• 90 questions

1B Hoisting License Practice Test

Our own questions on the Massachusetts 1B class, telescoping boom cranes with wire rope, each answer naming its section.

A lattice boom crane is on site. Which Class 1 license does 6.10 require for it?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit, 18 right to pass (70%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections. Bank checked October 15, 2026.

Next step Next: Massachusetts hoisting lawNext: 1A crane license test

All 90 questions

What a 1B license covers 13

  • A 1B holder is asked to run a concrete pump. Does the 1B list in 6.10(1)(d) reach it? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(d) and 6.10(4)(d)
  • A hydraulic telescoping boom machine has no wire rope hoist line. What is the lowest class that covers it? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(f)
  • A lattice boom crane is on site. Which Class 1 license does 6.10 require for it? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(b)
  • A licensee drops the 1B restriction from a license. What does the Office's page say about operating that equipment again? Education Requirements for Hoisting Engineer License, Office of Public Safety and Inspections
  • Class 4B is within a 1B license. Which machines are class 4B? 230 CMR 6.10(4)(b)
  • The definition of hoisting machinery in 6.01 names telescoping boom cranes in what terms? 230 CMR 6.01(2)
  • Does a 1B license cover an overhead gantry crane? 230 CMR 6.10(3)(b)
  • Sign hanging equipment is class 4F only when it lifts loads under what weight? 230 CMR 6.10(4)(f)
  • The state/municipal limited license lets public works employees run equipment of which classes? 230 CMR 6.10(5)
  • What must a 1B applicant display knowledge of, under 6.10(1)(c)? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(c)
  • Which Class 4 specialty equipment does a 1B license take in? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(d)
  • Which equipment defines the 1B class in 230 CMR 6.10? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(d)
  • Which lower Class 1 licenses are written into the 1B list? 230 CMR 6.10(1)(d)
Show all 90 questions (77 more)

The examination and keeping the license 12

  • A hoisting license runs until which date, under M.G.L. c. 146, § 67? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • A license is summarily suspended for the immediate preservation of public health or safety. Within how many days must a hearing be held? 230 CMR 6.12(4)
  • A licensee wants to drop restrictions from a license. What is the least number a valid license must keep, by the Office's page? Education Requirements for Hoisting Engineer License, Office of Public Safety and Inspections
  • An operator's license was revoked. What examination must be passed before a later license is issued, under M.G.L. c. 146, § 65? M.G.L. c. 146, § 65
  • How old must an applicant for a 1B license be? 230 CMR 6.02(2)(a)
  • What grade must an applicant earn on the written examination the Office gives? 230 CMR 6.02(3)(a)
  • What is the application fee for a hoisting license, by the Office's page on applying? Apply for a hoisting engineer license, Office of Public Safety and Inspections
  • What must the operator carry while operating hoisting machinery, under 6.08? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)
  • Which medical document may an applicant submit, under 6.02(2)(b)? 230 CMR 6.02(2)(b)
  • Which of these is one of the four areas of knowledge the written examination must show, under 6.02(3)(a)? 230 CMR 6.02(3)(a)
  • Which of these must an applicant show in a practical examination, under 6.02(3)(b)? 230 CMR 6.02(3)(b)
  • Within how many days must a licensee tell the Office of a change of address? 230 CMR 6.02(8)

Crane, pile driver and fork lift rules 10

  • A pile driver is not in use. What must be done with the hammer, under 6.09(3)(b)? 230 CMR 6.09(3)(b)
  • Hoisting machinery runs on rails, tracks or trolleys. What must it be equipped with, under 6.09(1)(c)? 230 CMR 6.09(1)(c)
  • The procedures for a crane's operation, such as recommended operating speeds and special hazard warnings, must be kept where? 230 CMR 6.09(1)(a)
  • What are stop blocks on pile driver leads for, under 6.09(3)(e)? 230 CMR 6.09(3)(e)
  • What does 6.09(1)(e) require of the windows in a crane cab? 230 CMR 6.09(1)(e)
  • What does 6.09(3)(d) say about using a pile driver with a jib? 230 CMR 6.09(3)(d)
  • What limit does 6.09(1)(g) put on attachments used with cranes? 230 CMR 6.09(1)(g)
  • When must pile driving equipment be inspected, and by whom, under 6.09(3)(a)? 230 CMR 6.09(3)(a)
  • While a load is suspended, where must the operator be, under 6.09(1)(f)? 230 CMR 6.09(1)(f)
  • Who may be on a fork lift while it is in operation, under 6.09(4)(b)? 230 CMR 6.09(4)(b)

