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TTT-1 Hoisting & rigging Practice Test

10 questions · 20% of the real TTT-1 exam · instant scoring · explanations cite the standard

Hoisting and rigging is 20% of TTT-1. At this level the exam wants the ground-crew fundamentals: hitches and their capacities, shackle loading, drop zones, signals, capstan safety, tag lines and when rigging is retired under ASME B30. Ten questions, each explained with its source.

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10 hoisting & rigging questions

Question 1 of 10

A sling's rated capacity is lowest in which hitch?

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Choker hitches reduce capacity (typically to about 75–80% of vertical) because of the bend at the choke. Basket is highest when legs are vertical, at about twice vertical.

Question 2 of 10

The breaking strength of rigging hardware is typically how many times its WLL?

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A 5:1 design factor is standard for shackles, hooks and most hardware. The margin is for shock, wear and uncertainty — not available for use.

Question 3 of 10

A shackle should be loaded:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. In-line loading on the bow, pin seated. Side loading reduces capacity sharply; a rotating rope on a screw pin can back it out.

Question 4 of 10

Before hoisting, the ground crew must establish:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The drop zone is the area under the load path where a dropped object lands. It is marked, communicated at the JHA, and nobody enters it while a load is in the air.

Question 5 of 10

Hand signals and radio commands between the climber and hoist operator should be:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. One signal person, standard signals, agreed before the lift. Anyone can call STOP, but only the designated signaler directs the load.

Question 6 of 10

A capstan hoist works by:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The operator's grip on the tail controls the lift. Letting go releases the load — which is why the tail is never wrapped around a hand or body.

Question 7 of 10

Wire rope with a kink should be:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A kink permanently displaces the strands. B30 lists kinking as an immediate removal criterion.

Question 8 of 10

Before hoisting an antenna, its weight is determined from:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Known weight plus the weight of all rigging gives the gross load, which is compared against the hoist, rope and rigging ratings — and the structure's temporary load limits.

Question 9 of 10

Synthetic slings must be protected from:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Edges cut synthetic webbing under load. Edge protection is required wherever the sling contacts a corner, and UV exposure is a separate retirement consideration.

Question 10 of 10

During a lift, a tag line should be:

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. A load that swings or snags will take a wrapped hand with it. The tag line is held, not attached.

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Frequently asked questions

How much of the NWSA TTT-1 exam is hoisting & rigging?

20%, per the Candidate Handbook REV 10/25 content outline. The full TTT-1 exam is 85 questions · 90 minutes.

Is the NWSA exam computer-based?

Yes. Since January 2024 every NWSA certification exam is delivered by Online Remote Proctoring (ORP) — you take it on your own computer with a live proctor. The practical exam component was discontinued at the same time.

What score do I need to pass the NWSA exam?

NWSA does not publish a passing score. Exams are criterion-referenced and the cut score is set by a panel of subject-matter experts; results are reported as pass/fail with a domain-by-domain breakdown. Any site quoting a specific percentage is guessing.

How much does the NWSA exam cost?

$274 for every NWSA certification — TTT-1, TTT-2, A&L, Foreman and ARC. Retakes are the same $274, with a 30-day wait between attempts. Fees are set by NWSA and can change; nws-a.org is the authority.

Exam facts on this page are from the NWSA Candidate Handbook, CH REV 10/25. Fees, formats and rules change — the handbook is the authority. NWSA Study Guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or recognized by the National Wireless Safety Alliance.