MGL Chapter 146 — Licensing Requirements
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •State the minimum age and exam passing score for a 2A license
- •Identify the three threshold conditions that trigger a hoisting license requirement
- •List the key exemptions under MGL §53
- •Explain the license duration and renewal cycle
Topics Covered
- •MGL §53 — who must hold a hoisting license
- •Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
- •License duration and renewal: 2-year cycle
- •Exam passing score: 70% minimum
- •60-day waiting period after a failed attempt
- •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
- •Exemptions: agricultural operators, public utility supervised programs, industrial lift trucks on company property, vocational schools, approved apprenticeship programs
- •License classification: Group 2 excavating equipment
- •Application through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 2A 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 — plan your study time accordingly.
Question 2: Which of the following operators is EXEMPT from holding a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. A utility contractor operating an excavator on a city street
- B. A farmhand operating an excavator exclusively on agricultural land(correct)
- C. A landscaper operating a skid steer on a residential job site
- D. A demolition worker operating a track hoe on private property
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Agricultural operators on their own land are explicitly exempt under MGL §53. The other operators are doing construction or utility work that requires a 2A license regardless of the property owner.
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 2A 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 2A hoisting engineer license?
- A. 16
- B. 17
- C. 18(correct)
- D. 21
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL Chapter 146 sets the minimum age at 18 years old. Applicants under 18 cannot obtain a hoisting license regardless of experience or training.
Question 5: How long must you wait before retaking the 2A hoisting exam after a failed attempt?
- A. 7 days
- B. 30 days
- C. 60 days(correct)
- D. 90 days
Show Explanation
Explanation:
You must wait 60 days after a failed attempt before retesting. This is specifically to prevent rushed, unprepared re-attempts — use that time to study the areas where you scored poorly.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. MGL Chapter 146 is federal law; 230 CMR 6.00 is state law
- B. MGL Chapter 146 is the statute passed by the legislature; 230 CMR 6.00 is the implementing regulation(correct)
- C. They are two different names for the same regulation
- D. 230 CMR 6.00 supersedes MGL Chapter 146 in all cases
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL (Massachusetts General Law) is statute — passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. 230 CMR 6.00 is a regulation that implements and expands MGL Chapter 146 with specific technical requirements.
Question 7: 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:
As of current MA regulations, the application fee is $75 per restriction class. This fee is non-refundable even if you fail the exam or your application is denied.
A deeper, regulation-by-regulation companion page for this lesson.