Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Colorado has no state rigger license, but federal OSHA rules and most job sites require NCCCO Rigger Level I or II certification. First-year costs usually run $530 to $1,255: the NCCCO written and practical exams, a required OSHA 10 or 30 course, study materials, and basic gear. Certified riggers in Colorado earn a median near $28.50 an hour, more with a union card.
Do you need a license to work as a rigger in Colorado?
No. Colorado issues no state rigger license. There is no Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing board that certifies riggers the way the state licenses electricians. If you came here expecting a state application, a state fee schedule, and a state test date, that path does not exist.
What controls whether you get on a job site is federal law and employer policy. OSHA's rigging standard, 29 CFR 1926.251, governs rigging hardware on construction sites and requires that work be done by a "competent person" as OSHA defines that term. [1] On most commercial and industrial projects in Colorado, that competent person is someone holding a recognized third-party certification. NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) is the credential contractors accept most often. [2]
General contractors in Denver, Colorado Springs, and along the Front Range write NCCCO Rigger Level I certification straight into their subcontractor qualification packets. That requirement is a contract condition, not a statute. It works like a mandate anyway. Without the card, you don't get on the site.
Some union halls, especially those tied to the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), keep their own competency documentation for members. That satisfies some employers. For non-union workers, NCCCO is basically the only credential that moves from site to site without an argument.
How much does rigger certification cost in Colorado?
Plan on $530 to $1,255 for your first year. The single biggest line item is the NCCCO exam. As of 2024, NCCCO charges $150 for the written Rigger Level I exam and another $150 for the written Level II exam if you pursue it. The practical (hands-on) exam costs $155 per attempt and has to be scheduled through an accredited testing agency. [3] Those fees go to NCCCO no matter where in Colorado you test.
Here's how the major costs break out:
| Cost item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| NCCCO Rigger Level I written exam | $150 |
| NCCCO Rigger Level I practical exam | $155 |
| OSHA 10-hour construction course | $75 to $200 |
| OSHA 30-hour construction course | $175 to $350 |
| Study materials / prep kit | $50 to $200 |
| Basic rigging gear (personal, if required) | $100 to $400 |
| Total first-year estimate | $530 to $1,255 |
The OSHA training is a separate cost from the NCCCO exam, and most Colorado construction sites require it regardless of your rigging status. [4] Some employers cover OSHA 10 during onboarding. Many don't. Ask before you pay out of pocket.
Exam location matters more in Colorado than in coastal states because the population sits along the Front Range while testing sites are spread out. Check the NCCCO accredited testing site finder for Denver, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. Travel and lodging can add $50 to $200 if the nearest practical site isn't close to you. [3]
Renewal is the cost that catches people off guard. NCCCO certifications last five years. Recertification means a written exam retake at $75 per module. [3] Build that into your five-year math from the start.
How long does it take to get a rigger certification in Colorado?
Eight to fourteen weeks for most people, from opening a study guide to holding a card. The timeline has two parts: getting ready, and waiting for a test date.
Someone with no prior rigging experience usually spends four to eight weeks studying before the written exam feels manageable. The Rigger Level I written covers load calculations, hardware identification, rigging configurations, and hand signals. You can't cram it in a weekend. The math problems need real practice. If you already work in construction and have field exposure, that study stretch drops to two or three weeks.
Once you're ready, NCCCO written exams run at PSI Testing Centers, which have locations in Denver and several other Front Range cities. Scheduling is usually open within one to three weeks of your target date, though spring and summer can push that out. [5]
The practical exam is the longer wait. You need a passing written score before you can sit for it, and practical exams happen on scheduled dates through NCCCO-accredited testing agencies. In Colorado that often means waiting for a group testing event or a date set up through a training provider or union hall. Two to six weeks between your written pass and your practical is realistic. It varies.
OSHA 10-hour courses are everywhere online through OSHA-authorized trainers and take a day or two. [4] OSHA 30-hour courses run three to four days online or in a classroom. Neither needs booking months ahead.
What do Colorado riggers actually earn?
The median rigger in Colorado earns about $28.50 an hour, and the 75th percentile sits near $37. The Bureau of Labor Statistics files riggers under SOC code 49-9096, and its Colorado data drives those figures. [6] The number shifts with geography: metro Denver runs higher, rural western Colorado lower.
