Sign Hanger License (including Master Sign Hanger License and Special Sign Hanger License)
For general exam information see the submenu above.
Scoring of Practical Examination
The exercises are grouped into sections. To pass, you must score 70% or higher overall and pass all critical exercise(s).
Your practical examination score report will be sent to you via U.S. Mail within four (4) to six (6) weeks of the date of your examination.
Appealing Examination Results
CPS HR’s goal is to provide quality examinations and a pleasant testing experience for candidates. If you are dissatisfied with either and believe CPS HR can correct the problem, please use the comment forms available during your written examination administration or following your practical examination. Your comments will be reviewed by CPS HR.
If you fail the written examination by not more than five (5) percentage points or by only one section of the practical exam, you may submit an appeal. The appeal must state the title of the license examination, your name, return address, the date of the test, and a detailed statement of the grounds for appeal. Your appeal must be received no later than thirty (30) days from the date of notification of failure to pass the license examination. An appeal form can be found at the CPS HR website: https://link.cpshr.us/DOBAppealForm.
Please review and fill out the Written and Practical Examination Appeal form. Submit your appeal to CPS HR Consulting at [email protected] using the same email address provided to NYC DOB on your LIC41 (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/lic41.pdf) or LIC42 (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/lic42.pdf).
Master Sign Hanger License
Scope of the Master Sign Hanger Written Examination
The examination assesses a candidate’s knowledge of and experience in applying the relevant portions of the NYC Codes, Rules and Regulations, as well as trade-specific industry knowledge. This includes, but is not limited to, reading and interpreting plans and specifications relating to sign construction and erection, including supporting framework and other supports, knowledge of the problems and practices of sign construction and hanging, and knowledge of the equipment and tools used in sign hanging.
Master Sign Hanger Written Examination
| Number of Questions | Minimum Passing Score |
Time Allowed |
| 50 | 35 (70%) | 2 hours |
| Subject Area | # of Items | References |
| Cranes, Derricks, and Scaffolding | 15 | |
| General Code Requirements | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3319; RCNY 3319-01; RCNY 10; IPT, Sec. 1 |
| Inspections and Specifications | 5 | RCNY 3319-01; IPT, Section 4 |
| Code Compliance | 1 | NYC BC, Sections 3316 and 3314; RCNY 104-21; RCNY 27; Fact Sheet – IRA |
| Design and Adherence | 3 | NYC BC, Section 3314 |
| Installation and Use | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3314 |
| Suspended Scaffold | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3314; RCNY 104-21 |
| Rigging | 10 | |
| Material Handling Equipment | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3320; IPT, Sections 1, 6 |
| Rigging Operations | 4 | NYC BC, Section 3301; NYC BC, Section 3303; RCNY 3319-01; RCNY 104-21; RCNY 27; IPT, Sections 1, 2, 4 |
| Hoisting Equipment | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3316; RCNY 3319-01; RCNY 10; IPT, Sec. 1, 4 |
| Material and Bucket Hoists | 2 | NYC BC, Section 3317 |
| Outdoor Signs | 25 | |
| General | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H101-104, H117); RCNY 27; RCNY 49 |
| Design and Construction | 4 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H105); RCNY 27 |
| Electrical | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H106) |
| Material Limitations | 2 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H107) |
| Animated Devices | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H108) |
| Ground Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H109) |
| Roof Signs | 2 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H110); Zoning Resolution |
| Wall Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H111); Zoning Resolution |
| Projecting Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H112); Zoning Resolution |
| Marquee Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H113); Zoning Resolution |
| Flexible Fabric Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H114) |
| Temporary Signs | 1 | NYC BC, Appendix H (H115, H116) |
| Zoning Requirements | 8 | Zoning Resolution |
| Note: NYC BC = NYC Construction Codes: Building Code. RCNY = Rules of the City of New York. Zoning Resolution = New York City Department of City Planning, Zoning Resolution. Fact Sheet = NYC Department of Buildings, Fact Sheet. IPT = IPT’s Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005). | ||
Scope of the Master Sign Hanger Practical Examination
The examination assesses a candidate’s skill in applying the relevant portions of the NYC Codes, Rules and Regulations, as well as trade-specific industry knowledge.
Master Sign Hanger Practical Examination
| Number of Examination Sections | Time Allowed |
| Seven | 1.5 hours |
| Examination Parts |
| 1. NYC Construction Codes applied to Sign Hanging |
| 2. Tying Knots |
| 3. Rope and Tackle Knowledge |
| 4. Rigging Procedures |
| 5. Calculating Counterweight |
| 6. Interpreting Sign Diagrams |
| 7. Sign Hanging Knowledge |
| Note: Pass all seven sections to earn a passing score. |
Reference List
The reference list provided below includes suggested materials that could assist you in preparing for the examination. The examination questions reference NYC Codes, Rules and Regulations. Please note that the references below may cite portions of other codes, rules, or regulations. You may be tested on information in these additional sources that are applicable to your trade. The knowledge that will be tested in the examinations will be taken from these materials in addition to applied field knowledge of the Master Rigger, Tower/Climber Crane Rigger and Master Sign Hanger trades.
