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Practice Exam 2

2 hours

Learning Objectives

  • •Complete a comprehensive second practice exam covering all 1C content areas
  • •Review the highest-frequency topics from all four modules
  • •Develop a final exam-day strategy
  • •Identify remaining weak areas requiring last-minute review

Topics Covered

  • •Comprehensive scenario-based questions across all modules
  • •Time pacing: simulating real exam conditions
  • •Final review: load chart reading, outrigger setup, ATB, inspection go/no-go
  • •Final review: 230 CMR 6.00 signaler rules, SAE J1307 signals
  • •Exam day logistics: valid MA ID, arrive early, no phones in exam room
  • •After the exam: how to check your score and apply for the license

Resources

MA Hoisting Licensing & Exams (mass.gov)

reference

Required

Apply for a Hoisting Engineer License

reference

Required

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: Which of the following is a go/no-go defect requiring immediate removal from service on a boom truck?

  1. A. Minor dirt accumulation on the outrigger beams
  2. B. A non-functional anti-two-block (ATB) device(correct)
  3. C. A slightly worn rubber pad on one outrigger float
  4. D. A small cosmetic dent on the carrier fender
Show Explanation

Explanation:

A non-functional ATB device is a hard stop — the machine cannot be used for crane lifts. Dirt, cosmetic dents, and normal wear items are not go/no-go conditions but should be documented. The ATB failure must be repaired and retested before returning to service.

Question 2: Which MA regulation requires the use of SAE J1307 hand signals for 1C equipment operations?

  1. A. MGL Chapter 146 §53
  2. B. 230 CMR 6.00(correct)
  3. C. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1408
  4. D. ASME B30.5
Show Explanation

Explanation:

230 CMR 6.00 is the MA state regulation that mandates SAE J1307 hand signals for hoisting machinery including 1C equipment. MGL Chapter 146 is the statute; the other references are federal/industry standards.

Question 3: A wheel loader is traveling on a job site road with a loaded bucket elevated at full height. Why is this unsafe?

  1. A. The elevated bucket increases wind resistance and fuel consumption
  2. B. The high center of gravity greatly increases tip-over risk on uneven ground or during turns(correct)
  3. C. The bucket obscures the headlights
  4. D. It is only unsafe if the load exceeds 2,000 lbs
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Traveling with the bucket elevated raises the center of gravity, making the machine highly susceptible to tipping on slopes, soft ground, or during turns. The bucket carry position (12–18 inches off ground) keeps the center of gravity low and stable.

Question 4: Before beginning a tandem lift with two boom trucks, what is required per OSHA Subpart CC?

  1. A. Both operators must have 1C licenses — no additional planning required
  2. B. A written lift plan must be developed and both operators must review it(correct)
  3. C. Only the primary lift crane operator needs to review the load chart
  4. D. The site superintendent must be present but no written plan is required
Show Explanation

Explanation:

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC requires a written lift plan for tandem lifts. The plan must address load distribution between cranes, communication, signal responsibilities, and contingencies. Both operators must understand and follow the plan.

Question 5: On exam day you encounter a question about a regulation you do not recognize. What is the best test-taking strategy?

  1. A. Skip the question and return to it — it likely will not appear again
  2. B. Use process of elimination to remove clearly wrong answers, then select the best remaining option(correct)
  3. C. Guess "C" — it is statistically the most common correct answer
  4. D. Leave it blank — wrong answers are penalized more than blanks
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Process of elimination is the most effective strategy when you are unsure. MA hoisting exams do not penalize wrong answers, so always answer every question. Eliminating one or two clearly wrong choices significantly improves your odds on the remainder.

Question 6: A loader-backhoe is being used to lift a concrete panel. The operator deploys only the two rear stabilizers (behind the backhoe boom) and leaves the front ones retracted. What is the risk?

  1. A. None — only the rear stabilizers are needed for backhoe lifts
  2. B. The machine can tip sideways because one side has no stabilizer support(correct)
  3. C. The machine can tip forward over the rear stabilizers
  4. D. The front stabilizers are decorative; this is safe procedure
Show Explanation

Explanation:

All four stabilizers must be deployed before backhoe lifting operations. Only deploying the two on one side leaves the opposite side unsupported — a heavy lift with any lateral offset can tip the machine sideways. Both stabilizers and both rear outriggers must be down and bearing on solid ground.

Question 7: What is the correct immediate action if the LMI on a boom truck alarms at 90% of rated capacity while you are mid-lift?

  1. A. Continue the lift quickly to get the load to its destination before reaching 100%
  2. B. Extend the boom to increase the radius and reduce the percentage
  3. C. Stop all load movement, assess the situation, and set the load down safely if possible(correct)
  4. D. Override the LMI alarm — it is conservative and 10% overage is acceptable
Show Explanation

Explanation:

An LMI alarm at 90% means you are approaching the load chart limit. Stop, assess, and do not continue the lift without understanding why you are at 90%. Extending the boom increases radius and further reduces capacity — never the right response. Overriding alarms is never acceptable.

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