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Obtain a Master Rigger License

All new license applications must be submitted online at nyc.gov/dobnow. See the New License Application User Guide for step-by-step directions. For reference, please read the New License Application Service Notice. Also, the Licensing & Exams Unit is not accepting any walk-in transactions, or paper applications for this process.

STEP 1: Qualifications

To obtain a Master Rigger License, you must meet all the following qualifications prior to applying for the license:

  • 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 license
  • have good moral character so as not to adversely impact your fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Master Rigger
  • must pass a Department-sponsored examination administered for a Master Rigger, within the one (1) year prior to application
  • Possess valid certifications for both rigging supervision and lift direction issued by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited program. The certifications should cover areas including the inspection and use of rigging hardware, rigging techniques, signaling, hazards associated with rigging, and calculations and problem solving with respect to rigging
  • completed a Department-approved 32-hour course for lift directing, within the one (1) year prior to application
  • completed a Department-approved 32-hour course for rigging supervision, within the one (1) year prior to application

You must also meet at least one (1) of the following:

  • have five (5) years of experience working as a designated master rigging foreman in New York City under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master rigger, within the seven (7) years prior to application; or
  • have experience as a licensed Professional Engineer developing and providing onsite verification of the critical pick plan in accordance with the Building Code for at least twenty-five (25) separate New York City certificates of on-site inspections, within the five (5) years prior to application; or
  • have five (5) years of experience working as a licensed lift director in New York City, within the seven (7) years prior to application.

STEP 2: Applying for the Exam

You must pass the written and practical exams in order to become a Master Rigger.

Written

You must complete the exam application (LIC41), check the box that indicates you are a Master 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). First, complete the exam application, check the box that indicates you are a Master 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 one (1) to two (2) weeks with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are given at several locations in the State.
  • The 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.
  • Passing score is seventy (70) percent. If you pass the written exam, the site proctor will print your report on-site and a practical exam will be scheduled.
  • 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:

  • LIC2 application
  • LIC34, if applicable
  • 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.
  • Examination Score Report Form
  • LIC61: Physical Examination Form must be completed by a physician within the 90 days prior to application
  • Valid certificates for rigging supervision and lift direction, issued by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited program
  • Certificate of 32-hour Department-approved course for lift directing
  • Certificate of 32-hour Department-approved course for rigging supervision
  • Background Investigation Questionnaire
  • Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years claimed as experience
    NOTE: Experience Verification Forms from company Human Resources will not be accepted.
  • Substance Abuse Attestation
  • Notarized letter from the applicant showing a negative result of the substance abuse test. It also must include the name, address and telephone number of the laboratory that performed the test and give consent to the release by the laboratory of the test results to the Department upon its request
  • Child Support Certification Form
  • Photo ID (driver license, learner’s permit, State ID, green card, or passport)
  • Original Social Security Card
  • Original birth certificate, current passport, or green card
  • Latest paystub or W-2
  • Social Security History of Earnings for the years claimed 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).
  • Certificate of a New York State licensed Professional Engineer, if applicable
  • Certificate of a New York City licensed Lift Director, if applicable
  • 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 Your License Card

Once you have passed the pratical exam and the background investigation, you need to obtain your Master Rigger license.

  • If you pass the background investigation and receive Business Application approval, you will be able to schedule an appointment within the DOB NOW Portal to take a picture and receive the Master Rigger license card.
  • You have one (1) year from the date of Department’s notice of approval to submit the required forms, documents and fees to obtain your license. Failure to do so within the time will result in the denial of license issuance and will require a re-examination and reapplication.
  • 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 or Certificate of Good standing, 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, a notarized affidavit on corporation stationery stating there are none, must be submitted.
    • 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 corporation name at business location.
    • Affidavit on business letterhead listing all officers of corporation stating their names, titles, address, and license number, if any. The Affidavit must contain a paragraph stating the President of the corporation 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 the following:

    • Copy of filing receipt or Certificate of Good Standing, certified by the State
    • 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 on business letterhead listing all officers of corporation stating their names, titles, address, and license number, if any. The Affidavit must contain a paragraph stating the President of the corporation 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 PARTNERSHIP must provide the following:

    • Copy of Partnership Agreement listing all present partners
    • 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 corporation name at business location.

Applicants applying as an INDIVIDUAL with a business name (Sole-Proprietor) must provide the following:

    • Copy of the Business Certificate certified by the County Clerk
    • 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
    • Business address must be in the City of New York. You must submit a copy of a utility bill or bank statement with corporation name at business location.
  • All applicants will be required to submit insurance certificates for General Liability, Worker’s Compensation and Disability to obtain the license.

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