Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Colorado has no state rigger license. Riggers here work under OSHA federal standards, and most employers require NCCCO certification. NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II credentials last five years and renew through written recertification exams or CCO-approved continuing education. Costs run roughly $165 to $210 per exam module at the time of writing, but confirm current fees directly with NCCCO before you register.
Do you need a license for rigger work in Colorado?
No state-issued rigger license exists in Colorado. The state runs no licensing board for riggers, and there is no Colorado-specific certificate to obtain or renew through a state agency. [1]
"No state license" does not mean "no credential." Federal OSHA standards under 29 CFR 1926.1400 cover cranes and derricks in construction, and they require that riggers be "qualified" for the work, meaning the employer must be able to document competency. [2] Most Colorado contractors, general contractors, and project owners treat NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) certification as the practical proof of that qualification. If your employer or a project owner requires NCCCO, you need it. Full stop.
So the real question isn't "do I need a Colorado license?" It's "how do I keep my NCCCO certification current?" That's what this article covers.
How long does NCCCO rigger certification last in Colorado?
NCCCO Rigger Level I and Rigger Level II certifications each run five years. [3] The clock starts the day you pass your initial certification exams, and your certificate shows the exact expiration date.
Five years sounds like a long runway. But the renewal window opens only 12 months before your expiration date. Miss the window and let the credential lapse, and NCCCO makes you go through the full initial certification process again, more than a recertification exam. That's a real penalty. Mark the one-year-out date on your calendar the day you get your card.
Colorado's construction season concentrates work in spring through fall, so plenty of riggers let paperwork slide over winter. Don't let renewal be one of those things.
What does the NCCCO renewal process involve?
NCCCO gives you two ways to renew a Rigger credential before it expires. [3]
Path 1 is a written recertification exam. You schedule through PSI testing centers (NCCCO's exam administrator), pay the exam fee, and sit a written test covering the same domain content as your original exam. You don't retake a practical exam for renewal if you already hold the credential. Pass, and another five-year term goes on your certificate.
Path 2 is continuing education (CE) credits. NCCCO accepts CCO-approved training hours in place of the written exam for some credential types. For Rigger specifically, confirm with NCCCO directly which CE pathway applies to your credential level, because the rules have changed over time and the specifics matter. [3]
Either path, you apply through NCCCO's online portal, submit proof of completed training or your exam scores, pay any fees, and NCCCO issues a new certificate. Processing times vary. Apply early.
How much does rigger renewal cost in Colorado?
Colorado adds no state fee on top of NCCCO's, because there's no state license. Your total is what NCCCO charges plus whatever you spend on prep or travel to a testing center.
NCCCO's published fee schedule sets the written recertification exam fee per module. At the time this was written, the written exam for a single rigger module ran roughly $165 to $210. [4] NCCCO revises its fee schedule periodically, so check the current numbers on NCCCO's site before you register. That's not a hedge. The figure has moved before and could move again.
Need a study kit or practice materials? Budget another $50 to $150 depending on what you buy. RiggerPath's NCCCO Rigger + Lift-Plan Kit ($149 one-time, at /start) covers the written exam domain content if you want structured prep.
Here's a realistic cost range for one Colorado rigger renewal cycle.
| Item | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| NCCCO written recertification exam (one module) | $165 | $210 |
| Exam prep materials (optional) | $0 | $150 |
| Travel to PSI test center | $0 | $60 |
| Total | $165 | $420 |
Sources: NCCCO fee schedule [4]; PSI testing center network [5]. Confirm current fees before registering.
Where do Colorado riggers take the recertification exam?
PSI Services runs NCCCO's written testing network nationwide. Colorado has PSI locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and other metro areas. [5] You schedule online through PSI's portal after you register with NCCCO.
Live in a rural part of the state? The nearest center may mean real travel. Durango, Grand Junction, and Pueblo have had test center options in the past, but availability shifts. Check current PSI site locations when you're ready to schedule. You can also ask PSI about remote proctored options, though those come with technical requirements worth reading carefully before you commit.
Schedule at least four to six weeks out during busy seasons. Denver metro slots fill fast, and you don't want a full center pushing you past your expiration date.
What OSHA rules apply to Colorado riggers on the job?
Colorado is a Federal OSHA state, so OSHA's federal standards apply directly instead of a state plan. [1] The main rule governing rigging is 29 CFR 1926.1400, the cranes and derricks in construction standard, which OSHA finalized in 2010 and has since updated. [2]
Under 29 CFR 1926.1413, the employer must ensure rigging hardware is inspected before each shift and that the riggers doing the work are qualified. "Qualified" under this standard means a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter. [8]
NCCCO certification is the most widely recognized way to show that qualification, which is exactly why employers default to requiring it even without a state license. The standard doesn't mandate NCCCO by name. It mandates demonstrated competence. NCCCO is just the clearest paper trail.
