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Obtain a: Special Rigger License

UPDATE: New License Application Requirement 
New License Application Service Notice - Starting September 7, 2021, all new license applications are required to be submitted online at www.nyc.gov/dobnow. See the New License Application User Guide for step-by-step directions.

NOTE: The Licensing & Exams Unit will not be accepting any walk-in transactions, or paper applications for this process.

Step 1: Qualifications

To Obtain a Special Rigger License, you must meet all of the following qualifications:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years old;
  • Be able to read and write the English language;
  • Be fit to perform the work authorized by the particular license;
  • Have satisfactorily completed a Department-approved thirty-two (32) hour training course for suspended scaffold supervision within one (1) year prior to application;
  • Satisfactorily completed a Department-approved training course for special riggers that is at least sixteen (16) hours in length within one (1) year prior to application;

You must also meet one of the following experience qualifications:

  • Have at least two (2) years of experience, within the three (3) years prior to application, working as a designated special rigging foreman in New York City under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed special rigger;
  • Have at least three (3) Years of experience, within the five (5) years prior to application, supervising the installation of use of suspended scaffolds in New York City in accordance with the Building Code;

NOTE: Please see the full text of Title 28 of the New York City Administrative Code for all the qualifications requirements.

Step 2: Applying for the Exam

You must complete a practical exam in order to become a Special Rigger. First, complete the practical exam application (LIC42), check the box that indicates you are a Special Rigger candidate and submit the application with the $350.00 fee, payable by money order only, to:

NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing & Exams Unit – Attn. Exams
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

Step 3: Scheduling Your Exam

After submitting your exam application, next you must schedule your exam.

  • If your application is accepted, you will receive an email from the exam administrator in three (3) to four (4) weeks with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are given at several locations in the State.
  • The practical exam assesses your knowledge of the rules and regulations governing hoisting and rigging in New York City, weights of various materials to be hoisted, knowledge of safety measures, accident prevention and related matter and your ability to perform rigging operations. You will not be allowed to use reference materials during the exam.
  • If you pass the practical exam, you will receive a letter via US Mail by CPS approximately three (3) to four (4) weeks after the date of the practical exam.

Step 4: Submitting Your Application

You must complete an online application and submit the required documents listed below as scanned PDFs via the DOB NOW Portal. Applicants that do not currently have an eFiling account will need to create an account by completing the registration form.

Please see the New License Application User Guide for step-by-step directions.

You must upload PDF scans. Pictures of documents will not be accepted. The following documentation is required:

  • Examination Score Report
  • LIC51 application
    *NOTE: Applicants may also fill out the LIC51 Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by Email even if they would like to receive Notices of Violation (NOV)/Summonses via email.*
  • Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years you are claiming as experience; This is NOT the Social Security Statement.
    *NOTE: Experience Verification Forms from company Human Resources will not be accepted.*
  • Social Security History of Earnings for the years you are claiming as experience. This is NOT the Social Security Statement.
    *NOTE: There is a fee charged by the Social Security Administration for this service. You must request the report to be run by "company name. You may request the information by mail or in person (ordinarily you can receive this instantly in person). Visit the Social Security Administration for more information.*
  • Photo ID (driver’s license, learner’s permit, State ID, green card, or passport)
  • Original Social Security Card
  • LIC61 Form, must be completed by a physician within 90 days prior to the appointment date
  • Typed and notarized letter from the Licensee listing the name, address and telephone number of the laboratory that performed the substance abuse test and a statement giving consent for the laboratory to the release such information to the Department
  • Substance Abuse Attestation Form (this will be provided at the Department)
  • Original birth certificate, current passport or green card
  • Proof of Residence (utility bill, bank statement, lease or deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person with whom you are residing
    *Note: Cell phone bills will not be accepted.*
  • Latest pay stub or W-2

You must also pay all applicable fees within the DOB NOW Portal

  • Background Investigation Fee – $500.00
    For questions pertaining to your background investigation or to find out the status, please send inquiries to lbackgrounds@buildings.nyc.gov.
  • License Issuance Fee – $200.00

Step 5: Obtaining the License Card

Once you have passed the practical exam and the background investigation, you need to obtain your Special Rigger license card.

  • If you pass the practical exam and the background investigation, you will be able to schedule an appointment within the DOB NOW Portal to take a picture and receive the Special Rigger license.
  • If you are approved for the license you are required to be an officer, partner or sole proprietor of a business/company, and the business must have a place of business in New York City that complies with all Zoning Code regulations (i.e. within a commercial zone)
  • Original applicants will be required to submit the following business documentation:
    Applicants whose business affiliation is a CORPORATION must provide the following
    - Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, certified by the State
    - Copy of Filing Receipt certified by the State
    - Copy of the minutes stating the elected officers, including time, date, and location of meeting (applicant must be an officer)
    - Copy of Articles of Agreement/By Laws. If none, an Affidavit on Corporation Stationery stating there are none, must be submitted
    - The corporation must have a business address in the City of New York. You must submit a copy of a utility bill or bank statement with company name at business location, and insurance certificates for General Liability, Worker’s Compensation, and Disability
    - Affidavit with corporate name showing officers of company stating their names, titles, address, and license number, if any.  The Affidavit must contain a paragraph stating the President of the company will notify the Department   within ten (10) days of any changes in the Officers whether they are licensed or unlicensed.

    Applicants whose business is a LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) must provide
    - Copy of filing receipt or Certificate of Good Standing
    - Copy of Article of Organization certified by the State
    - Copy of Operating Agreement (if none, an affidavit on corporation stationary stating such)
    - Copy of the minutes stating the elected officers, including time, date, and location of meeting (applicant must be an officer).
    - Affidavit with corporate name showing officers of company stating their names, titles, address, and license number, if any.  The Affidavit must contain a paragraph stating the President of the company will notify the Department within ten (10) days of any changes in the Officers whether they are licensed or unlicensed.

    Original Applicants whose Business is a PARTNERSHIP must supply
    - Copy of Partnership Agreement listing all Present Officers.
    - Letter on Business Stationery stating names and address of all partners and license number, if any.  The letter must contain a paragraph stating the licensed partner will notify the Department of Building of any changes of partners whether they are licensed or unlicensed.
    - Business Address of Partnership must be in the City of New York. You must submit a copy of a utility bill or bank statement with company name at business location.
    - Insurance Certificate for General Liability, Worker’s Compensation, and Disability.

    Original Applicants applying as an INDIVIDUAL with a business name (Sole-Proprietor) must supply
    - An affidavit stating you will be operating as a sole proprietorship and acknowledging you are personally liable for all violations and fines issued for the licensed work you perform.
    - Additionally, if operating under a trade name, a copy of the Business Certificate certified by the County Clerk.
  • All applicants will be required to submit insurance certificates for General Liability, Worker’s Compensation and Disability in order to obtain the license.
  • You have one (1) year from the date of notification to submit the required documents for your license. If you do not complete the process within one (1) year of the date of notificationr, you will be required to retake the exam.

For more information, visit the Department's website at www.nyc.gov/buildings.

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