This is not an open book examination; you are not allowed to bring reference materials into the testing site.
| Reference List | Master Rigger | Tower Crane Rigger | Master Sign Hanger |
| 1. 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 2. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 3. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 4. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3314: Scaffolds, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | |
| 5. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 6. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3317: Material Hoists and Bucket Hoists, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 7. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3319: Cranes and Derricks, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 8. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 9. Rules of the City of New York Title 1 Chapter 3300 Section 3319-01: Safeguards during Construction or Demolition-Cranes and Derricks, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 10. New York City Department of Buildings, Fact Sheet – Industrial Rope Access: Application Procedures for Façade Inspections and Investigation, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | |
| 11. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Appendix H: Outdoor Signs, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | ||
| 12. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | X |
| 13. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 27: Signs, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | ||
| 14. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 49: Outdoor Signs, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | ||
| 15. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; §104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X | |
| 16. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; §104-21, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Sign Hanger, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | ||
| 17. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 3300: Safeguards During Construction or Demolition; §3310-01 Site Safety, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | ||
| 18.New York City Department of City Planning, Zoning Resolution (Zoning Resolution), November 2014. Homepage | Zoning Resolution (nyc.gov) | X | ||
| 19. IPT = IPT’s Crane and Rigging Handbook (2005). https://www.iptbooks.com/ | X | X | X |
Special Sign Hanger License
Scope of the Special Sign Hanger Examination
The Special Sign Hanger practical examination assesses a candidate’s skill in applying the relevant portions of the NYC Codes, Rules and Regulations, as well as trade-specific industry knowledge. Please note that the exercises and list of materials are specific to each scheduled examination only. If you reschedule, future examinations may include different exercises and required equipment, so you must review the information provided in your Admission Notice carefully prior to each scheduled practical examination.
Special Sign Hanger Examination
| Number of Questions | Minimum Passing Score | Time Allowed |
| Seven | 70% | 45 minutes |
| Examination Parts |
| 1. Tying Knots |
| 2. Rigging to Cat Head |
| 3. Rigging Equipment Knowledge |
| 4. Rope Knowledge |
| 5. NYC Zoning Resolutions |
| 6. Rigging Procedures |
| 7. Calculating Counterweight |
To receive an overall score of pass for the Special Rigger or Special Sign Hanger practical examination, you must pass the English literacy exam, score 70% or higher on the exercises, and pass the critical exercise(s).
Reference List
The reference list provided below includes suggested materials that could assist you in preparing for the examination. The examination questions reference NYC Codes, Rules, and Regulations. Please note that the references below may cite portions of other codes, rules, or regulations. You may be tested on information in these additional sources that are applicable to your trade. The knowledge that will be tested in the examinations will be taken from these materials in addition to applied field knowledge of the Special Rigger and Special Sign Hanger trades.
This is not an open book examination; you are not allowed to bring reference materials into the testing site.
| Reference List | Special Rigger | Special Sign Hanger |
| 1. 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 2. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3301: General, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 3. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3303: Safeguards and Maintenance of Site, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 4. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3314: Scaffolds, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 5. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3316: Hoisting Equipment and Material Handling Equipment, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 6. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3317: Material Hoists and Bucket Hoists, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 7. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3319: Cranes and Derricks, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 8. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Section 3320: Material Handling Equipment, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | X |
| 9. Rules of the City of New York Title 1 Chapter 3300: Safeguards during Construction or Demolition, Sections 3310-01, 3316-01, 3319-01, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page . | X | X |
| 10. New York City Department of Buildings – Industrial Rope Access: Application Procedures, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/safety/industrial-rope-access-application-procedure.page | X | X |
| 11. 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code, Appendix H: Outdoor Signs, New York City Store, Order Department, One Centre Street, Room 2223, New York City, NY 10007, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/codes.page. | X | |
| 12. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 10: Drums for Derrick Load and Boom Hoists, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page | X | X |
| 13. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 27, Section 27-01: Signs, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page | X | |
| 14. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 49: Outdoor Signs, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page | X | |
| 15. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; §104-20, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Rigger, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page | X | |
| 16. Rules of the City of New York, Title 1, Chapter 100: Administration; §104-21, Supervisory Responsibilities of a Licensed Sign Hanger, https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/title-1-rules-of-the-city-of-new-york.page | X | |
| 17. New York City Department of City Planning, Zoning Resolution (Zoning Resolution), December 2022. | X |