Checked 23 October 2026. Exam format as stated in the CCO Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook (REV 01/25) and OSHA rules as in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, both read on 23 October 2026. CCO revises its handbook from time to time; check the current one before your exam.
Load charts are about a quarter of the CCO (NCCCO) Mobile Crane Operator Core written exam and about a third of each specialty exam. To answer them you read the chart for the crane's configuration, apply its notes for values between the printed lines, and subtract every deduction to get the net load. This guide shows the method on a practice chart. ProSyllabus is an independent study site, not part of the NCCCO (CCO).
CCO Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook (REV 01/25), read 23 Oct 2026.
- 60 original load chart problems
- Gross, net, radius, parts of line, jib
- Fictional charts with their own notes
- Three timed rounds at the specialty pace
Where load charts appear in the NCCCO written exams
CCO's Mobile Crane Operator certification asks for the Core written exam, at least one specialty written exam (Lattice Boom LAT, Telescopic Boom Swing Cab TLL, or Telescopic Boom Fixed Cab TSS) and the matching practical exam, with 12 months from the first exam you pass to pass the others. The handbook's outlines put load charts in both written exams, with a different emphasis.
| Exam | Format | Load chart share | What the outline lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 95 questions, 90 minutes, calculator not permitted | Load Charts about 27% | Load chart terminology; reading and arithmetic; choosing the right chart for the machine and its application; the rated capacity chart, range diagram, work area chart, parts-of-line information and maximum/minimum boom angle information; optimizing the configuration |
| Specialty (LAT, TLL, TSS) | 28 questions, 60 minutes, calculator permitted | Manufacturers' Load Charts about 35% | Applying chart notes; specifications; range and work area diagrams; boom and jib erection charts; rated capacity charts; finding the maximum radius for load placement, the gross capacity and the net capacity; telling maximum line pull from the safe working load of running ropes |
CCO Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook (REV 01/25), Core written exam outline, read 23 Oct 2026.
Each specialty exam only contains questions about its own crane type: the handbook says lattice boom questions appear on the LAT exam but not on TLL or TSS. The other Core domains are Site (about 22%), Operations (about 28%) and Technical Knowledge (about 23%).
FreeTests: Net capacity · Values between the chart lines · Parts of line
Crane Load Chart Drill: free sample
Answer 3 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
3 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.The words you must know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Radius | The horizontal distance from the axis of rotation to the center of the vertical hoist line with the load suspended. Capacities are rated by radius; a loaded boom deflects and the radius grows, so the loaded radius is the one that counts. |
| Gross capacity | The figure printed on the chart for a boom length and radius. It includes everything hanging from the boom tip. |
| Net capacity | Gross capacity minus the hook block or overhaul ball, slings and rigging, and any deduction the chart notes list (such as a stowed or erected jib). It is the most the capacity chart lets you lift; the hoist line can set a lower limit. |
| Structural and stability limits | Close in, capacities are usually set by the strength of the boom and structure; farther out, by tipping. Many charts mark the two areas. |
| Parts of line | The number of hoist rope parts supporting the hook block. The total suspended weight (load, rigging and block or ball) cannot exceed the permitted line pull times the parts of line, whatever the capacity chart says. |
| Range diagram | The boom (or jib) tip position, height against radius, for each boom length and angle: used to find a configuration that reaches a radius and height. The usable hook height is less, once the block, rigging and clearance are allowed for; check what reference point the diagram uses. |
| Work area chart | Shows the areas around the carrier (for example over the rear or over the side) in which each capacity chart applies. |
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1401 defines rated capacity as the maximum working load permitted by the manufacturer under specified working conditions, such as the equipment configuration, radii and boom length. OSHA 1926.1417(c) requires the load charts to be readily available in the cab, and 1926.1417(o) says the equipment must not be operated beyond its rated capacity.
A practice chart to work with
Real charts belong to their manufacturers, so the one below is made up for practice: a fictional 35 to 105 ft telescopic boom on fully extended outriggers. It has the kinds of parts real charts have: capacities by boom length and radius, a structural/stability marking, notes on values between lines, and a list of deductions. Only its fully extended outrigger chart is printed here.