For general industry rigging (not construction), 29 CFR 1910.184 covers slings, and 29 CFR 1910.179 covers overhead cranes. Those standards carry their own training and inspection requirements. [6][10]
What happens if your NCCCO credential lapses before you renew?
This is the scenario you want to avoid. Miss the renewal window and let your five-year credential expire, and NCCCO offers no grace period and no late-renewal shortcut. You start over: initial certification exams, written and practical, plus initial application fees. [9]
On the job, working as a rigger with a lapsed credential creates exposure for you and your employer under the OSHA qualified-worker requirement. Some project owners run random audits of credential expiration dates. Get caught working on a lapsed card and you can be pulled off the project, with a possible OSHA citation for the employer.
Set two reminders: one at 12 months out (renewal window opens) and one at six months out. Treat six months out as your real deadline so paperwork delays don't catch you.
How does Colorado compare to states with an actual rigger license?
A few states have moved toward state-level rigger licensing. New York City has its own rigger license through the NYC Department of Buildings, separate from and on top of any NCCCO credential. California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) runs a state plan with requirements that differ from federal OSHA. [7]
Colorado is simpler on paper. One credential to maintain (NCCCO), one renewal cycle (five years), one fee structure (NCCCO's). No state license expiration to track apart from your certification. That's a real administrative advantage.
The tradeoff: "qualified rigger" stays somewhat employer-defined here. If a project owner decides to require something beyond NCCCO, like a site-specific orientation or a different credential, they can. NCCCO gets you to 95% of project requirements, but always verify with the specific general contractor or owner before you assume.
Work across state lines? Compare renewal requirements wherever you take jobs. See how other states handle it: rigger renewal in California, rigger renewal in Arizona, and rigger renewal in Illinois are useful reference points.
What documentation should a Colorado rigger keep on file?
Keep physical and digital copies of everything. The short list:
Your current NCCCO wallet card (front and back photo on your phone, hard copy in your gear bag). Your NCCCO certification record from the online portal, which shows issue date and expiration. Any continuing education certificates if you go the CE route. Your initial certification exam score reports, in case an employer or auditor wants original records.
Some Colorado employers and general contractors want a copy of your certification before they add you to a project's safety plan. Having a PDF ready to email saves time. NCCCO's online portal lets you print or download your certification status. Use it.
Hold multiple NCCCO credentials, say Rigger Level I and Rigger Level II? Track each expiration date separately. They may not line up if you earned them at different times.
Is there any continuing education requirement outside the renewal exam?
NCCCO's CE pathway is the main structured continuing education option for riggers. Past that, Colorado mandates no state CE hours for riggers the way some licensed trades require ongoing education to keep a state license.
OSHA's standards do require employers to retrain workers under specific conditions: when there's reason to believe a worker isn't following required procedures, when a worker is seen using equipment in a way that breaks the standards, or when new equipment or revised procedures come in. [2] That's employer-driven training, not a formal annual CE credit system.
Plenty of Colorado rigging contractors and crane rental companies run their own annual refreshers. If your employer requires them, do them, and keep records. OSHA inspectors can ask for training documentation, and having it current beats explaining a gap.
What's the smartest way to approach renewal if you're coming up on your five-year mark?
Start 12 months out. That's when your renewal window opens, and it gives you margin for everything that can go sideways: a full testing center, a study schedule that slips, NCCCO processing time eating your cushion.
Decide early: written exam or CE credits. If you've been actively rigging through your five-year term and your knowledge is current, the written exam is usually faster and cheaper than stacking up CE hours. If you've done relevant training that counts as CE, tally what you have before you register for an exam.
Get your prep materials in the first month of the window. The written recertification exam covers the same domain knowledge as the initial exam, so the content isn't new, but test format and time pressure still trip people up if they walk in cold. A solid week of focused review is realistic for most working riggers.
Want a structured study option? RiggerPath's NCCCO Rigger + Lift-Plan Kit at /start is built around the exam domains and costs $149 as a one-time purchase. It covers both Rigger Level I and the written lift planning content. Use it, pass, move on.
For state-by-state comparison as you plan, the rigger renewal in Alaska, rigger renewal in Idaho, and rigger renewal in Georgia guides cover how comparable states structure their requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for rigger work in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not issue a state rigger license. Riggers here work under federal OSHA standards, and employers typically require NCCCO certification as proof that a worker is qualified under 29 CFR 1926.1400. So while there's no state license to apply for, you almost certainly need an NCCCO credential to get on a commercial project in Colorado.
How long does NCCCO rigger certification last in Colorado?
Five years from the date you pass your initial certification exams. The renewal window opens 12 months before expiration. If the credential lapses without renewal, NCCCO requires you to complete the full initial certification process again, including both written and practical exams.
How much does rigger renewal cost in Colorado?
Because there is no state license, your only fees are NCCCO's. The written recertification exam runs roughly $165 to $210 per module based on NCCCO's current fee schedule, though fees do change, so confirm before registering. Add optional study materials and travel to a PSI test center and the realistic total is $165 to $420 for a single renewal cycle.
