• 175 questions

Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

Pick an answer, then read the Massachusetts statute or regulation section behind it, law and rules only.

Section 53(i) exempts a recognized training facility that trains apprentices for which occupation?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. Bank checked October 4, 2026.

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All 175 questions

Who needs a license and the exemptions 22

  • A license issued under § 65 lets its holder operate which hoisting machinery? M.G.L. c. 146, § 65
  • In § 53(e), what is the public utility's licensed supervisory employee designated as? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(e)
  • The license rule in M.G.L. c. 146, § 53 covers hoisting machinery with what kind of motive power? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(a)
  • The public utility exemption in § 53(e) requires the company to have at least how many licensed supervisory employees? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(e)
  • Section 53(b) says one license category must include cranes. What must another category include? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(b)
  • Section 53(i) exempts a recognized training facility that trains apprentices for which occupation? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(i)
  • Under § 53(f), what does the public utility company give the commissioner before the service restoration work begins? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(f)
  • Under § 53(g), when must an exempt company's licensed supervisory employee be on site? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(g)
  • What does § 53(a) forbid the owner or user of hoisting machinery to do? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(a)
  • What is a company license in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • What must a public utility's company license show under § 53(e)? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(e)
Show all 175 questions (164 more)

Who needs a license and the exemptions, continued

  • What must each hoisting license contain under § 65? M.G.L. c. 146, § 65
  • What must the criteria for issuing a hoisting license include under § 53? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53
  • Where must a hoisting license be while its holder operates the machinery, under § 54? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54
  • Which of these does § 53(a) name among the machinery that needs a licensed operator? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(a)
  • Which of these is a factor § 53(b) names for sorting hoisting machinery into categories? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(b)
  • Which school program does § 53(h) exempt from the hoisting license rule? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(h)
  • Which services make an organization a utility in the 520 CMR 6.01 definitions? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Which use of hoisting machinery does § 53(a) exempt from the license rule? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(a)
  • Who classifies hoisting machinery into license categories under § 53(b)? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(b)
  • Who may audit a public utility's in-service training program under § 53(e)? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(e)
  • The § 53(g) exemption for a company's forklifts and overhead cranes applies only to equipment used where? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(g)

License classes 25

  • The 520 CMR 6.01 definition of hoisting machinery reaches equipment able to hoist a load higher than what? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Along with the ten foot height, which lifting capability brings equipment within the 520 CMR 6.01 definition of hoisting machinery? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Class 1C covers hydraulic telescoping boom equipment, but excludes equipment with what? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • Class 3A lists jib cranes of which kind? 520 CMR 6.10(3)
  • Concrete pumps fall under which specialty class? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • Drill rigs fall under which specialty class? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • Holding 1A, an operator may also run the equipment listed under which other codes? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • How does 520 CMR 6.01 define a fork lift? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Lattice boom machinery is listed under which class? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • The municipal limited license in 520 CMR 6.10(5) covers equipment of which three classes? 520 CMR 6.10(5)
  • Pipeline side booms fall under which specialty class? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • Tower cranes and gin poles are listed with the derricks of which class? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • What does 520 CMR 6.10 call class 3? 520 CMR 6.10(3)
  • What does 520 CMR 6.10 call class 4? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • What equipment does class 4E cover? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • What equipment does class 4F cover? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • What equipment does class 4G cover? 520 CMR 6.10(4)
  • What gross vehicle weight limit defines compact hoisting machinery in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Which class is defined as all equipment having a telescoping boom and wire rope? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • Which class is for general industrial warehouse fork lifts used primarily indoors? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • Which hand signals must a 1A applicant show knowledge of under 520 CMR 6.10? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • Which license class in 520 CMR 6.10 is defined to cover friction clutch machines and derricks? 520 CMR 6.10(1)
  • Which of these is listed as class 3A equipment? 520 CMR 6.10(3)
  • Who may operate under the municipal limited license? 520 CMR 6.10(5)
  • Within what limit may a municipal limited license holder operate? 520 CMR 6.10(5)