Union riggers on IUOE contracts generally out-earn non-union counterparts. Some collective bargaining agreements put journey-level riggers above $38 an hour before benefits. IUOE Local 9 covers much of Colorado and publishes wage schedules you can request directly from the local. [7]
Oil and gas work along the Weld County corridor and in western Colorado sometimes pays a premium over standard construction rigging because of the specialized equipment and the hours. No offshore premiums here, obviously. Remote-site premiums show up on some jobs.
Certification moves your starting wage. Employers know an NCCCO Rigger Level I card means you're ready to work with no credentialing cost to them. That card is usually worth $1.50 to $3 more per hour at hire versus an uncertified candidate who still needs documentation, though no published study pins down that exact spread for Colorado.
What does the NCCCO Rigger Level I exam actually cover?
Two modules: Core and Rigger Level I. Core covers general safety, load dynamics, hardware identification, and basic hand signals. The Rigger Level I module goes into load weight calculations, sling angles, hitch configurations, and inspection of rigging equipment. [2]
NCCCO publishes a candidate handbook that lists every content area and the percentage of questions from each domain. It's the single most reliable study source, because it comes from the people writing the test. The written exam is closed-book and timed.
The practical exam tests whether you can physically rig a load, communicate a lift plan, and inspect hardware in real time in front of an evaluator. You can pass the written and still fail the practical, so hands-on time with real rigging gear before test day matters.
Rigger Level II covers multi-crane lifts, advanced load calculations, and lift planning responsibility. It requires passing Level I first. Most entry-level Colorado construction jobs only ask for Level I. Level II becomes relevant if you're chasing supervision roles or specialty lifting work.
Are there apprenticeship programs for riggers in Colorado?
Formal registered apprenticeships built only for riggers are thin in Colorado compared to states like California or Illinois. IUOE Local 9 runs an operating engineer apprenticeship that can include rigging work as part of an apprentice's training, but it isn't a standalone rigger program. [7]
The U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship.gov database is where you search for active programs. Programs open and close, and the database reflects what's live right now. Search "rigger" and filter for Colorado. [8]
Some large general contractors here run internal training that walks new hires through rigging competency over the first months on the job. These are employer-specific, not transferable credentials, but they often pay for the NCCCO exam once you clear their internal checklist. Worth asking about in the interview.
When no formal apprenticeship fits, the practical move is to get on a crew as a laborer or material handler, knock out your OSHA 10 immediately, and ask to shadow the site rigger. That exposure is what makes the NCCCO practical exam far less intimidating.
How does Colorado compare to other states for rigger costs and requirements?
Colorado sits in the middle for total first-year rigger cost. California layers on state-specific crane and rigging requirements that add money. States like Idaho share Colorado's no-state-license structure, where NCCCO is effectively the only credential that counts.
NCCCO exam fees are uniform across the country because NCCCO sets them, not the states. What varies is the extra requirements a state bolts on top. Colorado adds nothing beyond federal OSHA standards, which keeps its total lower than California or Illinois, both of which run additional licensing frameworks. [9]
Wages differ hard by state. BLS data puts Colorado's median rigger wage above much of the Southeast and roughly level with Arizona and Florida. [6]
Thinking about relocating for rigger work? The Alaska market pays a lot more per hour but carries a higher cost of living and a short, compressed construction season. Florida has more year-round construction than Colorado but lower median wages.
What gear do you actually need to buy as a new rigger in Colorado?
The rigging hardware is the company's problem. Shackles, slings, hooks, and blocks belong to the employer or the crane rental outfit. What you buy is your personal protective equipment.
At minimum: a hard hat meeting ANSI Z89.1 Class E, safety-toed boots rated to ASTM F2413, a high-visibility vest, and work gloves rated for the task. [10] Gloves matter more in rigging than in most trades because you're handling wire rope and synthetic slings that cut and abrade skin fast.
On Denver-area sites, ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility gear is almost always required. Some sites require fall protection if the rigger works elevated. The harness and lanyard for that are usually employer-provided, but confirm before you accept the position.
Budget $150 to $400 for basic PPE if you're buying it yourself. Good work boots alone run $120 to $200 for a pair that survives real use. Don't cheap out on boots if you'll be on rough terrain or near suspended loads.
