OSHA crane operator training, certification and evaluation practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926.1427. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Crane operator training, certification and evaluation
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Scope, exceptions and definitions
1. Under 29 CFR 1926.1427(a)(2), which operators are not required to comply with § 1926.1427?
- A. Operators of tower cranes with a fixed working boom
- B. Operators of derricks, sideboom cranes, or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less
- C. Operators of crawler cranes used only for material handling
- D. Operators who have held a crane operator job for more than 5 years
Show answer
Answer: B. Operators of derricks, sideboom cranes, or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less
1926.1427(a)(2) says "Operators of derricks (see § 1926.1436), sideboom cranes (see § 1926.1440), or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less (see § 1926.1441) are not required to comply with § 1926.1427." Its note adds: "The training requirements in those other sections continue to apply".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. For the U.S. military qualification in 1926.1427(a)(3), who counts as an employee of the U.S. military?
- A. Any employee of a private contractor working on a military base
- B. Any veteran who operated cranes while in the service
- C. Any employee of a private contractor holding a Department of Defense contract
- D. A Federal employee of the Department of Defense or Armed Forces, not employees of private contractors
Show answer
Answer: D. A Federal employee of the Department of Defense or Armed Forces, not employees of private contractors
"An employee of the U.S. military is a Federal employee of the Department of Defense or Armed Forces and does not include employees of private contractors."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. 1926.1427(a)(3)(ii)(A) says a U.S. military operator qualification is "Not portable." What does that mean under the rule?
- A. It meets paragraph (a) only where the operator is employed by (and operating the equipment for) the employer that issued the qualification
- B. It may be used with any construction employer for 5 years
- C. It is valid only on Federal construction projects
- D. It must be converted into a State license before use
Show answer
Answer: A. It meets paragraph (a) only where the operator is employed by (and operating the equipment for) the employer that issued the qualification
The qualification is "Not portable: Such a qualification meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section only where the operator is employed by (and operating the equipment for) the employer that issued the qualification." It is "Valid for the period of time stipulated by the issuing entity."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Operator-in-training conditions and supervision
4. Under 1926.1427(a)(1), how may an employee who has not been certified/licensed and evaluated operate assigned equipment covered by 1926.1427?
- A. Freely during the first 90 days after hire
- B. Freely whenever a signal person is present
- C. Only as an operator-in-training under supervision in accordance with paragraph (b)
- D. Only after a competent person signs a daily permit
Show answer
Answer: C. Only as an operator-in-training under supervision in accordance with paragraph (b)
Such an employee "may only operate the equipment as an operator-in-training under supervision in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. 1926.1427(b)(3)(v) lets an uncertified operator-in-training work in multiple-lift rigging operations in one case. What is it?
- A. Where the operator's trainer determines that the operator-in-training's skills are sufficient for this high-skill work
- B. Where the lift is planned by a competent person
- C. Where a qualified rigger approves the lift in writing
- D. Where the operator-in-training has completed 6 months of training
Show answer
Answer: A. Where the operator's trainer determines that the operator-in-training's skills are sufficient for this high-skill work
The operator-in-training may not operate "In multiple-lift rigging operations, except where the operator's trainer determines that the operator-in-training's skills are sufficient for this high-skill work."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. While monitoring the operator-in-training, what does 1926.1427(b)(4)(ii) bar the operator's trainer from doing?
- A. Communicating with the operator-in-training by hand signals
- B. Performing tasks that detract from the trainer's ability to monitor the operator-in-training
- C. Standing outside the operator's cab
- D. Speaking with the operator-in-training by voice
Show answer
Answer: B. Performing tasks that detract from the trainer's ability to monitor the operator-in-training
"While monitoring the operator-in-training, the operator's trainer performs no tasks that detract from the trainer's ability to monitor the operator-in-training."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
7. Under 1926.1427(b)(4)(iii), what must the operator's trainer and the operator-in-training do when the equipment is a tower crane?