Class 2 excavating, including 2A 19

  • 520 CMR 6.01 lists 220 CMR 99.00. What does that regulation enforce? 520 CMR 6.01
  • A 2A applicant must show knowledge of hand signals for controlling what? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • Before any excavation, who must be notified under 520 CMR 6.09(5)? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Besides a licensee and a supervised apprentice, who may operate an excavating machine under 520 CMR 6.09(5)(c)? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Failure to comply with which regulation is a listed ground for suspension or revocation in 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • Holding 2A, an operator may also run the equipment listed under which other codes? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • How many continuing education classroom hours does 520 CMR 6.04 set for renewing a 2A, 2B, 2C or 2D license? 520 CMR 6.04
  • What does 520 CMR 6.09(5)(c) say about excavating machinery and an open trench? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • What does 520 CMR 6.10 call class 2? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • What may a class 2D operator run under 520 CMR 6.10? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • What must the operator have before excavating, under 520 CMR 6.09(5)(a)? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Where an excavating machine's operator may be exposed to the elements or overhead hazards, what must be provided? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Which class is defined as combination loader/backhoe machines? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • Which class is defined as front end loaders with manufacturer approved attachments? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • Which class is defined to cover all crawler and rubber tired excavators and backhoes? 520 CMR 6.10(2)
  • Which hand signals does 520 CMR 6.09(5) say are used with excavating machinery? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Which standard for excavator and backhoe hand signals is listed in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Who is permitted on an excavating machine while it is in operation? 520 CMR 6.09(5)
  • Who may stand within the full working radius of an excavator or backhoe while it operates? 520 CMR 6.09(5)

Examination, renewal and fees 33

  • 520 CMR 6.02 lists the ability to comprehend placards, operation manuals and safety codes in which language? 520 CMR 6.02
  • A license not renewed at its expiration date becomes void. After one year, how alone can it be reinstated under § 67? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • A written demand about an examination score must be submitted within one week of what event, under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Continuing education must be completed before renewal unless the licensee has asked for what, under 520 CMR 6.04? 520 CMR 6.04
  • For how long may a license be placed in inactive status under 520 CMR 6.04(3)? 520 CMR 6.04(3)
  • How far ahead must a notice of a license's expiration date be sent to the licensee under § 67? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • How long after receiving a denial may an applicant demand a hearing under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • How many continuing education classroom hours does 520 CMR 6.04 set for renewing a 1A, 1B or 1C license? 520 CMR 6.04
  • How many continuing education classroom hours does 520 CMR 6.04 set for renewing a 1D license? 520 CMR 6.04
  • How soon may a person who failed the hoisting examination take it again under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • May the holder of an inactive license operate hoisting machinery under 520 CMR 6.04(3)? 520 CMR 6.04(3)
  • Section 67 fixes one calendar date for the expiration of a license held by someone with a leap day birth date. Which date? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Section 67 names two grounds on which a license may be suspended or revoked before it runs out. Which pair? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Section 67 sets a floor under the fee for a new hoisting license. What is it? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Section 67 sets a floor under the renewal fee for a hoisting license. What is it? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Under 520 CMR 6.02(4), what must an operator do with the license when an inspector asks for it? 520 CMR 6.02(4)
  • Under § 65, what must an operator whose license was revoked pass before a later license is issued? M.G.L. c. 146, § 65
  • Under § 67, a hoisting license continues in force until which date? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Under § 67, a licensee on active military duty keeps a valid license until release and for how long after? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • Under § 67, what happens to the old license when a new license of a different grade is issued? M.G.L. c. 146, § 67
  • What does a renewal application include to show continuing education under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • What kind of examination does § 65 require of a hoisting license applicant? M.G.L. c. 146, § 65
  • What minimum age does 520 CMR 6.02 set for every applicant, apprentice applicants included? 520 CMR 6.02
  • What minimum grade on the written examination does 520 CMR 6.02 set? 520 CMR 6.02
  • When may an applicant be required to pass a practical examination under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Where may an applicant take a denial after the board of appeals, under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Which medical document is on the 520 CMR 6.02 list of what an applicant submits? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Which of these is a listed ground for denying an application in 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Which of these is a listed subject of the examination in 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Which of these is also a listed examination subject in 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Who has the duty to report a new mailing or email address under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • Who must monitor a continuing education course under 520 CMR 6.04? 520 CMR 6.04
  • Who sits on the board of appeals that hears a denied application under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02