Operating procedures 8

  • How often must wire ropes, brakes and other wearing parts be visually inspected, under 6.08(2)(b)? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(b)
  • The machine's manufacturer no longer exists. Who reviews and approves the operating specifications, under 6.08(2)? 230 CMR 6.08(2)
  • The operator tests the controls and finds one bypassed. What does 6.08 require? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)
  • There is doubt about the safety of a lift. What authority does 6.08 give the operator? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)
  • What must stay in the hoisting machinery, under 6.08(2)(c)15? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)
  • What must the operator do before starting any hoisting machinery, under 6.08(2)(c)2? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)
  • When may maintenance, repair and refueling be done, under 6.08(2)(a)? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(a)
  • Where is the written and signed record of inspections kept? 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)

Hoisting people on a platform 13

  • A crane with a telescoping boom is to hoist people. What must show the boom's extended length, under 6.09(6)(b)? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(b)
  • A platform's guardrail system must be enclosed between which two points? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(c)
  • A wire rope bridle connects the platform to the load line. To what must the bridle legs be connected, under 6.09(6)(e)? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(e)
  • After the trial lift, what is done before people are hoisted? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(f)
  • During the trial lift, how must the unoccupied platform be loaded? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(f)
  • For how long is the loaded platform held suspended in the 125% proof test? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(f)
  • The occupied personnel platform is stopped in position. What must be set? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(a)
  • What does 6.09(6)(c) require of a platform's access gate? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(c)
  • What else may the bridles and rigging that attach a personnel platform to the hoist line be used for? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(e)
  • What must a crane with a variable angle boom have when hoisting people? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(b)
  • When must the pre-lift meeting be held? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(g)
  • Where may the lanyard of a rider's body belt or harness be attached? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(h)
  • While a crane hoists people, what does 6.09(6)(h) forbid on its other load line? 230 CMR 6.09(6)(h)

Crane hand signals 10

  • A signal person holds one fist in front of the chest, thumb pointing outward, heel of the fist tapping the chest. What is asked? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, making a pushing motion. What does it mean? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward. Which signal is it? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Arm extended, thumb pointing down, fingers flexing in and out. What is the operator to do? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Both fists circle about each other in front of the body. Which signal is it? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Both fists in front of the body, thumbs pointing toward each other. Which signal is it? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • How is SWING signaled? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • In the TRAVEL (ONE TRACK) signal, what does the raised fist show? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • What is the one hand signal for EXTEND BOOM on a telescoping boom? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A
  • Which signal means LOWER the load? 230 CMR 6.00, Appendix A

Federal crane rules (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC) 20

  • A Category I operational aid, such as the anti two-blocking device, stops working. By when must it be repaired, in the ordinary case? 29 CFR 1926.1416(d)
  • A do-not-operate tag hangs on the starting control. When may the operator start the equipment? 29 CFR 1926.1417(f)(2)
  • A required safety device, such as the crane level indicator, is not working. What does 1926.1415(b) say? 29 CFR 1926.1415(b)
  • The anti two-blocking device on a telescopic boom crane is out of order. What temporary alternative does 1926.1416 give? 29 CFR 1926.1416(d)(3)
  • The boom length indicator fails. Which temporary alternative measure does 1926.1416(e)(3) allow? 29 CFR 1926.1416(e)(3)
  • The equipment travels with a load on tires. What does 1926.1417(u) say about the tires? 29 CFR 1926.1417(u)
  • On wheel-mounted equipment, where may no load be lifted unless the manufacturer permits? 29 CFR 1926.1417(r)
  • The operator sees a stop signal from someone who is not the signal person. What must the operator do? 29 CFR 1926.1417(y)
  • The signal person stands to one side of the crane. From whose perspective are directions given? 29 CFR 1926.1419(k)
  • Telescopic boom cranes made after what date must carry a device that automatically prevents two-block damage? 29 CFR 1926.1416(d)(3)
  • What kind of hooks must be used when employees hook or guide a load inside the fall zone? 29 CFR 1926.1425(c)(2)
  • What must hydraulic outrigger jacks have, under 1926.1415? 29 CFR 1926.1415(a)(5)
  • What must hydraulic telescoping booms have to prevent uncontrolled retraction? 29 CFR 1926.1426(c)
  • What must outriggers do to the equipment's weight when set, under 1926.1404(q)(2)? 29 CFR 1926.1404(q)
  • When outriggers are used, how must they be deployed under 1926.1404(q)? 29 CFR 1926.1404(q)
  • Where may outrigger blocking be placed, on an outrigger that has a jack? 29 CFR 1926.1404(q)
  • Which operational aid must equipment with a telescopic boom have, unless rated capacity is independent of boom length? 29 CFR 1926.1416(e)(3)
  • Which safety device does 1926.1415 NOT require on hydraulic booms? 29 CFR 1926.1415(a)(2)
  • Which use of a cellular phone does 1926.1417(d) leave open to an operator who is operating the equipment? 29 CFR 1926.1417(d)
  • While the operator is not moving a suspended load, who may be in the fall zone? 29 CFR 1926.1425(b)

