are told in order to ensure you have
heard correctly, and make sure you understand what is being asked.
Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
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(e) For lifting operations using voice signals, the person directing lifting operations shall
consider the complexity of the left, the capabilities of the particular crane, the experience
and skill of the operator and signal person, and the ability to communicate the necessary
signals before permitting multiple simultaneous crane function signals.
Cranes
About the topic
As a crane operator, you should have a general knowledge of cranes, the crane industry,
and regulatory requirements for crane operators.
Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
C1 K Demonstrate knowledge of types of cranes and classifications.
C2 K Demonstrate knowledge of terminology related to craning and craning
concepts.
C3 K Demonstrate knowledge of hoisting terminology, functions and systems.
C4 K Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to cranes.
C9 K Demonstrate knowledge of tower crane applications.
C10 K Demonstrate knowledge of tower crane types and configurations.
C11 K Demonstrate knowledge of the erection and dismantling processes for
tower cranes.
C12 K Demonstrate knowledge of components and their functions for different
types of tower cranes.
C13 K Demonstrate knowledge of tower crane climbing and lowering methods and
hazards.
C14 K Demonstrate knowledge of drives, controls and safety devices for tower
cranes.
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Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
5. Additional References:
16
Load Charts
About the topic
Correct use of load charts is one of the fundamental competencies of a crane operator.
You must thoroughly understand how to read and use load charts in order to pass the
ITA exam and the CraneSafe practical assessment.
Proper use of load charts is a critical safety issue. If you do not read a load chart
properly and over-extend the capabilities of your crane, accidents happen that cause
damage and injury.
Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
E1 K Demonstrate knowledge of determining weight loads using fundamental
math functions and calculations.
E2 K Demonstrate knowledge of loading and lifting.
Crane Operations
About the topic
Crane operators are responsible to conduct a pre-operational inspection of the crane
before every shift, and make sure the crane is set up properly. The majority of crane
accidents are caused by improper set up, so its critical to ensure that every crane
operator is competent in this area.
Crane set up and pre-operational inspection is an important aspect of both the ITA exam
and the CraneSafe practical assessment.
Correct use of load charts to calculate load capacity and knowledge of proper rigging are
fundamental to crane operations. For more information, refer to Load Charts and
Rigging.
BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS)
www.bcacs.ca
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Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
H1 K Demonstrate knowledge of pre-operational requirements in crane
operations.
Hoisting and Rigging Safety Manual. Put out by the Construction Safety
Association of Ontario. Free download is available from:
http://www.csao.org/images/pfiles/4_M035.pdf. It is a very good reference
for crane set up.
Mobile Crane Handbook, by James Headley. By Crane Institute of America.
http://www.craneinstitute.com/shop/cgibin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=A-MNL-11 . Also an excellent
reference for crane set up. The Crane Institute has many good books on
crane operation; search for Mobile cranes for a complete list.
Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
I8 K Demonstrate knowledge of daily and monthly inspections for tower cranes.
I9 K Demonstrate knowledge of annual and special inspection requirements for
tower cranes.
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Tower Crane
About the topic
As a Tower Crane Operator, you are responsible for safe operation of your crane. This
includes rigging and hoisting of every load, reading load charts and doing load
calculations, monitoring weather conditions, and following all required safety
procedures. You must know and adhere to the correct procedures for entering and
leaving the crane operator cab, and follow operating protocols for multi-crane sites.
Competencies tested
This exam tests your ability to do the following:
M1 K Demonstrate knowledge of hoisting and rigging for tower cranes.
M2 K Demonstrate knowledge of tower crane load charts and load calculations.
M3 K Demonstrate knowledge of how weather conditions affect tower crane
operations.
M4 K Demonstrate knowledge of a tower crane operators duties and
responsibilities.
M5 K Demonstrate knowledge of protocols for leaving a tower crane unattended.
M6 K Demonstrate knowledge of protocols for operating a tower crane on a multicrane site.
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Practice Questions
1. According to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, what is the absolute
minimum distance that must be maintained between a crane and a power line
energized with 750v to 75 kv (75,000 volts)?
a. 3 meters (10 feet)
b. 4.5 meters (15 feet)
c. 6 meters (20 feet)
d. 9 meters (30 feet)
2. What does the hand signal indicate in the figure below?
a. Boom up
b. Hoist up
c. Load up
d. Hold the swing
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3. What is the radio protocol between a mobile piece of equipment and a tower crane
sharing the same workplace?
a. Mobile operator to go on to the survey channel
b. A separate radio with a mobile to tower crane frequency
c. Mobile rigger maintains radio contact with tower crane rigger
d. Mobile operator switches to tower crane frequency once on site
4. What does Part 3 of the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety regulation
cover, if as an operator you are presented with a load to lift that you have concerns
about?
a. Wire rope rejection criteria
b. Right to refuse unsafe work
c. Storage of rigging equipment
d. Weight distribution criteria of lifting devices
5. What is the load in tons on each sling for a load rigged as in the figure below?
Load Weight = 36 Tons
Sling Length = 30 Feet
Hook Height = 14 Feet
a. 33.420 Tons
b. 36.318 Tons
c. 38.571 Tons
d. 42.650 Tons
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6. What is the minimum size of chain slings required to lift a load weighing 12,000
pounds?
