Licensing Requirements
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •State the minimum age and exam passing score for a 1D license
- •Explain when a hoisting license is required to operate an industrial lift truck in Massachusetts
- •Describe the company-property exemption for industrial lift trucks under MGL c.146 §53
- •Explain the license duration and the application process through the Division of Occupational Licensure
Topics Covered
- •MGL Chapter 146 §53 — who must hold a hoisting license to operate hoisting machinery
- •Class 1D scope: industrial lift trucks — counterbalanced forklifts and reach trucks; telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts by special request
- •License hierarchy: 1A covers the most equipment, 1D is the most restrictive Class 1 grade
- •Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
- •Exam passing score: 70% minimum
- •60-day waiting period after a failed attempt
- •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
- •Company-property exemption: a company operating lift trucks exclusively on its own property, where the general public has no access, may be exempt if it meets the §53 conditions (licensed supervisory employee on site, approved in-service training program)
- •Application through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 1D hoisting engineer exam?
- A. 60%
- B. 65%
- C. 70%(correct)
- D. 75%
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The passing score is 70%. Score below 70% and you must wait 60 days before retesting — budget your study time so you pass on the first attempt.
Question 2: A warehouse company operates counterbalanced forklifts exclusively inside its own facility, and the general public has no access to any area where the forklifts run. Under MGL c.146 §53, this company may be:
- A. Required to license every operator with no exception
- B. Exempt from the licensing requirement if it meets the §53 conditions, including having a licensed supervisory employee on site and an approved in-service training program(correct)
- C. Exempt only if every operator is over 21
- D. Exempt only if the forklifts are electric
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL §53 provides a narrow exemption for industrial lift trucks used exclusively on company property not open to the public — but only if the company meets the statutory conditions, including a licensed supervisory employee on site during operations and an approved in-service training program. The exemption is for the company, not a personal entitlement. Exam tip: the moment lift trucks operate where the public has access, or off company property, the exemption does not apply.
Question 3: How long is a Massachusetts hoisting engineer license valid before renewal is required?
- A. 1 year
- B. 2 years(correct)
- C. 3 years
- D. 5 years
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The hoisting license is valid for 2 years. Always verify the current renewal cycle at mass.gov — renewal requirements can change.
Question 4: What is the minimum age to obtain a Massachusetts 1D hoisting engineer license?
- A. 16
- B. 17
- C. 18(correct)
- D. 21
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL Chapter 146 sets the minimum age at 18. Applicants under 18 cannot obtain a hoisting license regardless of experience or training.
Question 5: A landscaper uses a telehandler to place materials on a residential construction site. Does this work require a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. No, telehandlers are never covered by the hoisting law
- B. No, because the operator works for a small company
- C. Yes — operating a lift truck on a job site that is not the operator's own company property requires a license(correct)
- D. Only if the telehandler lifts more than 5,000 lbs
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The company-property exemption only applies to lift trucks used exclusively on the company's own property where the public has no access. Construction and material-handling work on outside job sites requires a hoisting license — and a telehandler's variable-reach boom typically falls within Class 1 coverage.
Question 6: What is the non-refundable application fee for each restriction class when applying for a Massachusetts hoisting engineer license?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75(correct)
- D. $100
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The application fee is $75 per restriction class and is non-refundable even if you fail the exam or your application is denied. Verify the current fee at mass.gov before applying.
Question 7: How does the 1D license relate to the other Class 1 grades?
- A. 1D is the broadest license and covers all Class 1 equipment
- B. 1D is the most restrictive Class 1 grade — it covers industrial lift trucks, while 1A covers the most equipment(correct)
- C. 1D and 1A cover exactly the same equipment
- D. 1D covers tower cranes and lattice-boom cranes
Show Explanation
Explanation:
In Class 1, the "A" grade covers the most equipment and each subsequent letter covers progressively less. 1D is the most restrictive grade, limited to industrial lift trucks. A 1A holder may operate 1D equipment, but a 1D holder may only operate lift trucks.