Fictional practice chart · not a real crane
PX-40 practice crane (fictional): telescopic boom, swing cab, 35 to 105 ft main boom. Chart A: main boom, outriggers fully extended, 360°: gross capacity in lb (approx. boom angle); * = structural limit.
| Radius (ft) | 35 ft boom | 45 ft boom | 55 ft boom | 65 ft boom | 75 ft boom | 85 ft boom | 95 ft boom | 105 ft boom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 80,000* (78°) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | 71,870 (75°) | 64,610* (78°) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | 60,520 (70°) | 59,750* (75°) | 50,380* (77°) | 43,710* (79°) | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | 47,910 (61°) | 47,650 (68°) | 45,560* (72°) | 39,520* (75°) | 35,000* (77°) | 31,460* (78°) | 28,630* (80°) | — |
| 25 | 39,650 (51°) | 39,330 (61°) | 39,000 (66°) | 36,550* (70°) | 32,370* (73°) | 29,100* (75°) | 26,470* (77°) | 24,320* (78°) |
| 30 | 33,820 (40°) | 33,430 (53°) | 33,040 (61°) | 32,650 (65°) | 30,370* (69°) | 27,300* (71°) | 24,840* (73°) | 22,810* (75°) |
| 35 | 29,480 (24°) | 29,030 (45°) | 28,570 (54°) | 28,120 (61°) | 27,660 (65°) | 25,870* (68°) | 23,530* (70°) | 21,610* (72°) |
| 40 | — | 25,610 (35°) | 25,090 (48°) | 24,570 (55°) | 24,050 (60°) | 23,530 (64°) | 22,460* (67°) | 20,630* (69°) |
| 45 | — | 22,880 (21°) | 22,290 (40°) | 21,710 (50°) | 21,120 (56°) | 20,540 (60°) | 19,950 (64°) | 19,370 (66°) |
| 50 | — | — | 19,990 (31°) | 19,340 (44°) | 18,690 (51°) | 18,040 (56°) | 17,390 (60°) | 16,740 (63°) |
| 55 | — | — | 18,060 (19°) | 17,340 (37°) | 16,630 (46°) | 15,910 (52°) | 15,200 (57°) | 14,480 (60°) |
| 60 | — | — | — | 15,620 (29°) | 14,840 (41°) | 14,060 (48°) | 13,280 (53°) | 12,500 (57°) |
| 70 | — | — | — | — | 11,900 (27°) | 10,990 (38°) | 10,080 (45°) | 9,170 (50°) |
| 80 | — | — | — | — | — | 8,490 (25°) | 7,450 (36°) | 6,410 (43°) |
| 90 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5,210 (24°) | 4,040 (34°) |
Chart notes
- All capacities are GROSS capacities in pounds for a crane set level on a firm supporting surface, full counterweight, operating over 360 degrees. This chart: outriggers fully extended, tires clear of the ground.
- To find the NET load that may be lifted, deduct from the gross capacity the weight of the hook block or overhaul ball, all slings and rigging, and any deduction listed for the jib or the auxiliary boom head.
- Radius is the horizontal distance from the axis of rotation to the center of the vertical hoist line with the load suspended. Boom angles in brackets are for reference only: always use the loaded radius.
- For a radius between two listed radii, use the capacity for the next LARGER listed radius. For a boom length between two listed lengths, use the capacity for the next LONGER listed boom length. A blank cell means no lift is allowed in that configuration.
- Capacities marked * are limited by the strength of the crane structure; all others are limited by stability.
- Hoist line pull: at most 7,700 lb per part of line. Parts of line needed = total suspended weight (load + rigging + hook block or overhaul ball) divided by 7,700, rounded UP. Unless a problem says otherwise, the main hook block is reeved with enough parts of line for the load. The overhaul ball is single part only, so on the ball the load + rigging + ball may not exceed one part's line pull, whatever the chart allows.
Weights and deductions
- Main hook block (5 sheaves): 1,150 lb, up to 10 parts of line
- Overhaul ball: 420 lb, single part only
- Jib stowed on the side of the boom (deduct from main boom capacities): 1,850 lb
- Auxiliary boom head installed (deduct from main boom capacities): 160 lb
Made up for practice by ProSyllabus, so you can learn the method. On the exam, use the chart CCO gives you; on the job, the chart and procedures that apply to your crane in its actual configuration.