The chain slings are in a double basket hitch
configuration at a 60 degree angle.
Refer to Appendix C Practice Question Figures.
a. 1/4 inch
b. 3/8 inch
c. 1/2 inch
d. 5/8 inch
7. What is the minimum size of wire rope slings required to lift a load weighing 10,000
pounds?
The 2 - Leg Bridle Hitch is choked at a 45 degree angle.
Refer to Appendix C Practice Question Figures.
a. 9/16 inch
b. 5/8 inch
c. 3/4 inch
d. 7/8 inch
8. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method for determining the weight of a
load?
a. Load indicator
b. Bill of lading
c. Test lifting the load
d. Calculating the load weight
9. What is the equivalent of 10,030 pounds in kilograms?
a. 3,057 kg
b. 3,238 kg
c. 4,554 kg
d. 7,650 kg
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10. Refer to the figure below. What is the weight of the steel plate in pounds?
Steel = 490 pounds per cubic foot
a. 1,673 lbs
b. 1,899 lbs
c. 2,112 lbs
d. 2,207 lbs
11. Refer to the figure below. When calculating the weight of the heavy wall pipe, what
is the volume in cubic metres?
a. 6.525
b. 7.643
c. 8.390
d. 9.819
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12. Refer to the figure below. What is the weight of the open top steel tank in pounds?
Steel = 490 pounds per cubic foot
a. 7,270
b. 7,745
c. 8,206
d. 9,112
a.
b.
c.
d.
10,980 pounds
13,975 pounds
15,740 pounds
15,785 pounds
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a. 7,440 pounds
b. 7,890 pounds
c. 8,300 pounds
d. 8,750 pounds
16. What is the net capacity based on the configuration below?
Radius 50 m
Length of jib 75 m
Weight of rigging 160 kg
2 parts of line
Gear 2
a.
b.
c.
d.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6,180 kg
6,740 kg
6,980 kg
7,530 kg
17. What is the maximum radius the gross load can be placed based on the
configuration below?
Length of jib 70 m
Weight of load 7,600 kg
Weight of rigging 115 kg
2 parts of line
Gear 1
a.
b.
c.
d.
50 m
55 m
57 m
60 m
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3. To determine the load on each sling when using a two-leg bridle, the formula is:
load x sling length
2 x hook to load height
5. To determine the weight of a heavy wall pipe, calculate as if the object is solid, and then
subtract the volume of the hole.
3.14 x diameter x diameter x length x unit weight minus 3.14 x diameter x diameter x length x unit weight
divided by 4
divided by 4
6. To determine the weight of a tank with an open top, the formulas are:
Formula for bottom: 3.14 x diameter x diameter x thickness x unit weight
divided by 4
Formula for pipe: 3.14 x diameter x length x thickness x unit weight
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Eye Bolts
33
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Angle of loading
Basket hitch
Bridle hitch
Choker hitch
Sling configuration with one end of the sling passing under the
load and through an end attachment, handle or eye on the other
end of the sling.
Designated
Hitch
Link
Master link or
gathering ring
Mechanical
coupling link
Proof test
Rated capacity or
working load limit
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Reach
Sling
Sling manufacturer
Wire rope sling made endless from one length of rope with the
ends joined by one or more metallic fittings.
Strand laid
grommet-hand
tucked
Endless wire rope sling made from one length of strand wrapped
six times around a core formed by hand tucking the ends of the
strand inside the six wraps.
Vertical hitch
36
minus
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12. Refer to the figure below. What is the weight of the open top steel tank in pounds?
(Steel = 490 pounds per cubic foot) Answer: B
Two calculations must be made to answer this question. The weight of the pipe
must be added to the weight of the tank bottom.
Formula for bottom: 3.14 x diameter x diameter x thickness x unit weight
Divided by 4
Formula for pipe: 3.14 x diameter x length x thickness x unit weight
13. When must a pre-operational inspection of a crane be done? Answer: D
14. What is the gross capacity based on the configuration below? Answer: B
There is no capacity listed for a radius of 155 feet. The next longer radius must be
used to determine gross capacity. The gross capacity at radius of 164 feet and a jib
length of 262 feet is 13,975 pounds.
15. What is the net capacity based on the configuration below? Answer: A
The gross capacity at a radius of 213 feet and a jib length of 279 feet is 7,890
pounds.
The weight of the concrete bucket must be deducted from the gross capacity to
determine net capacity.
7,890 minus 450 = 7,440
The net capacity is 7,440 pounds.
16. What is the net capacity based on the configuration below? Answer: C
The gross capacity at a radius of 50 m and a jib length of 75 m is 7,690 kg.
But, the hoist is in gear 2 which has a maximum capacity of 7,140 kg.
Deduct the weight of the rigging from the hoist capacity.
7,140 minus 160 = 6,980 kg
The net capacity is 6,980 kg.
17. What is the maximum radius the gross load can be placed based on the
configuration below? Answer: B
Gross load to be lifted:
Load - 7,600 kg
Rigging - 115 kg
Gross load - 7,715 kg
The gross capacity at 55 m radius and a jib length of 70 m is 8,140 kg which is higher
than the weight of the gross load.
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