Regulations
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •State the minimum age, exam passing score, and license duration for a Massachusetts hoisting license
- •Explain the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00
- •Identify which aerial lift / MEWP equipment falls under the hoisting license requirement and the key exemptions
- •Describe the application, fee, and retest waiting period rules
Topics Covered
- •MGL Chapter 146 § 53 — who must hold a hoisting license to operate hoisting machinery in Massachusetts
- •230 CMR 6.00 — the regulation that implements MGL Chapter 146 and sets minimum safety standards
- •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 on their own land, certain public-utility supervised programs, approved apprenticeship and vocational programs
- •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 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 so you only take the exam once.
Question 2: 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 confirm the current renewal cycle and requirements at mass.gov, since renewal rules can change.
Question 3: What is the minimum age to obtain a Massachusetts 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 4: Which 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 regulation that implements it(correct)
- C. They are two different names for the same document
- D. 230 CMR 6.00 replaces MGL Chapter 146 entirely
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL (Massachusetts General Law) is statute passed by the legislature. 230 CMR 6.00 is the implementing regulation that adds specific technical and safety requirements under the authority of the statute.
Question 5: How long must you wait before retaking the 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. Use that time to study the topic areas where you scored poorly rather than rushing back unprepared.
Question 6: A worker operates a boom lift exclusively on agricultural land that they own. Are they required to hold a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. Yes — all aerial lift operation requires a license
- B. No — agricultural operators on their own land are exempt under MGL § 53(correct)
- C. Yes — but only if the lift exceeds 40 feet of platform height
- D. No — but only if the lift is rented rather than owned
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL § 53 exempts agricultural operators working on their own land. The same operator doing construction or utility work on a job site would need a license.
Question 7: What is the non-refundable application fee for each restriction class?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75(correct)
- D. $100
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The application fee is $75 per restriction class and is non-refundable — you do not get it back even if you fail the exam or your application is denied.