Incidents and discipline 4

  • A person is found operating hoisting machinery without the proper class of license. What must the person do? 230 CMR 6.11(3)
  • Which of these is a ground for disciplinary action under 6.12(1)? 230 CMR 6.12(1)
  • Which of these makes an injury a "Serious Injury" under the definitions in 6.01? 230 CMR 6.01(2)
  • Who reports a hoisting incident with serious injury to the Office? 230 CMR 6.11(4)(a)

How this list was compiled: 230 CMR 6.00, Hoisting Machinery (Mass. Register 1561, dated 11/21/2025; previously codified as 520 CMR 6.00), the PDF copy published on mass.gov at https://www.mass.gov/regulations/230-CMR-600-hoisting-machinery; Massachusetts General Laws chapter 146, sections 65 and 67, on the Legislature's site, malegislature.gov (sections 53 to 54A, 57, 64, 65A and 66A were read beside them); and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction, sections 1926.1404 and 1926.1415 to 1926.1426, from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/part-1926/subpart-CC, in the version of 2026-10-14; all read 2026-10-15. The examination is described on the agency's pages Education Requirements for Hoisting Engineer License, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/education-requirements-for-hoisting-engineer-license, Hoisting Licensing and Exams, https://www.mass.gov/hoisting-licensing-and-exams, and Apply for a hoisting engineer license, https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-hoisting-engineer-license, opened 2026-10-15. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the public laws, rules and publications named as the source; nothing is copied from the real examination, a prep book or another practice test.

How it works

This unofficial 1B hoisting license practice test asks 90 of our own questions on the Massachusetts 1B class, from 230 CMR 6.00 and the federal crane rules. It is not affiliated with the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

Read the full guide

What the regulation asks of a 1B applicant

230 CMR 6.10(1)(c): the prerequisites of 6.02, knowledge of the crane operator hand signals, and the ability to read and comprehend load charts and manufacturer's specifications.

Which federal rules are asked

230 CMR 6.08 has hoisting machinery run in compliance with 29 CFR 1926. Twenty questions come from Subpart CC, picked for a telescoping boom: the anti two-blocking device, the boom length indicator, outriggers and holding devices.

What is not asked

Load chart arithmetic, the operating manuals and the privately published ANSI/ASME B30 standards.

  • Learn the telescoping boom signals in both forms: two fists, thumbs out to extend and toward each other to retract, then the one hand versions.
  • Two federal repair clocks: 7 calendar days for the anti two-blocking device, 30 for the boom length indicator.

Questions and answers

What should a 1B hoisting license study guide cover?

The 1B list in 230 CMR 6.10, the crane hand signals of Appendix A with the telescoping boom signals, the crane and personnel platform rules of 6.09, the pile driver rules for class 4B, and Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926.

What can I operate with a 1B hoisting license?

Under 230 CMR 6.10: all equipment having telescoping boom and wire rope, and everything in classes 1C, 1D, 4B, 4C, 4E and 4F. Lattice boom cranes, derricks and tower cranes need a 1A; excavators and loaders are Class 2.

What is the difference between a 1B and a 1C hoisting license?

The wire rope. A 1C covers hydraulic telescoping booms and other hydraulic hoisting equipment, excluding those with wire rope hoist lines. A 1B covers telescoping boom equipment with wire rope and takes in the 1C list as well.

What score passes the 1B hoisting exam?

A minimum grade of 70% on the written examination (230 CMR 6.02). The agency's pages give no question count or time limit, and list the application fee as $75 for each restriction.

Are the practice questions taken from the state exam?

No. Every question was written for this page from 230 CMR 6.00, the General Laws, the Code of Federal Regulations or the agency's own pages. The Office of Public Safety and Inspections did not write, review or approve any of them.

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