- A. Sit together in the operator's cab
- B. Communicate only through a dedicated signal person
- C. Stay within 20 feet of each other
- D. Be in direct communication with each other
Show answer
Answer: D. Be in direct communication with each other
"For tower cranes: The operator's trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct communication with each other." For other equipment they "must be in direct line of sight of each other."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
8. 1926.1427(b)(4)(iv) allows short breaks in the trainer's monitoring when all of its conditions are met. Which of these is one of those conditions?
- A. A signal person takes over monitoring during the break
- B. The break is recorded in a written log
- C. Immediately prior to the break, the trainer informs the operator-in-training of the specific tasks to perform and the limitations to follow
- D. The operator-in-training lowers every load to the ground for the whole break
Show answer
Answer: C. Immediately prior to the break, the trainer informs the operator-in-training of the specific tasks to perform and the limitations to follow
"Immediately prior to the break the operator's trainer informs the operator-in-training of the specific tasks that the operator-in-training is to perform and limitations to which he/she must adhere during the operator trainer's break." The tasks must also be "within the operator-in-training's abilities."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Employer evaluation, documentation and retraining
9. When does 1926.1427(b)(5) require the employer to provide retraining to an operator?
- A. Every 3 years on a fixed schedule
- B. Only when the operator's certification is renewed
- C. Only after an OSHA inspection finds a violation
- D. When, based on the operator's performance or an evaluation of the operator's knowledge, there is an indication that retraining is necessary
Show answer
Answer: D. When, based on the operator's performance or an evaluation of the operator's knowledge, there is an indication that retraining is necessary
"The employer must provide retraining in relevant topics for each operator when, based on the performance of the operator or an evaluation of the operator's knowledge, there is an indication that retraining is necessary."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. Which item must the employer's document of a completed evaluation provide under 1926.1427(f)(6)?
- A. The weights of every load lifted during the evaluation
- B. The operator's certification card number
- C. The make, model, and configuration of equipment used in the evaluation
- D. The name of the operator's training school
Show answer
Answer: C. The make, model, and configuration of equipment used in the evaluation
The document must provide "The operator's name; the evaluator's name and signature; the date; and the make, model, and configuration of equipment used in the evaluation."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
11. What does 1926.1427(f)(3) say about a certificate or degree for the evaluation in paragraph (f)(1)?
- A. A crane operator certificate replaces the evaluation
- B. Possession of a certificate or degree cannot, by itself, cause a person to be qualified for purposes of (f)(1)
- C. A degree in engineering replaces the evaluation
- D. A certificate counts as the evaluation for 5 years
Show answer
Answer: B. Possession of a certificate or degree cannot, by itself, cause a person to be qualified for purposes of (f)(1)
"The definition of “qualified” in § 1926.32 does not apply to paragraph (f)(1) of this section: Possession of a certificate or degree cannot, by itself, cause a person to be qualified for purposes of paragraph (f)(1)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Licensing and certification options
12. Under 1926.1427(c)(1), when must an equipment operator be licensed by a state or local government?
- A. When that government issues operator licenses for equipment covered under subpart CC and its licensing program meets the requirements of (c)(1), for operation within its jurisdiction
- B. In every State, whether or not the State issues crane licenses
- C. Only on publicly funded projects
- D. Only when the operator lacks a certification from an accredited testing organization
Show answer
Answer: A. When that government issues operator licenses for equipment covered under subpart CC and its licensing program meets the requirements of (c)(1), for operation within its jurisdiction
"When a state or local government issues operator licenses for equipment covered under subpart CC, the equipment operator must be licensed by that government entity for operation of equipment within that entity's jurisdiction if that government licensing program meets the following requirements".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
13. Under 1926.1427(c)(4), when may a testing entity provide training as well as testing services?
- A. Never; training and testing must come from separate entities
- B. As long as the criteria of the applicable governmental or accrediting agency (in the option selected) for an organization providing both services are met
- C. Only when OSHA has approved the training course
- D. Only for operators of tower cranes
Show answer
Answer: B. As long as the criteria of the applicable governmental or accrediting agency (in the option selected) for an organization providing both services are met
"A testing entity is permitted to provide training as well as testing services as long as the criteria of the applicable governmental or accrediting agency (in the option selected) for an organization providing both services are met."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Accredited testing organization certification
14. Under 1926.1427(d)(1)(iii), what must an accredited crane operator testing organization have for an operator applicant who fails a test or is decertified?
