STEP ONE: You must meet the minimum qualifications to become a licensed Climber or Tower Crane Rigger.
You must be:
- At least 18 years old
Able to read, write, and understand the English language
Has at least five years of practical experience in the climber or tower crane rigging business within seven years prior to application; and
Has knowledge of and is able to explain the risks incident to such business and precautions to be taken in connection therewith; including connecting pins, cables, anchorage, platform or pad, plumb of mast, torque of bolts, supervision of rigging and hoisting of loads, placement of components and coordination of sequencing.
Please see the full text of the New York City Administrative Code for all the qualifications requirements.
STEP TWO: You must apply to take the Climber or Tower Crane Rigger Exam, administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). The exam application and exam dates can be found on the DCAS website at www.nyc.gov/dcas, or you can pick one up at the following Manhattan location: 2 Lafayette Street, 17th floor, New York, NY
Submit the application, along with exam fee of $275 payable by money order only, to:
Division of Citywide Personnel Services
Application Section
One Centre Street, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10007
TEL: (212) 669-1357
The application must include documentation that you have the required work/educational experience. This includes: payroll records, notarized or sealed letters from your employers that detail the type of work you performed, and any other documents the Department requests.
STEP THREE: You must take the Climber or Tower Crane Rigger Exams.
The written exam is a multiple-choice test assessing your knowledge of the NYC Administrative Code. You will NOT be allowed to use reference materials during the exam. If you pass the written exam you will be scheduled to take the practical exam. If you pass the practical exam, you will receive a letter notifying you of your written exam score in approximately 5 weeks.
STEP FOUR: Apply for your Climber/Tower Crane Rigger License!
If you pass the exam, the Department of Buildings Licensing Unit will notify you in writing that you are eligible to apply for a Climber/Tower Crane Rigger License. You have one year from the date of the letter to begin submitting the required documents for your license. If you do not submit all the required documents within one year of the date of the first document submission, you may be required to retake the examination. The notice will include an application form, instructions, and a list of additional documents required by the Licensing Unit. The License application (LIC-2) and instructions can also be found on the Buildings website under Forms - Licensing Be sure to look in the Licenses and Renewals section. Candidates can make an appointment to apply for the Climber or Tower Crane Rigger license by calling (212) 566-4100 between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday.
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