Operating rules 36

  • 520 CMR 6.08 bars operating the equipment erratically, and in which other condition? 520 CMR 6.08
  • The 520 CMR 6.08 rule against working under a boom or a suspended load has an exception for which machines? 520 CMR 6.08
  • A crane or derrick used to hoist personnel must be level within what tolerance, under 520 CMR 6.09(6)? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • A crane's load chart shows the safe load at the maximum and minimum boom positions and at least how many intermediate positions? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • A qualified welder in 520 CMR 6.01 is a welder certified by which body? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Before machinery with a rotating superstructure is operated, 520 CMR 6.08 calls for safety procedures such as what? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Besides the hoisting license, what does 520 CMR 6.08 have an operator carry while operating? 520 CMR 6.08
  • How does 520 CMR 6.01 define a signal person? 520 CMR 6.01
  • How often does 520 CMR 6.08 call for a visual inspection of wire ropes, brakes and other parts subject to wear? 520 CMR 6.08
  • If an attachment's manufacturer no longer exists, who reviews and approves it in writing under 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • If power fails during operation, how are suspended loads landed when practical, under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • The loaded personnel platform and its rigging may not exceed what share of the crane's rated capacity, under 520 CMR 6.09(6)? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • Outside an emergency, whose signals does an operator respond to under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Under 520 CMR 6.08, hoisting machinery must be operated in accordance with what? 520 CMR 6.08
  • What are cab windows made of under 520 CMR 6.09(1)? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • What authority does 520 CMR 6.08 give the operator when safety is in doubt? 520 CMR 6.08
  • What does 520 CMR 6.08 have the operator do to verify that people are clear of the equipment? 520 CMR 6.08
  • What does 520 CMR 6.08 require before hoisting machinery is used beyond its rated capacity? 520 CMR 6.08
  • What does 520 CMR 6.08 say about using the load moment indicator override key to increase rated capacity? 520 CMR 6.08
  • What minimum safety factor does 520 CMR 6.09(6) set for rotation resistant rope used to lift personnel? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • What minimum safety factor does 520 CMR 6.09(6) set for the design of a personnel platform? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • What minimum safety factor does 520 CMR 6.09(6) set for wire rope used for personnel lifting? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • What must any modification made to hoisting machinery maintain under 520 CMR 6.09(1)? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • When does 520 CMR 6.08 say maintenance, repair and refueling are done? 520 CMR 6.08
  • When is the machine's warning signal sounded under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • When must the crane operator always be at the controls, under 520 CMR 6.09(6)? 520 CMR 6.09(6)
  • Where are a crane's load-rating plates or load charts kept under 520 CMR 6.09(1)? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • Where are the manufacturer's load charts and operation manuals kept under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Where is the written, signed record of inspections kept under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Which 520 CMR 6.01 term means one who can identify hazards and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Which device, used by itself, does 520 CMR 6.09(1) call inadequate to keep a crane boom from falling over backward? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • Which records must be made readily available at an inspector's request under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • While what is engaged may the operator not leave the machine, under 520 CMR 6.09(1)? 520 CMR 6.09(1)
  • Who is responsible for securing unattended hoisting machinery under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Who tests all controls before the hoisting machinery is operated, under 520 CMR 6.08? 520 CMR 6.08
  • Whose written approval do modifications to hoisting machinery need under 520 CMR 6.09(1)? 520 CMR 6.09(1)

Incidents, penalties and appeals 22

  • After a reportable incident, when may the hoisting machinery be moved or dismantled under 520 CMR 6.11? 520 CMR 6.11
  • After a reportable incident, who shuts down and secures the machinery until an inspector has completed an investigation? 520 CMR 6.11
  • How long does a person have to appeal a suspension or revocation decision to the chief under 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • How soon is a reportable incident reported to the department under 520 CMR 6.11? 520 CMR 6.11
  • How soon is the written incident report submitted to the department under 520 CMR 6.11? 520 CMR 6.11
  • Improper issuance of which document is a listed ground for suspension or revocation in 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • Under 520 CMR 6.11(1), what does an operator do when the department orders the work stopped? 520 CMR 6.11(1)
  • Under 520 CMR 6.11(2), what does an operator do when the department orders the license or temporary permit given up? 520 CMR 6.11(2)
  • What amount of damage counts as property damage in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • What conduct on an examination or renewal application is a ground for revocation under 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • What fine does § 54A set for a person who permits an unlicensed person to operate hoisting machinery? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54A
  • What fine does § 54A set for preventing an inspector from entering premises in the discharge of duty? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54A
  • What fine does § 54A set for violating § 53, 53A or 54? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54A
  • What is a mechanical failure in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • What is a placard in 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • What is the longest imprisonment § 54A allows for violating § 53, 53A or 54? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54A
  • When may an inspector order an immediate suspension or revocation of a hoisting license under § 53(d)? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53(d)
  • Which failure to report is a listed ground for suspension or revocation in 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • Which of these falls within the 520 CMR 6.01 definition of serious injury? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Which of these is a listed ground for suspending or revoking a license in 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12
  • Which of these is an exception to the 520 CMR 6.11 rule against moving machinery after an incident? 520 CMR 6.11
  • Whose decision at the board of appeal is final under 520 CMR 6.12? 520 CMR 6.12

