MGL Chapter 146 §§ 53–54A
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •State the minimum age, exam passing score, and application fee for a 2A/1C license
- •Identify the three threshold conditions under MGL §53 that trigger a hoisting license requirement
- •List the key exemptions under MGL §53
- •Explain the license duration and renewal cycle and the role of §§54–54A
Topics Covered
- •MGL §53 — who must hold a hoisting license and the catch-all clause
- •License threshold: over 10 ft OR over 500 lbs OR bucket over ¼ cubic yard
- •Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
- •Exam passing score: 70% minimum; 60-day wait after a failed attempt
- •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
- •License valid for 2 years; renewal before expiration
- •MGL §54 — examination and issuance; §54A — apprentice licenses
- •2A/1C combined classification: excavators and skid steers (2A) plus loader-backhoes, wheel loaders, and telescoping boom trucks (1C)
- •Exemptions: agricultural operators, public utility supervised programs, industrial lift trucks on company property, vocational schools, approved apprenticeship programs
- •Application through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: A site crew runs an excavator (2A) and a loader-backhoe (1C). Which single condition alone triggers the MA hoisting license requirement for either machine?
- A. Lifting 400 lbs to 8 ft with a ⅛ cubic yard bucket
- B. Lifting 600 lbs to 9 ft with a ⅛ cubic yard bucket(correct)
- C. Lifting 400 lbs to 8 ft with a ⅛ cubic yard bucket on a public road
- D. Lifting 400 lbs to 9 ft with a ⅛ cubic yard bucket inside a fenced yard
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The threshold under MGL §53 is OR, not AND: over 10 ft OR over 500 lbs OR bucket over ¼ cubic yard. Lifting 600 lbs exceeds the 500 lb limit, triggering the requirement on that condition alone — regardless of height or bucket size.
Question 2: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 2A/1C hoisting engineer exam?
- A. 60%
- B. 65%
- C. 70%(correct)
- D. 75%
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The passing score is 70% for all MA hoisting license classes, including the 2A/1C combo. Score below 70% and you must wait 60 days before retesting — use that time to review your weak areas.
Question 3: Which of the following operators is EXEMPT from holding a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. A landscaper running a skid steer on a residential job site
- B. A farmhand operating a backhoe exclusively on agricultural land(correct)
- C. A utility contractor running a wheel loader on a city street
- D. A homeowner renting an excavator to dig their own foundation
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Agricultural operators working on their own farmland are explicitly exempt under MGL §53. Construction, utility, and residential excavation work all require a license regardless of who owns the property — there is no general homeowner exemption.
Question 4: How long is a Massachusetts 2A/1C hoisting engineer license valid before renewal is required?
- A. 1 year
- B. 2 years(correct)
- C. 3 years
- D. 5 years
Show Explanation
Explanation:
All MA hoisting licenses, including the 2A/1C combo, are valid for 2 years. Always verify the current renewal cycle at mass.gov — renewal requirements can change.
Question 5: What is the minimum age to obtain a Massachusetts 2A/1C 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 6: What is the non-refundable application fee for each restriction class when applying for a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75(correct)
- D. $100
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The application fee is $75 per restriction class as of current MA regulations. Because the 2A/1C combo covers two restriction classes, plan accordingly. The 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.