The method, step by step
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Pick the right chart | The chart for the crane's actual configuration: outrigger position, counterweight, working area (360° or over the rear), main boom or jib. A mid-extended outrigger chart is not the fully extended one. |
| 2. Find the boom length and loaded radius | Use the loaded radius. If the value is not printed, follow the chart's own note; on the practice chart that is the next larger radius and the next longer boom. |
| 3. Read the gross capacity | A blank cell means no lift is allowed in that configuration. Note whether the cell is structural or stability limited. |
| 4. Subtract every deduction | Hook block or overhaul ball, slings and shackles, and every item the notes list, such as a stowed or erected jib or an auxiliary boom head. |
| 5. Check the hoist line | Parts of line times the permitted line pull must carry the load plus the rigging and the block or ball. On a single-part overhaul ball, that limit may be lower than the chart's net capacity. |
| 6. Compare with the load | The load must not exceed the net capacity, and the load plus rigging and block must not exceed what the hoist line can carry. OSHA 1926.1417(o)(3) requires the operator to verify that the load is within rated capacity: from a load weight given by a recognized source or calculation, or by starting the lift with a load weighing device or LMI and, if the load is over 75% of the rated capacity at the longest radius of the lift, verifying its weight before going on. |
The Core exam does not allow a calculator; the specialty exams do. A single load chart problem can stack several deductions, so work them in a fixed order every time.
FreeTests: Net capacity · Values between the chart lines · Parts of line
Crane Load Chart Drill: free sample
Answer 3 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
3 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.Worked example
Practice problem · uses the fictional chart above
Using Chart A (outriggers fully extended) with 75 ft of main boom at a 40 ft radius: the main hook block is used, the jib is stowed on the side of the boom and the slings and shackles weigh 350 lb. What is the heaviest load that may be lifted?
- A. 21,850 lb
- B. 21,050 lb
- C. 20,700 lb
- D. 22,550 lb
Show the answer and the working
Answer: C.
Chart A (outriggers fully extended): gross 24,050 lb. Deduct hook block 1,150 + stowed jib 1,850 + rigging 350 = 3,350 lb. Net = 24,050 − 3,350 = 20,700 lb.
An original ProSyllabus practice problem on a fictional chart. It is not a CCO exam question.
Mistakes that cost marks
| Mistake | Why |
|---|---|
| Ignoring the chart's rule for in-between values | On the practice chart, reading a shorter boom or a smaller radius gives a higher capacity than its notes allow. Real charts have their own rules (some, for example, say to use the lower of the two neighbouring ratings); follow the chart in front of you. |
| Averaging two cells | Only do this if the chart's notes say you may. Many charts tell you to use the next printed value instead. |
| Forgetting a deduction | The hook block, rigging and a stowed jib each come off the gross capacity. Missing one overstates the load you may lift. |
| Using the wrong outrigger chart | Partial outrigger extension can reduce capacity. Use the chart for the actual outrigger position. |
| Ignoring the hoist line | The rope and the parts of line set their own limit, separate from the capacity chart. |
| Using the unloaded radius | Boom deflection increases the radius once the load is lifted. |
Frequently asked questions
How much of the NCCCO Core exam is load charts?
The CCO handbook (REV 01/25) puts the Load Charts domain at about 27% of the 95-question Core exam, which has 90 minutes and no calculator.
How much of a specialty exam is load charts?
About 35%. Each specialty written exam (LAT, TLL or TSS) has 28 questions in 60 minutes, and a calculator is permitted.
What is the difference between gross and net capacity?
Gross capacity is the figure printed on the chart. Net capacity is that figure minus the hook block or ball, the rigging and any deductions in the chart notes. It is the most the capacity chart lets you lift; the hoist line can set a lower limit.
Can I use a calculator on the NCCCO written exams?
Not on the Core exam; the handbook says calculator not permitted. On the specialty exams a calculator is permitted.
Is the chart in this guide a real crane chart?
No. It is a fictional chart made for practice. On the exam use the chart CCO provides, and on the job the chart and procedures that apply to your crane.
What happens if a load falls between two radii on the chart?
Follow the chart's own notes. On our practice chart you use the capacity for the next larger radius and the next longer boom; other charts may word the rule differently, for example by using the lower of the two neighbouring ratings.
More in this series
Sources
- official — CCO: Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook (REV 01/25): certification requirements, Core and specialty written exam outlines, reference list
- official — eCFR: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction (read 23 Oct 2026): rated capacity, load weight, line pull and brake test rules
official = a document published by the conducting body. reported = a news or coaching site we could not check against an original. Where sources disagree this page says so rather than picking one.
FreeTests: Net capacity · Values between the chart lines · Parts of line
Crane Load Chart Drill: free sample
Answer 3 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
3 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.
