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MGL Chapter 146 & 230 CMR 6.00

2 hours

Learning Objectives

  • •State the minimum age, passing score, and waiting period that apply to the 1B hoisting license exam
  • •Identify what equipment the Class 1B restriction covers under 230 CMR 6.00
  • •List the key exemptions to the hoisting-license requirement under MGL §53
  • •Explain the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 (statute) and 230 CMR 6.00 (regulation)

Topics Covered

  • •MGL Chapter 146 §53 — who must hold a hoisting license in Massachusetts
  • •Class 1B: telescoping-boom cranes with or without wire ropes (truck-mount, rough-terrain, all-terrain)
  • •How 1B relates to 1A (full hoisting) and 1C (hydraulic telescoping without wire rope) in the MA class hierarchy
  • •Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
  • •License duration and renewal: 2-year cycle
  • •Exam passing score: 70% minimum
  • •60-day waiting period before retaking a failed exam
  • •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
  • •Exemptions: agricultural operators, public utility supervised programs, industrial equipment on company property, vocational schools, approved apprenticeship programs
  • •Application through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)

Resources

MGL Chapter 146 §53 — Licensing requirement (malegislature.gov)

regulation

Required

MA Hoisting Licensing & Exams (mass.gov)

reference

Required

230 CMR 6.00 — Hoisting Machinery regulation page (mass.gov)

regulation

Required

Apply for a Hoisting Engineer License (mass.gov)

reference

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 1B hoisting engineer exam?

  1. A. 60%
  2. B. 65%
  3. C. 70%(correct)
  4. D. 75%
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The passing score is 70% on all Massachusetts hoisting engineer exams. Score below 70% and you must wait 60 days before retesting — use that time to focus on the areas where you scored poorly.

Question 2: Under the Massachusetts class hierarchy, which license class is ABOVE the 1B restriction?

  1. A. 1C
  2. B. 1D
  3. C. 2A
  4. D. 1A(correct)
Show Explanation

Explanation:

1A is the top-level hoisting class. A holder of a 1A license may operate all equipment in classes 1B, 1C, 1D, and several Class 4 specialty categories. 1B is not the highest class — it specifically covers telescoping-boom cranes with or without wire ropes.

Question 3: Which type of equipment is covered by the Massachusetts Class 1B restriction?

  1. A. Hydraulic telescoping-boom cranes without wire rope (forklifts included)
  2. B. Telescoping-boom cranes with or without wire ropes(correct)
  3. C. General industrial warehouse forklifts used primarily indoors
  4. D. Crawler and rubber-tired excavators
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Class 1B covers telescoping-boom cranes with or without wire ropes — this includes truck-mounted, rough-terrain, and all-terrain cranes. Class 1C covers hydraulic telescoping booms without wire rope, and Class 1D is for general industrial warehouse forklifts.

Question 4: How long must you wait before retaking the 1B hoisting exam after a failed attempt?

  1. A. 7 days
  2. B. 30 days
  3. C. 60 days(correct)
  4. D. 90 days
Show Explanation

Explanation:

A 60-day waiting period applies after any failed Massachusetts hoisting exam. This is consistent across all restriction classes and is designed to ensure candidates study thoroughly before re-attempting.

Question 5: Which of the following is EXEMPT from the Massachusetts hoisting license requirement under MGL §53?

  1. A. A construction contractor operating a telescoping-boom crane on a public road project
  2. B. A crane operator at a private industrial facility who only lifts within the company property with licensed supervision(correct)
  3. C. A rigger who operates a crane at a marine port to unload cargo ships
  4. D. A union apprentice operating a crane on a commercial job site without a licensed operator present
Show Explanation

Explanation:

MGL §53 exempts operators of industrial equipment (including cranes) who work exclusively on company property under a licensed supervisor. The other scenarios involve construction or cargo work that falls squarely within the licensing requirement.

Question 6: What is the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00?

  1. A. MGL Chapter 146 is federal law; 230 CMR 6.00 is state law implementing it
  2. B. MGL Chapter 146 is the statute passed by the legislature; 230 CMR 6.00 is the implementing administrative regulation(correct)
  3. C. They are two names for the same document
  4. D. 230 CMR 6.00 supersedes MGL Chapter 146 whenever they conflict
Show Explanation

Explanation:

MGL (Massachusetts General Law) is statute enacted by the legislature. 230 CMR 6.00 is a regulation promulgated by the Division of Professional Licensure to implement and detail the requirements of MGL Chapter 146. The exam tests both layers.

Question 7: What is the non-refundable application fee per restriction class for a Massachusetts hoisting engineer license?

  1. A. $25
  2. B. $50
  3. C. $75(correct)
  4. D. $100
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The application fee is $75 per restriction class. This fee is non-refundable even if you fail the exam or your application is denied. Always verify current fees at mass.gov — fees can change by regulation.

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