Print

Obtain a Tower Crane 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

In order to obtain a Tower Crane Rigger License, you must meet 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 good moral character so as not to adversely impact your fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Tower Crane Rigger
  • Have at least five (5) years of practical experience in tower or climber crane rigging business in New York City within seven (7) years prior to application date

*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 pass a written and practical exam in order to become a Tower Crane Rigger.

Written

You must complete the exam application (LIC41), check the box that indicates you are a Tower/Climber Crane Rigger candidate and submit the application with the $525.00 fee to the Department (see contact information below).

Practical

After passing the written exam, you must apply to take the practical exam (LIC42). To do this you must complete the exam application, check the box that indicates you are a Tower/Climber Crane Rigger candidate and submit the application with the $350.00 fee, payable by money order only, to:

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

* After passing the written exam, you must apply to take the practical exam (LIC42). 

NOTE: Effective March 16, 2017, you have up to twenty-four (24) months from the date of notification of passing the written examination to pass the practical examination.

Step 3: Scheduling Your Exam

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

  • If your application is accepted, you will receive an email from the exam administrator with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are given at several locations in the State.
  • The exams assess your knowledge of the rules and regulations governing hoisting and rigging operations in New York City, including weights for various materials hoisted, knowledge of safety measures, accident prevention and related matter as well as candidates' ability to perform rigging operations. You will not be allowed to use reference materials during the exams.
  • Passing score is seventy (70) percent. If you pass the written exam you will receive your report (printed by the site proctor) at the exam site at the time of testing, and a practical exam will be scheduled.
  • If you pass the practical exam, you will receive a letter via US Mail by CPS approximately 3-4 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. Applicants have one (1) year to complete the submission of all required documentation. The following documentation is required:

  • Examination Score Report
  • Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years you are claiming as experience;
    *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
    *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*
  • Original Social Security Card
  • 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
  • DOB Physical Examination Form Buildings Physical Examination Form LIC61 signed by a physician or a current signed Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Proof of Certification of Compliance with substance abuse provisions. The Department will provide a substance abuse policy compliance document for you to complete during your appointment. Prior to this appointment, you will need to have a substance abuse test conducted at a laboratory or doctor’s office.
  • Notarized letter from the Licensee that includes the physician’s/laboratory’s name, address, phone number and your consent to release the results of the substance abuse test to the Department upon request

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 – $150.00

Step 5: Obtaining the License Card

Once you have passed both exams and the background investigation, you need to obtain your Tower Crane Rigger license.

  • 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 Tower Crane Rigger license card.
  • Original applicants will be required to submit the following business documentation:
    Applicants whose business affiliation is a CORPORATION mustprovide 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.
  • 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 notification, you will be required to retake the exams.

How To

Forms

Helpful Links