Massachusetts MASS 2A-1C Hoisting License Exam |
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales 2026
Fast-track your Massachusetts heavy equipment certification with this premium study bundle for
the MASS 2A-1C Hoisting License Exam. Features comprehensive multiple-choice questions,
verified answers, and detailed regulations-based rationales covering excavation safety, forklift
operations, hand signals, and 520 CMR 14.00 codes.
1. Which Massachusetts hoisting license classification is required to operate a
friction clutch crane?
A. 1C
B. 2A
C. 1A
D. 4G
Answer: C. 1A
Rationale: The 1A classification covers all friction clutch machines, including lattice boom
cranes and derricks. The 1C classification is for hydraulic telescoping booms without wire
rope hoist lines.
2. A Tier 2A hoisting license allows the operator to use which of the following
attachments?
A. Only manufacturer-approved attachments
B. Any attachment regardless of approval
C. Only buckets
D. Only breakers
Answer: A. Only manufacturer-approved attachments
Rationale: The 2A classification covers crawler and rubber-tired excavators and backhoes
with manufacturer-approved attachments. Using non-approved attachments is a violation.
,3. What is the maximum gross vehicle weight for equipment covered under the 2D
classification?
A. 5,000 pounds
B. 8,000 pounds
C. 10,000 pounds
D. 15,000 pounds
Answer: C. 10,000 pounds
Rationale: The 2D classification covers compact hoisting machinery with a gross vehicle
weight not exceeding 10,000 pounds.
4. Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for obtaining a 1A license?
A. Knowledge of ASME hand signals
B. Ability to read and comprehend load charts
C. Five years of documented crane operating experience
D. Meeting the requirements of 520 CMR 6.02
Answer: C. Five years of documented crane operating experience
Rationale: The 1A license requires knowledge of hand signals, load chart comprehension,
and meeting 520 CMR 6.02 requirements. There is no five-year experience requirement for
the 1A license.
5. An apprentice hoisting license (HA) holder must operate under what condition?
A. Independently at all times
B. Only under the direct guidance of a licensed person who is not an apprentice
C. Only during daylight hours
D. Only on private property
,Answer: B. Only under the direct guidance of a licensed person who is not an
apprentice
Rationale: An HA licensee must be registered with the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development and operate only under the direct guidance of a duly licensed person who is
not an apprentice.
6. How long is a Massachusetts hoisting license valid before renewal is required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer: B. 2 years
Rationale: Hoisting licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
7. What is the fee for each grade of the Massachusetts hoisting license exam?
A. $50
B. $75
C. $100
D. $125
Answer: B. $75
Rationale: The exam fee is $75 per grade, non-refundable.
8. After a failed exam attempt, how long must an applicant wait before retaking
the exam?
, A. 30 days
B. 45 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Answer: C. 60 days
Rationale: Individuals receiving a failing score may not retake the examination within 60
days of the previous examination.
9. What document must be carried by the operator at all times while operating
hoisting machinery?
A. A copy of the load chart
B. The hoisting license
C. A medical certificate only
D. The equipment manual
Answer: B. The hoisting license
Rationale: The hoisting license shall be carried on the person of the operator during all
times the operator is operating hoisting machinery.
10. Which of the following is a 4C classification hoisting license?
A. Pipeline side booms
B. Drill rigs
C. Concrete pumps
D. Catch basin cleaners
Answer: A. Pipeline side booms
Rationale: The 4C classification covers pipeline side booms.
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales 2026
Fast-track your Massachusetts heavy equipment certification with this premium study bundle for
the MASS 2A-1C Hoisting License Exam. Features comprehensive multiple-choice questions,
verified answers, and detailed regulations-based rationales covering excavation safety, forklift
operations, hand signals, and 520 CMR 14.00 codes.
1. Which Massachusetts hoisting license classification is required to operate a
friction clutch crane?
A. 1C
B. 2A
C. 1A
D. 4G
Answer: C. 1A
Rationale: The 1A classification covers all friction clutch machines, including lattice boom
cranes and derricks. The 1C classification is for hydraulic telescoping booms without wire
rope hoist lines.
2. A Tier 2A hoisting license allows the operator to use which of the following
attachments?
A. Only manufacturer-approved attachments
B. Any attachment regardless of approval
C. Only buckets
D. Only breakers
Answer: A. Only manufacturer-approved attachments
Rationale: The 2A classification covers crawler and rubber-tired excavators and backhoes
with manufacturer-approved attachments. Using non-approved attachments is a violation.
,3. What is the maximum gross vehicle weight for equipment covered under the 2D
classification?
A. 5,000 pounds
B. 8,000 pounds
C. 10,000 pounds
D. 15,000 pounds
Answer: C. 10,000 pounds
Rationale: The 2D classification covers compact hoisting machinery with a gross vehicle
weight not exceeding 10,000 pounds.
4. Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for obtaining a 1A license?
A. Knowledge of ASME hand signals
B. Ability to read and comprehend load charts
C. Five years of documented crane operating experience
D. Meeting the requirements of 520 CMR 6.02
Answer: C. Five years of documented crane operating experience
Rationale: The 1A license requires knowledge of hand signals, load chart comprehension,
and meeting 520 CMR 6.02 requirements. There is no five-year experience requirement for
the 1A license.
5. An apprentice hoisting license (HA) holder must operate under what condition?
A. Independently at all times
B. Only under the direct guidance of a licensed person who is not an apprentice
C. Only during daylight hours
D. Only on private property
,Answer: B. Only under the direct guidance of a licensed person who is not an
apprentice
Rationale: An HA licensee must be registered with the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development and operate only under the direct guidance of a duly licensed person who is
not an apprentice.
6. How long is a Massachusetts hoisting license valid before renewal is required?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer: B. 2 years
Rationale: Hoisting licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
7. What is the fee for each grade of the Massachusetts hoisting license exam?
A. $50
B. $75
C. $100
D. $125
Answer: B. $75
Rationale: The exam fee is $75 per grade, non-refundable.
8. After a failed exam attempt, how long must an applicant wait before retaking
the exam?
, A. 30 days
B. 45 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Answer: C. 60 days
Rationale: Individuals receiving a failing score may not retake the examination within 60
days of the previous examination.
9. What document must be carried by the operator at all times while operating
hoisting machinery?
A. A copy of the load chart
B. The hoisting license
C. A medical certificate only
D. The equipment manual
Answer: B. The hoisting license
Rationale: The hoisting license shall be carried on the person of the operator during all
times the operator is operating hoisting machinery.
10. Which of the following is a 4C classification hoisting license?
A. Pipeline side booms
B. Drill rigs
C. Concrete pumps
D. Catch basin cleaners
Answer: A. Pipeline side booms
Rationale: The 4C classification covers pipeline side booms.