How long does the NCCCO renewal process take in Colorado?
The exam itself takes a few hours on test day. Allow four to six weeks from when you register to when you actually sit the exam, since PSI testing slots fill up, especially in the Denver metro area during peak construction season. After passing, NCCCO processing of your renewed certificate typically takes a few weeks. Start the process at least three to four months before your expiration date to be safe.
Can I renew NCCCO Rigger certification with continuing education instead of an exam?
NCCCO does offer a CE pathway for some credential renewals. Whether it applies to your specific Rigger Level I or Level II credential, and how many hours are required, depends on NCCCO's current rules. Confirm directly with NCCCO before assuming CE will work for your renewal, because requirements have been updated over time.
What happens if my NCCCO credential expires before I renew?
You lose access to the recertification path entirely. NCCCO treats a lapsed credential the same as never having been certified, meaning you must retake the full initial certification exams, both written and practical. You also risk OSHA exposure on job sites that require a current credential. There is no grace period. Let it lapse and the cost and time burden roughly doubles.
Where can Colorado riggers take the NCCCO recertification exam?
PSI Services administers NCCCO written exams at testing centers across Colorado, including locations in Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. Schedule through PSI's online portal after completing your NCCCO renewal application. If you're outside a metro area, check current site availability because locations change, and ask PSI about remote proctored options if applicable.
Does Colorado have a state plan under OSHA or does federal OSHA apply?
Colorado is a federal OSHA state, meaning OSHA's federal standards apply directly. The state does not run its own OSHA plan. For riggers, the controlling standard is 29 CFR 1926.1400 for construction rigging, which requires workers to be qualified for the rigging tasks they perform.
Does NCCCO Rigger Level I cover the same renewal steps as Rigger Level II?
Both carry a five-year certification term and renew through the same general NCCCO process. Level II covers more complex load weight and rigging configurations than Level I. If you hold both, track each expiration date separately since they may differ if you earned them at different times. The recertification exam content for each level matches its own domain.
What records should I keep for my Colorado rigger renewal?
Keep your current NCCCO wallet card (physical and a phone photo), your NCCCO online certification record showing issue and expiration dates, any CE certificates if you used the education pathway, and your original exam score reports. Many Colorado GCs require a copy of your certification before adding you to a project safety plan, so having a PDF ready from NCCCO's portal saves time.
Do I need a separate license if I rig in both Colorado and another state?
Colorado has no state license, so there's nothing to obtain on the Colorado side beyond NCCCO certification. States with their own rigger licensing, like New York City's DOB-issued license, do require separate credentials. Check the specific requirements of any other state where you work. NCCCO certification is widely accepted across state lines but is not always sufficient on its own in every jurisdiction.
Is there a difference between a qualified rigger and a certified rigger under federal OSHA?
Yes. OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.1400 uses the term "qualified rigger" and defines it based on demonstrated competence, not a specific certificate. NCCCO certification is not explicitly mandated by the federal standard, but it is the most recognized way to prove qualification. Some contracts specify NCCCO by name; others accept equivalent demonstrated experience. Know what your specific project or employer requires.
How do I verify that my NCCCO certification is still current before starting a job?
Log into NCCCO's online portal at nccco.org to view and print your current certification status. Your wallet card also shows the expiration date. NCCCO maintains a public verification lookup that project owners and general contractors can use to confirm your credential. If an employer asks for verification, direct them to NCCCO's verification page or provide a printed record from your account.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA - State Plan States: Colorado is a federal OSHA state and does not operate its own state OSHA plan, meaning federal OSHA standards apply directly.
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1926.1400 - Cranes and Derricks in Construction: OSHA's construction cranes standard requires that riggers performing rigging work be qualified, and defines qualified to mean demonstrated ability through recognized credentials, training, or experience.
- NCCCO - Rigger Certification Program Overview: NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II certifications carry a five-year term and renew through written recertification exams or CCO-approved continuing education within the 12-month window before expiration.
- NCCCO - Examination Fees: NCCCO publishes its examination fee schedule for written and recertification exams, which is subject to periodic revision.
- PSI Services - Test Center Locator: PSI Services administers NCCCO written exams at test centers across Colorado including Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs.
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.184 - Slings: For general industry rigging, 29 CFR 1910.184 governs sling use, inspection requirements, and worker training.
- California Department of Industrial Relations - Cal/OSHA: California operates its own OSHA state plan through Cal/OSHA, with some requirements that differ from federal OSHA, unlike Colorado which follows federal standards directly.
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1926.1413 - Wire Rope, Inspections: Under 29 CFR 1926.1413, employers must ensure rigging hardware is inspected before each shift by a qualified person.
- NCCCO - Recertification Information: NCCCO describes recertification requirements, renewal window timing, and the consequence of credential lapse requiring full re-certification.
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.179 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes: 29 CFR 1910.179 covers general industry overhead and gantry crane inspection and operation standards, separate from the construction cranes rule.