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.

Who should be NRC registered?

The NRC is relevant certification for riggers working at height in the events industry.

• Click here to find out what the NRC does and does NOT assess.

NRC Level 2 and 3

NRC Level 2 is certification for Riggers. Those who achieve the Level 2 qualification can work as a rigger without direct supervision.

NRC Level 3 is certification for Rigging Supervisors. Those who achieve the Level 3 qualification 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.

• Click here to find out what the NRC does NOT assess.

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 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 for Level 2 will take place over two consecutive days at an assessment centre. Level 3 requires 1 day at an assessment centre, followed by a one-day workplace-based assessment to assess supervisory skills only.

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.

• More information, including costs, can be found here.

What does it cost?

Payment is made in two stages:

1. An initial registration fee, which includes your candidate pack, NRC handbook, NRC ID card and certificate.
2. An assessment centre fee which is paid directly to your chosen assessment centre.

Registration cost

Please note that the registration fee will increase in September 2023.
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

Please note that the assessment fees will increase in September 2023.

• Level 2
  UK: £715 + VAT
  Europe: Please enquire
  International: Please enquire
• Level 3
  UK: £880 + VAT
  Europe: Please enquire
  International: Please enquire