MGL Chapter 146 — Licensing Requirements
MA 2A/1C Hoisting License · Module 1, Session 1
What Is "Hoisting Machinery"?
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What Is "Hoisting Machinery"?
Statutory Definition (MGL §53)
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MGL Chapter 146 §53 defines hoisting machinery as any power-driven apparatus used to raise, lower, or move materials — including derricks, cableways, cargo-discharge machinery, and excavating equipment.
The critical triggering thresholds operate on an OR basis — meeting any ONE is sufficient to require a license:
Example application — excavator: A tracked excavator using a ⅜-yard bucket (0.375 yd³) on a flat site, lifting materials only 4 feet, weighing 400 lbs — still requires a 2A license because the bucket capacity alone exceeds the ¼-yard threshold.
Example application — wheel loader: A wheel loader with a 1.5-yard bucket lifting palletized material to 6 feet at 350 lbs — the bucket capacity alone (1.5 yd³ >> 0.25 yd³) requires a license. A front-end wheel loader is Class 2C equipment, which a 2A restriction already authorizes (2A includes 2B, 2C, and 2D).
The catch-all clause: The statute also includes any other power-operated lifting or digging apparatus of a similar nature — OPSI interprets this broadly. When in doubt, assume a license is required.
The OR Rule — A Common Exam Trap
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Many exam questions try to trick candidates into thinking ALL three thresholds must be met. They do not.
Wrong assumption: "The machine only lifts 400 lbs to 8 ft with a ⅛-yard bucket — none of the thresholds are met."
Correct analysis:
But change the bucket to ⅜ yard: Even though height and weight are within limits, the bucket capacity alone (0.375 yd³ > 0.25 yd³) triggers the license requirement.
Exam tip: Read each option carefully and evaluate each threshold independently.
Who Must Be Licensed
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Who Must Be Licensed
General Rule
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Any person who operates hoisting machinery meeting the statutory thresholds in Massachusetts must hold a valid hoisting engineer license in the appropriate restriction class.
This requirement applies regardless of:
The license must be in the correct restriction class for the equipment being operated:
A 1C-only license does NOT authorize operating a standard excavator or a wheel loader — those are Class 2 equipment. A 2A-only license does NOT authorize operating a hydraulic boom-truck crane. The combined 2A/1C license is required for operators who run both excavating/loading equipment and hydraulic boom hoisting on a job site.
Exemptions (Complete List)
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The following persons are exempt from the licensing requirement under MGL §53:
1. Agricultural operators
Persons operating excavating or hoisting equipment exclusively in agricultural use on agricultural land. This exemption is limited to true farming operations — not construction work that happens to occur on a farm.
2. Public utilities (supervised)
Employees of public utility companies (electric, gas, telephone) who operate under the direct supervision of a licensed hoisting engineer AND whose company has a OPSI-approved training program in place.
3. Industrial operations on company property
Persons operating lift trucks (forklifts), overhead cranes, and similar equipment exclusively within an industrial facility, on company property, not accessible to the public. Note: this exemption is narrow — it does NOT apply to construction equipment or equipment used on construction sites.
4. Vocational/technical schools
Students and instructors at public high school vocational programs operating equipment for educational purposes.
5. Approved apprenticeship programs
Apprentices enrolled in state-recognized apprenticeship programs, operating under the direct supervision of a licensed operator.
Important: "Private property" is NOT an exemption by itself. An unlicensed person operating a wheel loader on private land is still in violation of MGL §53 unless one of the above exemptions applies.
Exam, Issuance & License Details
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Exam, Issuance & License Details
MGL §54 — Exam & Issuance
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MGL §54 requires that before a hoisting engineer license is issued, the applicant must pass an examination demonstrating:
Exam format: Multiple choice, 30–40 questions. Administered by OPSI or an OPSI-approved testing center.
Passing score: 70% minimum. Below 70% = failed attempt.
Failed attempt: Scoring below 70% is a failed attempt. A failed applicant may be able to retest or pursue a hearing — check current OPSI retest rules at mass.gov before assuming any waiting period.
Application fee: $75 per restriction class (non-refundable). Pay with the initial application — not after the exam.
Minimum age: 18 years old. No exceptions.
MGL §54A — Apprentice Licenses
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MGL §54A provides a pathway for apprentices who are not yet ready to take the full licensing exam:
Who qualifies: A person enrolled in a recognized apprenticeship training program who is learning to operate hoisting equipment.
Conditions:
What "direct supervision" means: The licensed operator must be close enough to observe the operation and intervene immediately if needed. Sitting in a site office does not qualify.
Apprentice license restriction: The apprentice license specifies which equipment may be operated and under what conditions.
License Duration & Renewal
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License validity: The 2A/1C hoisting engineer license is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.
Renewal: Must be completed before the expiration date. There is no official grace period that permits continued operation after expiration. An expired license is an invalid license.
Renewal process:
Reciprocity: Massachusetts does not automatically recognize out-of-state hoisting licenses. Out-of-state operators working in Massachusetts must obtain a MA license.
License Classes — Group Overview
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OPSI categorizes hoisting machinery into restriction classes under 230 CMR 6.00. You must hold the correct class for your equipment:
Class 1 — Cranes & derricks:
Class 2 — Excavating:
Class 3 — Overhead & marine lifting:
Class 4 — Specialty equipment (4B–4G):
The 2A/1C combination: This course pairs two restrictions. Class 2A covers excavating machinery — excavators, backhoes, and (through the classes it includes) loaders. Class 1C covers hydraulic telescoping-boom hoisting such as boom trucks. Together they prepare an operator who runs both excavating equipment and hydraulic boom-truck hoisting.
Application Process
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Application Process
Step-by-Step Application
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1. Meet eligibility requirements
2. Submit application
3. Schedule and take the exam
4. Receive your license
Education Requirements
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OPSI requires proof of qualifying education or training before sitting for the exam. Current requirements include:
Contact OPSI directly at mass.gov/hoisting-licensing-and-exams for the current list of approved training providers and exact documentation requirements — these can change and exam prep courses are not automatically OPSI-approved.