About
The National Rigging Certificate (NRC) is the certification relevant for anyone actively working in rigging in the event and entertainment industry.
The certification provides riggers with a means of demonstrating that they have attained a professional standard in general event rigging practices. It provides employers and venue operators with a benchmark to use when hiring. Upon gaining the award, individuals are issued with a certificate and an NRC ID card.
The certification ‘assesses’ riggers – it is not a training programme. As well as the assessment, candidates must also provide evidence of work experience as a rigging professional.
The National Rigging Advisory Group (NRAG) acts as the advisory body for the NRC.
Please be aware – It has come to our attention that fraudulent NRC Cards & Certificates are in circulation, and some individuals are falsely claiming to hold NRC accreditation. See our statement, advice and guidance.
Who should be NRC registered?
The NRC is relevant certification for riggers working at height in the events industry.
NRC Level 2 and 3
NRC Level 2 is a certification for Riggers. Those who achieve the Level 2 certification can work as a rigger without direct supervision.
NRC Level 3 is a certification for Rigging Supervisors. Those who achieve the Level 3 certification can supervise other riggers.
Level 3 candidates must have previously achieved Level 2. An existing NRC Level 2 card holder can register to take their Level 3 qualification if they have a minimum of 12 months experience of working within a supervisory capacity, from the time of gaining the Level 2 skills card.
What does the NRC assess?
Candidates are assessed with both written questions relating to rigging standards to assess their underpinning knowledge, as well as practical rigging tasks to test their basic rigging skills. Skills tested include chain hoists, trusses and rigging accessories and are relevant within any sector where entertainment rigging work is carried out.
Candidates must also provide evidence of work experience as a rigging professional.
- Click here to see the complete list of supporting evidence you are required submit.
- Read the full overview here.
Please note: The NRC is not a legal requirement for those carrying out rigging activities, however it is widely recognised across the event industry and is endorsed by numerous employers and venues for general rigging activities. Employers should check that contractors they choose can carry out the required work safely and without risk to health; for highly specialised services the skills, knowledge and experience required might not be covered by general certification.
How do I apply?
1. Register to the NRC scheme using the link below. Once your registration and payment is processed you will receive your ‘Candidate Information Pack’ together with your unique candidate reference number – a number which is allocated to you and will be your NRC ID card number in the future.
2. Once your registration has been confirmed, your chosen NRC Assessment Centre will contact you within 10 working days to make further arrangements in relation to dates and your assessment.
3. Assessment
- Level 2 will take place over two consecutive days at an assessment centre.
- Level 3 requires two days at an assessment centre. The assessment is as follows:
- Part 1 – Assessment of underpinning knowledge, work based evidence and risk assessment.
- Part 2 – Assessment of supervisory skills
How often will I need to renew?
You NRC card will be valid for three years, after which you will need to apply to renew it. In most circumstances you will not need to be re-assessed. You will need to apply six weeks before your card expires.
What does it cost?
Payment is made in two stages:
- An initial registration fee, paid to PLASA via the website registration form.
- An assessment fee which is paid directly to your chosen Assessment Centre.
Registration cost
If your employer is a member of PLASA you receive a 10% discount upon registration.
- UK: £218 + VAT + postage
- Europe: £218 + postage
- International: £218 + postage
Assessment Centre costs
- Level 2
UK: £715 + VAT
Europe: Please enquire
International: Please enquire - Level 3
UK: £880 + VAT
Europe: Please enquire
International: Please enquire
Related Pages
Assessment Centres & Potential Assessment Dates
Please find below the contact details of the NRC Assessment Centres, together with potential assessment dates. *These dates are subject to availability*.
*Please be advised that your booking is NOT confirmed until the Assessment fee has been paid to the Centre in full*
Level 2 assessments take place over the two consecutive dates.
Level 3 assessments are formed of Part 1 & Part 2 over two days that can be consecutively OR separately depending on availability.
Unusual Rigging – Northampton
+44 (0)1604 830083
nrc@unusual.co.uk
www.unusual.co.uk
2026: Fully Booked
2027:
Level 2 & Level 3
January – 25,26 & 27
March – 22,23 & 24
May – 24,25 & 26
July – 26,27 & 28
September – 27,28 & 29
November – 22,23 & 24
UK Rigging – Bolton
2026:
Level 2 & Level 3 – August, October, December
2027:
Level 2 & Level 3:
February – 16, 17 & 18
April – 20, 21 & 22
June – 22, 23 & 24
August – 17,18 & 19
October – 19,20 & 21
December – 7,8 &9
+44 (0)1204 391343
nrc@ukrigging.net
www.ukrigging.net
Please contact the centre directly to discuss dates
Once you have registered, your preferential assessment centre (as selected on your registration form) will contact you. *Assessment is only secured upon payment of the assessment fee*.
In addition to the UK, there is an assessment centre in Malmo, Sweden. The qualification PLASA NRC (Nordic) is the same as that in the UK, although much of the documentation is available in both Swedish and English. Please enquire at nrc@plasa.org.
Employer and Venue Endorsement.
By endorsing the NRC scheme, rigging employers and entertainment venues are supporting and committing to increasing the safety of the industry, improving best practice, and recognising the competence of those working in rigging.
