Rigging Course Online: Which Level Do Canadian Workers Actually Need?
- True North Safety Certifications
- Jul 2
- 5 min read
If you've been told you need a rigging course and you're not sure where to start. Basic, Level 1, Intermediate, Advanced — you're not alone. The rigging certification pathway confuses a lot of workers and supervisors because the options look similar on the surface but serve very different roles on site. This post breaks down the full rigging training pathway available to Canadian workers, what each level covers, who needs it, and how to get certified online.
Why Rigging Certification Matters on Canadian Worksites
Rigging failures don't give you a second chance. A dropped load, a sling failure, or a miscommunicated crane signal can kill workers instantly — and the statistics across Canadian construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining back that up. Improper rigging is consistently one of the leading causes of serious crane and hoisting incidents in Canada. Canadian OHS legislation and CSA standards require workers and supervisors involved in rigging and hoisting operations to be appropriately trained for the equipment and loads they work with. On most major construction and industrial sites, proof of rigging certification is a condition of site access, not just a regulatory checkbox.
The question isn't whether you need a rigging course. The question is which one.
The Canadian Rigging Certification Pathway
Rigging training in Canada is structured progressively — each level builds on the one before it. Here's how the pathway breaks down from foundational to advanced.
Rigger & Signal Person — Foundational
The entry point for workers new to rigging and crane operations. This course covers the fundamentals of safe load handling, ISO 16715:2014 hand signals for crane communication, and the core responsibilities of a rigger or signal person on site. It's compliant with Canadian CSA standards for mobile cranes, articulating boom cranes, and material hoists.
The course includes a final written exam and an employer-administered practical exam checklist, meaning your employer signs off on your hands-on competency after you complete the online theory component. Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Who needs it: Workers new to rigging, signal persons, anyone stepping into a rigging role for the first time.
Rigging Basic — Core Fundamentals
A focused 2.5 to 3-hour online course covering the core practices for safe slinging and rigging of loads across all types of hoisting equipment. Content includes pre-lift hazard assessments, safe working load limits, rope and sling inspection, rigging hitches, sling capacity charts, D/d ratios, centre of gravity, and crane signals. Compliant with CSA Z150-98 standards. Certificate valid for 3 years.
Who needs it: Workers performing rigging tasks on construction, industrial, or oil and gas sites who need documented baseline certification. A common requirement for general labourers, equipment operators, and trades workers whose scope occasionally includes rigging work.
Rigging Level 1 — Current Standards
Built to the most current 2020 ASME standards, this 5-hour online course goes beyond the basics to cover rigging hardware, slings, hooks, manual hoists, below-the-hook lifting devices, sling hitches and tensions, and weight calculations. It also specifically addresses common rigging misconceptions that lead to incidents — which makes it more practical than a straight-theory course. Includes access to an online library of competency assessment forms for practical skill development. Certificate valid for 3 years.
Who needs it: Workers who need current ASME-standard certification, or employers whose contracts specify ASME-compliant rigging training. Also a strong choice for anyone whose Basic certification is aging out and wants to upgrade to current standards.
Rigging Intermediate — Supervisory and Complex Operations
The step up from Basic, designed for rigging and supervisory personnel working with more complex hoisting operations. Adds wire rope construction, hoist line installation procedures, and deeper coverage of safe working load limits to the core rigging fundamentals. Still compliant with CSA Z150-98 standards. Certificate valid for 3 years.
Who needs it: Rigging supervisors, lead hands, and workers whose scope includes more complex or varied hoisting operations. A natural progression for anyone who has completed Basic and is moving into a supervisory or lead role.
Rigging & Slinging Advanced — Full Spectrum
The most comprehensive rigging course available — a 5-module online program covering the complete range of safe slinging and rigging practices under CSA Z150-98, applicable across Canada. Builds on intermediate-level knowledge with expanded content designed for experienced rigging and supervisory personnel working with all types of hoisting equipment. Certificate valid for 3 years.
Who needs it: Experienced riggers, rigging supervisors, and safety professionals who need the deepest level of documented competency. Also appropriate for anyone responsible for developing or overseeing a site rigging program.
Rigger & Signal Person Advanced — Complex Crane Operations
Advanced-level training for riggers and signal persons working with complex and critical crane operations. This 5.5 to 6-hour online course builds beyond the foundational level to cover load charts, stability, critical lifts, tandem lifts, lifting personnel, centre of gravity calculations, and expanded hand signal communication for crawler, overhead, and tower cranes. Compliant with Canadian CSA standards and ISO 16715:2014, with a final written exam and employer practical exam checklist. Certificate valid for 2 years, eligible for CEUs.
Who needs it: Signal persons and riggers working on complex crane operations including critical lifts, tandem lifts, or personnel hoisting. Required on many major industrial and heavy civil projects.
Overhead Crane Certification — Bridge, Gantry & Shop Cranes
A separate certification track for workers operating overhead cranes in manufacturing, industrial, and shop environments. This 4-hour online course meets CSA Standard B167-16 and covers crane types, pre-use inspections, hoisting and rigging equipment, hand signals, and safe efficient operation for bridge, gantry, and shop cranes. Includes practical evaluation materials for employer-administered on-site assessment. Certificate valid for 3 years, eligible for Gold Seal credit.
Who needs it: Overhead crane operators in manufacturing, fabrication, mining, utilities, and industrial facilities. Also appropriate for experienced operators due for recertification.
Can You Complete a Rigging Course Fully Online?
Yes. All rigging courses available through True North Safety Certifications are completed online at your own pace from anywhere in Canada. There are no scheduled sessions to book, no travel required, and no waiting for the next available class.
The theory and knowledge components are completed through the online learning platform. For courses that include a practical exam checklist — Rigger & Signal Person Basic and Advanced — your employer administers the hands-on assessment on site after you complete the online portion. This is standard practice across the industry and ensures your certification reflects both theoretical knowledge and demonstrated practical competency.
How Long Do Rigging Courses Take?
Course | Duration | Certificate Validity |
Rigger & Signal Person | 5.5 – 6 hours | 2 years |
Rigging Basic | 2.5 – 3 hours | 3 years |
Rigging Level 1 | 5 hours | 3 years |
Rigging Intermediate | 3 - 3.5 hours | 3 years |
Rigging & Slinging Advanced | 4 - 4.5 hours | 3 years |
Rigger & Signal Person Advanced | 5.5 – 6 hours | 2 years |
Overhead Crane Certification | 4 hours | 3 years |
Which Rigging Course Should You Take?
If you're still unsure which level fits your situation, here's a simple decision framework:
New to rigging, no prior certification → Start with Rigger & Signal Person or Rigging Basic depending on your role
Performing rigging tasks regularly, need current ASME-standard cert → Rigging Level 1
Moving into a supervisory or lead hand role → Rigging Intermediate
Experienced rigger or rigging supervisor needing full-spectrum certification → Rigging & Slinging Advanced
Working complex crane operations, critical lifts, or tandem lifts → Rigger & Signal Person Advanced
Operating bridge, gantry, or shop cranes → Overhead Crane Certification
When in doubt, check your employer's or general contractor's site access requirements, they'll typically specify which level and which standard they require.
Ready to Get Your Rigging Certification?
True North Safety Certifications offers the complete online rigging course catalog for Canadian workers — from foundational signal person training through to advanced rigging and overhead crane certification. All courses are delivered fully online, CSA-compliant, and valid across Canada.
True North Safety Certifications is a Canadian online safety training provider serving construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, and general industry workers across Canada.
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