- A. A rule barring the applicant from testing again
- B. A referral of the applicant to an audited employer program
- C. Procedures for operators to re-apply and be re-tested
- D. A report of the applicant to the OSHA Regional Office
Show answer
Answer: C. Procedures for operators to re-apply and be re-tested
The organization must "Have procedures for operators to re-apply and be re-tested in the event an operator applicant fails a test or is decertified."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. If no accredited testing agency offers a certification examination for a particular type of equipment, how does 1926.1427(d)(2) let the operator comply?
- A. By being evaluated by the employer only, with no certification
- B. By operating as an operator-in-training indefinitely
- C. By obtaining a letter from the equipment manufacturer
- D. By being certified for the type that is most similar to that equipment and for which an examination is available, with the certificate stating the type
Show answer
Answer: D. By being certified for the type that is most similar to that equipment and for which an examination is available, with the certificate stating the type
The operator "will be deemed to have complied with the certification requirements of this section for that equipment if the operator has been certified for the type that is most similar to that equipment and for which a certification examination is available. The operator's certificate must state the type of equipment for which the operator is certified."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
16. Which certification does 1926.1427 describe as "portable among employers who are required to have operators certified under this option"?
- A. A certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization under paragraph (d)
- B. A certification from an audited employer program under paragraph (e)
- C. A U.S. military operator qualification under paragraph (a)(3)
- D. An employer's evaluation document under paragraph (f)(6)
Show answer
Answer: A. A certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization under paragraph (d)
Under (d)(3), "A certification issued under this option is portable among employers who are required to have operators certified under this option." Audited-program certificates and military qualifications are both described as "Not portable".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Audited employer program
17. In an audited employer program, the written and practical tests may be approved by an auditor under 1926.1427(e)(1)(ii). Which auditor meets that paragraph?
- A. The employer's own competent person
- B. One certified to evaluate such tests by an accredited crane operator testing organization who is not an employee of the employer
- C. Any employee of the employer with 10 years of crane experience
- D. A representative of the equipment manufacturer who holds no auditor certification
Show answer
Answer: B. One certified to evaluate such tests by an accredited crane operator testing organization who is not an employee of the employer
"The auditor is certified to evaluate such tests by an accredited crane operator testing organization" and "The auditor is not an employee of the employer."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
18. When the auditor determines there is a significant deficiency in an audited employer program, who files the documented report of the deficiency with the appropriate OSHA Regional Office under 1926.1427(e)(5)(iii)?
- A. The employer
- B. The operator
- C. The accredited crane operator testing organization
- D. The auditor
Show answer
Answer: D. The auditor
The employer must ensure that "The auditor files a documented report of the deficiency to the appropriate Regional Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration within 15 days of the auditor's determination that there is a deficiency."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Language, certification criteria and effective dates
19. Under 1926.1427(h)(2), which equipment may an operator certified through a test given in a particular language operate?
- A. Only equipment furnished with the materials required by the subpart, such as operations manuals and load charts, written in the language of the certification
- B. Any equipment, if a translator is on site
- C. Only equipment whose controls are labeled in English
- D. Any equipment, once the employer's evaluation is complete
Show answer
Answer: A. Only equipment furnished with the materials required by the subpart, such as operations manuals and load charts, written in the language of the certification
"The operator is only permitted to operate equipment that is furnished with materials required by this subpart, such as operations manuals and load charts, that are written in the language of the certification."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. What effective date does 1926.1427(k)(2) set for the evaluation and documentation requirements in paragraphs (a) and (f)?
- A. December 10, 2018
- B. November 9, 2018
- C. February 7, 2019
- D. August 9, 2010
Show answer
Answer: C. February 7, 2019
"The evaluation and documentation requirements in paragraphs (a) and (f) are effective on February 7, 2019." The rest of the section is "effective on December 10, 2018."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1427, Operator training, certification, and evaluation (as of Nov 4, 2026)