Temporary permits and apprentices 18

  • A temporary permit covers compact hoisting machinery up to what gross vehicle weight? 520 CMR 6.01
  • Along with a complete application, what does an applicant give the rental entity before the temporary permit examination? 520 CMR 6.03
  • Can a temporary permit be renewed under 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • For how long at most is a temporary permit issued, under 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01
  • For how long is an apprentice license valid under 520 CMR 6.05? 520 CMR 6.05
  • How long does a rental entity retain the permit application, the examination and duplicates of the permit, under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • How many temporary permits may one person be issued in any 45 day period, under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • How soon does a rental entity notify the department of a new facilitator under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • To whom does a rental facility issue a temporary permit under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • Under § 53A, the criteria for an apprentice license include registration with which body? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53A
  • Under § 53A, whose guidance and supervision does an apprentice need to operate hoisting machinery? M.G.L. c. 146, § 53A
  • Under § 54, what must the holder of a temporary permit for compact hoisting equipment also carry? M.G.L. c. 146, § 54
  • What does a short-term rental entity post visibly at the rental location under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • What extra document does an apprentice license applicant submit under 520 CMR 6.02? 520 CMR 6.02
  • What must a short-term rental entity's facilitator hold under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • Where is the apprentice license kept during the operation of hoisting machinery, under 520 CMR 6.05? 520 CMR 6.05
  • Which of these appears on a temporary permit under 520 CMR 6.03? 520 CMR 6.03
  • Who issues a temporary permit under 520 CMR 6.01? 520 CMR 6.01

How this list was compiled: Massachusetts General Laws chapter 146, sections 53, 53A, 54, 54A, 65 and 67, read on the Legislature's site, malegislature.gov, and 520 CMR 6.00 (Hoisting Machinery), sections 6.01 to 6.05 and 6.08 to 6.12, read on the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute copy, www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts, all on 2026-10-04. Licence: Own work. Original questions written from Massachusetts statutes and regulations, which are public law. No question is copied from the state examination or any study guide.

How it works

This unofficial practice test asks what Massachusetts law says about hoisting licenses: M.G.L. c. 146 and the regulation 520 CMR 6.00, read on October 4, 2026. Machine handling and load chart arithmetic are not tested here.

Read the full guide

What this practice test covers

The Start from menu has seven parts: who needs a license, license classes, class 2 excavating, the examination and renewal, operating rules, incidents and penalties, and temporary permits and apprentices. Every answer names its section of M.G.L. c. 146 or 520 CMR 6.00.

Where the text comes from

The statute was read on the Legislature's site, malegislature.gov. The regulation was read on the Legal Information Institute copy at Cornell Law School, which shows its last amendment as November 18, 2016. The state's own copy is the one that counts.

  • Choose Class 2 excavating in the Start from menu to practice the 2A questions alone.
  • Many answers are a class code or a number of days, so read every choice.
  • Wrong answers go to Missed until you answer them right.

Questions and answers

Is this hoisting license MA practice test from the state?

No. It is unofficial practice written from the General Laws and 520 CMR 6.00. The Division of Occupational Licensure did not write or review this page, and none of the state examination's questions appear here.

What is on this mass hoisting license practice test?

Only the law: who needs a license, the classes, examination and renewal rules, the regulation's operating rules, incident reporting, penalties, temporary permits and apprentices. Practical skill with the equipment is not asked.

Is there a mass 2A hoisting license practice test free here?

Yes. Pick Class 2 excavating in the Start from menu for the questions on classes 2A to 2D, the notice before digging and the excavating machine rules. It is free, with no account.

What grade does the regulation set for the written examination?

520 CMR 6.02 sets a minimum grade of 70% on the written examination, as read on October 4, 2026 on the Legal Information Institute copy. The Division's own pages give the current examination details.

Which sources do the questions come from?

M.G.L. chapter 146, sections 53, 53A, 54, 54A, 65 and 67, read on malegislature.gov, and 520 CMR 6.00, read on Cornell's Legal Information Institute copy, both on October 4, 2026.

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