Rigger and Signalman Course in Singapore: What You Learn and How the Test Works
Short answer: To work as a rigger or signalman for crane lifting in Singapore, you need to pass the WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks course. Under the WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011, a rigger or signalman must be appointed before any lifting operation with a mobile crane or tower crane, and the person appointed must have completed a training course acceptable to MOM. The course is 2 days, ending with a written test and a practical test.
What riggers and signalmen do
- Rigger: prepares the load for lifting: estimates its weight, finds its centre of gravity, chooses and checks the slings and lifting gear, and attaches them correctly.
- Signalman: directs the crane operator through the lift, using standard hand signals or voice signals by radio.
The same WSQ course trains you for both roles.
What you learn
The course has 3 parts: preparing to perform rigger and signalman tasks, performing them, and reinstating the work area afterwards. The WSH Council’s technical notes for the course list the topics, including:
- crane types, lifting gear, and WSH legislation on lifting operations
- the roles of the rigger and signalman before, during and after a lift
- safe working loads, estimating load weight, and finding the centre of gravity
- wire ropes and slings, slinging methods, and how the sling angle affects the load
- pre-lift checklists, lifting plans and permit-to-work
- the 3-step lifting and lowering method, and emergency response
- the 12 standard hand signals and 16 standard voice signals
How the rigger and signalman test works
Under the WSH Council’s technical notes for the course:
- Written test: 40 questions in 1 hour, with a pass mark of 60%.
- Practical test: 30 minutes. You rig at least two types of load, show the standard hand and voice signals, and identify hazards. Each part is marked Competent or Not Yet Competent.
- Both are compulsory: you must pass both. A learner who is not yet competent has to attend the course again before re-taking the assessment.
Learners who pass receive a WSQ Statement of Attainment, which the technical notes state qualifies the holder to act as a rigger or signalman under the Operation of Cranes Regulations.
The rigger and signalman course at THT Academy
- Course: WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks (course code TGS-2022013239)
- Duration: 2 days (17.5 hours: 8 hours of theory, 8 hours of practical and 1.5 hours of assessment), 8.00am to 6.30pm
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Tamil and Bahasa Indonesia
- Funding: English classes are eligible for SkillsFuture funding and SkillsFuture Credit for eligible learners. See the latest fee after funding on MySkillsFuture.
- Learner rating: 5.0 on MySkillsFuture (October 2026)
- Where: THT Academy, Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068
Fees and class dates are on the course page. Supervising lifts as well? Read How to Become a Lifting Supervisor in Singapore. Booking for a group? Contact us at sales@thtc.com.sg or 6269 5269.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a course to work as a rigger or signalman in Singapore?
Yes. Under the WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011, a rigger or signalman appointed for a lift with a mobile crane or tower crane must have completed a training course acceptable to MOM. WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks is on MOM’s list of courses for these roles.
How long is the rigger and signalman course?
2 days (17.5 hours) at THT Academy, including the written and practical tests.
What is the pass mark for the rigger and signalman written test?
60%. The WSH Council’s technical notes set a written test of 40 questions in 1 hour with a 60% pass mark.
Is it one course for both rigger and signalman?
Yes. WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks trains you for both roles.
Which languages is the course taught in?
English, Mandarin, Tamil and Bahasa Indonesia at THT Academy. Only English classes are eligible for SkillsFuture funding and SkillsFuture Credit.
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