A laminated rigging reference card or load chart is a small, genuinely useful buy. Several run under $20 and are allowed on many job sites as a planning tool, though not during the NCCCO exam.
How do you actually schedule and pass the NCCCO exam in Colorado?
Start at nccco.org. Create a candidate account, pick the Rigger Level I program, and pay the written exam fee. NCCCO sends you to PSI to schedule the written. PSI has centers in the Denver metro and a handful of other Colorado spots, and you pick a date and location from what's open. [5]
Download the NCCCO Rigger candidate handbook before you study anything else. It tells you exactly what appears on the test and in what proportion. Then grab at least one NCCCO-aligned study resource. RiggerPath sells a $149 one-time NCCCO Rigger + Lift-Plan Kit at /start that bundles the core prep if you want it in one place.
For the practical, contact NCCCO or check its accredited testing agencies page to find upcoming exam events in Colorado. Some run through training companies, some through union halls. You register for the practical slot separately from the written.
NCCCO doesn't publish a raw passing number. It uses a scaled score system and reports pass or fail with that scaled score. [2] You get your written result the day you test at PSI. Practical results usually come within a few days.
Fail, and there's a waiting period. NCCCO allows one written retake within 30 days. After that you wait 90 days before another attempt. Retake fees apply. [2] Don't walk in underprepared.
What are the real ongoing costs after you get certified?
NCCCO certifications last five years, and you recertify through a written exam before they expire. The recert fee is lower than the initial cost: as of 2024, NCCCO charges $75 per module for a recertification written exam. [3] You skip the practical for most recertifications.
NCCCO doesn't formally require continuing education between cycles, but the standards move. ASME B30.9 governs slings and ASME B30.26 covers rigging hardware, and both get updated periodically. [11] Serious riggers stay current with those whether or not a test is coming.
PPE replacement is a running cost. Hard hats carry a manufacturer replacement schedule, often five years from the manufacture date and shorter after any impact. Gloves die fast in this work. Budget $75 to $150 a year for PPE replacement and upkeep.
Move up to Rigger Level II or add crane operator certification later, and those are more exam fees on the same NCCCO account. The Level I credential is the base. It doesn't expire into nothing, it builds toward the next level.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for rigger in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not issue a state rigger license. Federal OSHA's rigging standard, 29 CFR 1926.251, requires a "competent person" for rigging operations on construction sites. In practice, most Colorado job sites meet that requirement through NCCCO Rigger Level I certification, a nationally recognized third-party credential, not a state license. Confirm requirements with each specific employer or general contractor.
How much does rigger certification cost in Colorado?
Expect $530 to $1,255 in your first year. The NCCCO Rigger Level I written exam costs $150 and the practical exam costs $155, both set by NCCCO nationally. Add $75 to $350 for OSHA 10 or 30 training, $50 to $200 for study materials, and $100 to $400 for basic personal protective equipment. Travel to a practical exam site can add cost depending on where you are in Colorado.
How long does it take to become a certified rigger in Colorado?
Most candidates take eight to fourteen weeks from starting study to holding a valid NCCCO card. Study prep runs four to eight weeks depending on prior experience. Written exam scheduling at PSI testing centers usually has availability within one to three weeks. The practical exam requires a passing written score first and may take another two to six weeks to schedule through an accredited testing agency in Colorado.
What is the NCCCO Rigger Level I exam and who needs it in Colorado?
NCCCO Rigger Level I is a two-module exam covering general safety, load dynamics, hardware identification, sling angles, hitch configurations, and rigging equipment inspection. Most Colorado commercial and industrial construction sites require it as proof of competency under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251. The written exam runs at PSI testing centers; the practical exam requires a separate scheduling process through an NCCCO-accredited testing agency.
How much do certified riggers earn in Colorado?
Bureau of Labor Statistics data puts the median hourly wage for riggers in Colorado near $28.50, with the 75th percentile around $37 per hour. Union riggers under IUOE Local 9 agreements can earn above $38 per hour before benefits. Wages run higher in metro Denver and on specialized oil and gas projects in Weld County and western Colorado than in general construction in rural areas.
Does OSHA require rigger certification separately from the NCCCO exam?
