Objective

The objective of the Rigger Competence Assessment is to establish that delegates have the required knowledge, understanding and practical skills to fulfil the role of rigger safely and effectively.

Target Group

The Rigger Competence Assessment is for personnel who want to become an OPITO-certified competent rigger.

Prerequisites

Option 1
(a) A valid OPITO-approved Rigger Initial Training Certificate awarded within the previous 32 months.
And
(b) A fully completed and valid OPITO Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 50 tasks*, based on the OPITO Rigger Initial Training Standard and Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook requirements. The logbook must be signed as true and valid by the employing company head of discipline or the employing company discipline manager and confirmed by the Centre as being present and correct prior to assessment taking place.
*Supporting evidence is not required for learners who completed the Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between February 29th, 2020, and February 28th, 2022/ If a learner completed the Rigger Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between November 1st 2021, and November 30th 2023, a fully completed and valid OPITO Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 10 tasks only required.
Or
(c) If a learner completed the Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between February 29th, 2020, and February 28th, 2022 and does not have a completed Workplace Experience Logbook, a formal letter from a current employer, meeting the below criteria, may be accepted.
The letter must:
1)Be on company letterhead 2)State that the learner has met the equivalent of the OPITO (previously Stage
2) Workplace Experience Logbook criteria
3)Include details of the senior employer representative’s position in the company, full contact details, and be signed and dated by the senior employer’s representative
4)Be sent directly from the employer to the Centre prior to assessment and not provided by the Learner
Option 2
(d) An OPITO Approved Rigger Competence Assessment or Re-Assessment Certificate awarded with the previous 30 months.
Option 3
(e) Evidence that they have been assessed as competent and have achieved an equivalent qualification/certification by a nationally recognised awarding body, awarded within the previous 30 months**.
Please note that after two years the certificate would no longer be valid (see Note 1 below).
Note 1: Learners who possess an OPITO Rigger Assessment or Re-Assessment Certificate which has expired by more than 6 months will be required to attend the OPITO Rigger Initial Training prior to undertaking the Rigger Competence Assessment. In these instances, there will be no requirement to complete a Work Experience Logbook.
**It is the responsibility of the Centre to confirm and demonstrate appropriate recognition and equivalency of the Learner's qualification/certification.

Rigger Grandfather Period
(Learners who have completed initial training between 1st November 2021 to 30th November 2023 only)

If a learner completed the Rigger Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between November 1st 2021, and November 30th 2023, a fully completed and valid OPITO Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 10 tasks, such as a copy of the lifting plan, permit or toolbox talk, based on the OPITO Rigger Initial Training Standard and Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook requirements. The logbook must be signed as true and valid by the employing company head of discipline or the employing company discipline manager and confirmed by the Centre as being present and correct prior to assessment taking place.

Examination

The course is an ongoing assessment during which delegates will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the course contents.
Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will be awarded with an OPITO-approved Rigger Competence Assessment certificate.
Certification is valid for 32 Months. Prior to expiry, delegates must complete the Rigger Competence Reassessment to remain certified.

Course Contents

The course consists of a mix of ongoing theoretical and practical assessment designed to give delegates the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and/or skills in the following areas:

• Effective and safe lifting techniques
• Hazard identification and risk mitigation
• Production of lift plans
• Effective communication with rigging team
• Lifting equipment – storage and inspections
• Health and safety legislation and associated regulations
• Post-lift procedures