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Free NCCCO MCO Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator (NCCCO MCO) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free NCCCO MCO practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A telescopic boom crane has a rated gross capacity of 28,000 lbs at a given radius. The hook block weighs 800 lbs and the rigging (slings and hardware) weighs 600 lbs. What is the maximum NET load that can be lifted?

  1. 28,000 lbs
  2. 27,200 lbs
  3. 26,600 lbs
  4. 27,400 lbs
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 26,600 lbs

Question 2

While swinging a load, the load line makes contact with an energized overhead power line. There is no fire. As the operator, what is your FIRST action?

  1. Immediately exit the cab using the emergency ladder
  2. Stay in the cab, warn bystanders not to touch the crane, and wait for the power company
  3. Lower the load to the ground as quickly as possible to break the contact
  4. Reverse the swing to pull the load line away from the power line
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Stay in the cab, warn bystanders not to touch the crane, and wait for the power company

Question 3

During a pre-shift inspection of a running wire rope on a mobile crane, an operator finds 3 broken wires in one strand within a single rope lay. According to OSHA, what action is required?

  1. Tag the rope and re-inspect after the current shift before making a removal decision
  2. Reduce the rated load by 25% and notify the supervisor before continuing operations
  3. Remove the rope from service immediately
  4. The rope is serviceable; this count does not meet the OSHA removal threshold for running ropes
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Remove the rope from service immediately

Question 4

A crane is being set up on a construction site near an excavation. Which factor has the GREATEST potential to reduce the crane's rated capacity without any visible warning?

  1. High ambient temperature causing hydraulic fluid expansion
  2. Ground subsidence due to below-surface voids or disturbed soil near the excavation
  3. Boom paint fading from sun exposure affecting visual inspection accuracy
  4. Hydraulic hose chafing during outrigger extension
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Ground subsidence due to below-surface voids or disturbed soil near the excavation

Question 5

A qualified signalperson gives the operator the standard hand signal for 'Move Slowly.' Midway through the move, a nearby ironworker who is NOT a designated signalperson shouts 'STOP!' and waves his arms. What should the operator do?

  1. Continue the move, since only the designated signalperson is authorized to give signals
  2. Stop the move, since an operator must obey a stop signal from anyone
  3. Stop and wait for the site supervisor to clarify who has signaling authority
  4. Slow the move further and make eye contact with the designated signalperson for confirmation
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Stop the move, since an operator must obey a stop signal from anyone

Question 6

On a mobile crane load chart, some capacity values appear in bold text while others appear in standard (non-bold) text. What does the bold-text formatting indicate?

  1. Those capacities are the highest-rated lifts the crane can perform and should be used for critical picks
  2. Those capacities are governed by the structural strength of the crane
  3. Those capacities are governed by the tipping stability of the crane
  4. Those capacities have been factory-derated for use without outriggers
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Those capacities are governed by the tipping stability of the crane

Question 7

The operating radius of a crane is defined as the horizontal distance from the:

  1. Centerline of rotation to the center of the vertical hoist line with the load attached
  2. Center of the boom foot pin to the center of the load hook
  3. Outer edge of the most extended outrigger float to the center of the suspended load
  4. Boom tip to the ground directly below the load
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Centerline of rotation to the center of the vertical hoist line with the load attached

Question 8

Under OSHA's Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard, when a crane is operating near a power line and the voltage of that line is UNKNOWN or cannot be determined, what is the minimum clearance distance that must be maintained?

  1. 10 feet, the standard default for all energized lines regardless of voltage
  2. 15 feet, the mid-range default when voltage data is unavailable
  3. 20 feet, until the utility owner/operator provides voltage information
  4. 50 feet, which is the conservative default for any unidentified line
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 20 feet, until the utility owner/operator provides voltage information

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the items that must be inspected during the SHIFT inspection (pre-operational inspection) of a mobile crane?

  1. Functional test of the anti-two-block device
  2. Visual check of the load hook and safety latch
  3. Condition of wire rope for visible damage on the drum
  4. Disassembly of the load block to inspect internal sheave bearings
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Disassembly of the load block to inspect internal sheave bearings

Question 10

An operator notices that the anti-two-block (ATB) warning device has activated and the audible alarm is sounding. The operator needs to complete the lift. According to the CCO Candidate Handbook, what is the correct procedure?

  1. Override the ATB device using the bypass switch and proceed cautiously, limiting hoist speed to 50%
  2. Lower the load to the ground, identify the cause, and follow the manufacturer's procedures before resuming operations
  3. Continue the lift at reduced speed since the ATB alarm is advisory only on hydraulic cranes
  4. Stop hoisting, pay out line to silence the alarm, then resume hoisting at half speed
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Lower the load to the ground, identify the cause, and follow the manufacturer's procedures before resuming operations

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