OSHA does not mandate NCCCO certification by name. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 requires rigging be performed by a "competent person," and the standard defines what that means in knowledge and ability. NCCCO certification is the most common way contractors document that the standard is met. OSHA 10 or 30 training is a separate requirement many Colorado job sites impose independently of rigging certification status.
Can I study for the NCCCO Rigger exam online in Colorado?
Yes. NCCCO publishes a free candidate handbook at nccco.org that outlines all exam content. Third-party study materials, practice exams, and lift-plan guides are available online. The written exam itself is taken in person at a PSI testing center, not online. OSHA 10 and 30 courses can be completed entirely online through OSHA-authorized training providers, which is a common approach for Colorado candidates.
Are there union apprenticeships for riggers in Colorado?
Formal standalone rigger apprenticeships are thin in Colorado. IUOE Local 9 runs an operating engineer apprenticeship that includes rigging work, but it is not exclusively a rigger program. Check the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship.gov database for currently registered programs in Colorado. Many candidates instead gain experience as laborers on construction crews and then pursue NCCCO certification once they have hands-on exposure.
What happens if I fail the NCCCO rigger exam?
NCCCO allows one written exam retake within 30 days of a failed attempt. After that, you must wait 90 days before another attempt. Retake fees apply and match the original exam fees. Practical exam retake policies are similar. The most common reason candidates fail is weak prep on load calculation math, so targeted practice on that section after a failure makes the biggest difference.
How often do I need to renew my NCCCO rigger certification?
NCCCO certifications are valid for five years. Renewal requires passing a written exam for each module you hold. As of 2024, the recertification written exam fee is $75 per module, lower than the initial certification cost. Most recertifications do not require a practical exam retake. Start the renewal process several months before your expiration date to avoid a lapse.
What personal gear do I need to buy as a new rigger in Colorado?
You're responsible for your personal protective equipment, not the rigging hardware itself. At minimum: an ANSI Z89.1 Class E hard hat, ASTM F2413-rated safety-toed boots, an ANSI Class 2 high-visibility vest, and heavy-duty work gloves. Budget $150 to $400 depending on quality. Employers typically provide slings, shackles, and other rigging hardware. Confirm fall protection equipment responsibility with your specific employer before your first day.
Does Colorado have any additional state requirements on top of federal OSHA standards for riggers?
As of 2024, Colorado does not layer additional state-specific rigging licensure on top of federal OSHA standards. Colorado crane operator licensing exists as a separate credential for crane operators, but riggers are governed at the federal level through 29 CFR 1926.251. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, since state rules can change.
How does the cost of getting a rigger certification in Colorado compare to neighboring states?
NCCCO exam fees are the same in every state since they're set nationally. Colorado's total first-year cost is comparable to Arizona and lower than California, which layers additional state requirements. It runs similar to Idaho and slightly higher than much of the Southeast in practice because Denver's higher cost of living affects OSHA course pricing and PPE. Colorado wages also run higher than most neighboring states except Wyoming resource-sector jobs.
Sources
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.251 - Rigging equipment for material handling: Federal OSHA standard requiring rigging on construction sites be performed by a competent person and governing rigging hardware
- NCCCO, Rigger Certification Program Overview: NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II exam structure, content areas, retake policies, and scaled scoring
- NCCCO, Certification Fees Schedule: NCCCO Rigger Level I written exam $150, practical exam $155, recertification written exam $75 per module
- OSHA, OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry: OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour construction courses are offered through OSHA-authorized trainers and are widely required on construction job sites
- PSI Exams, Testing Center Locations: NCCCO written exams are administered at PSI testing centers, including locations in the Denver metro area
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Colorado: Median hourly wage for riggers in Colorado approximately $28.50, 75th percentile approximately $37 per hour
- U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov Program Finder: Federal database of currently registered apprenticeship programs searchable by occupation and state
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Workers' Compensation - Safety Rules: Colorado occupational safety rules align with federal OSHA standards; no additional state-specific rigger licensure requirement
- OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment: ANSI Z89.1 hard hat and ASTM F2413 safety-toed boot standards referenced in OSHA PPE requirements
- ASME, B30.9 Slings standard: ASME B30.9 governs slings and B30.26 governs rigging hardware; these standards are updated periodically and guide industry practice