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ArticleFree Crane Operator Practice Test by State 2026: 600+ Questions21 min read
Exam Review

Key Facts: MA Crane Operator Exam

70%

Minimum Passing Grade

230 CMR 6.02(3)

$75

Fee Per Restriction

OPSI application (nonrefundable)

60 days

Wait Before Reapplying for the Same Class

MGL c. 146 § 57

4 classes

License Classes Under 230 CMR 6.10

Hoisting, excavating, electric/pneumatic, specialty

18+

Minimum Age (Apprentices 16+)

230 CMR 6.01-6.02

2 years

License Term

MGL c. 146 § 67; OPSI renewal page

As of October 2026, a Massachusetts hoisting license requires passing an OPSI written exam for each restriction with a minimum grade of 70%. OPSI does not publish the question count or time limit. Applicants must be 18 or older and submit identification, a DOT medical certificate (or Intrastate Medical Waiver or ANSI/ASME B30.5 form) and a $75 nonrefundable fee per restriction. Crane restrictions are 1A (derricks, tower and lattice boom cranes), 1B (telescoping booms with wire rope) and 1C (hydraulic booms without wire rope). No one may reapply for the same class more than once in 60 days. Licenses renew every 2 years for $60, with continuing education.

Sample MA Crane Operator Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MA Crane Operator exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 146+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Massachusetts law, which agency administers the hoisting engineer license exam?
A.Massachusetts DOT
B.OPSI, Division of Occupational Licensure
C.NCCCO Foundation
D.Massachusetts Fire Marshal
Explanation: The Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) within the Division of Occupational Licensure administers Massachusetts hoisting engineer licensing. This is an independent state program governed by MGL Chapter 146, not affiliated with NCCCO or any national certification body.
2What is the minimum age to apply for a Massachusetts hoisting engineer license?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.21 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: Massachusetts requires applicants for a hoisting engineer license to be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is specified under MGL Chapter 146 and applies to all license grades from 1A through 2A.
3What identification documents does Massachusetts require from hoisting engineer license applicants?
A.Only a Social Security card
B.A U.S. state/territory/federal government-issued driver's license (learner's permit only for apprentices), plus a DOT Medical Certificate or accepted medical form/waiver
C.A Massachusetts ID card alone with no driver's license
D.A utility bill as proof of residence
Explanation: Under 230 CMR 6.02(2), applicants (other than apprentices) must submit a legible photocopy of a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or federal government-issued identification driver's license, plus a valid DOT medical certificate, Massachusetts Intrastate Medical Waiver, or ANSI/ASME B30.5 operator medical qualifications. A Massachusetts ID alone without a driver's license does not satisfy the driver's-license documentation requirement for non-apprentice applicants.
4Which Massachusetts hoisting engineer license grade covers ALL hoisting equipment?
A.Grade 1B
B.Grade 1C
C.Grade 1A
D.Grade 2A
Explanation: Grade 1A is the highest Class 1 Massachusetts hoisting engineer license. Under 230 CMR 6.10, a 1A holder may operate friction-clutch machines and derricks (including tower cranes), lattice boom machinery, and all equipment listed in classes 1B, 1C, 1D, and specialty grades 4B–4G. Grade 1B covers telescoping-boom equipment with wire rope (plus 1C/1D hierarchy); 1C covers hydraulic telescoping booms without wire-rope hoist lines (plus 1D); 1D covers general industrial warehouse forklifts primarily used indoors; Class 2A covers excavators/backhoes and lower Class 2 grades.
5What is the passing score for the Massachusetts hoisting engineer written exam?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.80%
Explanation: The Massachusetts hoisting engineer written exam requires a passing score of 70%. This applies to all license grades. The exam consists of approximately 40 multiple-choice questions covering state law, safe operating practices, and technical knowledge specific to the license grade.
6Approximately how many multiple-choice questions are on the Massachusetts hoisting engineer written exam?
A.25 questions
B.40 questions
C.60 questions
D.100 questions
Explanation: The Massachusetts hoisting engineer written exam consists of approximately 40 multiple-choice questions. The questions cover MGL Chapter 146, 230 CMR 6.00 (formerly 520 CMR 6.00), safe operating practices, hand signals, rigging, and OSHA standards relevant to the specific license grade being sought.
7What is the examination fee per grade for the Massachusetts hoisting engineer license?
A.$50
B.$75
C.$100
D.$150
Explanation: The Massachusetts hoisting engineer examination fee is $75 per grade, and it is non-refundable. If an applicant wishes to test for multiple grades, each grade requires a separate fee. The fee is paid at the time of application to OPSI.
8How long must a candidate wait to retake the Massachusetts hoisting engineer exam after failing?
A.30 days
B.60 days
C.90 days
D.There is no waiting period
Explanation: Massachusetts requires a 60-day waiting period after failing the hoisting engineer exam before a candidate can retest. This waiting period allows time for additional study and preparation. The $75 fee applies again for each retest attempt.
9Which Massachusetts statute governs hoisting engineer licensing?
A.MGL Chapter 140
B.MGL Chapter 146, Sections 53-54A and 64-67
C.MGL Chapter 111
D.MGL Chapter 152
Explanation: MGL Chapter 146, Sections 53-54A and 64-67, is the governing statute for hoisting engineer licensing in Massachusetts. This law establishes the licensing requirements, enforcement provisions, and penalties for operating hoisting equipment without proper licensure.
10What regulation provides the detailed rules for Massachusetts hoisting engineer licensing?
A.230 CMR 6.00
B.OSHA 1926.1400
C.ASME B30.5
D.ANSI A10.28
Explanation: 230 CMR 6.00 (Hoisting Machinery), previously codified as 520 CMR 6.00, is the Code of Massachusetts Regulations that provides the detailed rules for hoisting engineer licensing, including application requirements, exam procedures, license classes, continuing education, and operational standards. It works in conjunction with MGL Chapter 146. Mass.gov education requirements now cite 230 CMR 6.00.

About the MA Crane Operator Exam

The Massachusetts hoisting license is issued by OPSI (Division of Occupational Licensure) under MGL c. 146 and 230 CMR 6.00. Crane operators hold Class 1 restrictions: 1A for derricks, tower cranes and lattice boom cranes; 1B for telescoping boom cranes with wire rope; 1C for hydraulic booms without wire rope; and 1D for warehouse forklifts. Class 2 covers excavating equipment, Class 3 overhead and electric hoists, and Class 4 specialty machines. Each restriction requires a written exam with a minimum grade of 70%, covering the equipment's working parts, safe operating practices, inspection, hand signals and Massachusetts hoisting law.

Exam sponsor: OPSI, Division of Occupational Licensure. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written exam for each restriction, given by OPSI on scheduled monthly dates with a minimum grade of 70%; OPSI does not publish a question count or time limit. Covers working parts, safe operation, inspection, hand signals and Massachusetts hoisting law (MGL c. 146, 230 CMR 6.00)

Time Limit

Not published by OPSI

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$75 per restriction (nonrefundable)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly disclosed. OPSI does not publish pass-rate statistics. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Working Parts & Operation of the Equipment

Thorough and practical knowledge of all working parts of the machinery in the restriction applied for, and operating it per the manufacturer's manuals and load charts (OPSI application; 230 CMR 6.02(3), 6.10).

Not published

Safe Operating Practices & Emergency Procedures

230 CMR 6.08-6.09 operating rules, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, power line clearances, ground conditions, Dig Safe and emergency procedures.

Not published

Safety Inspection of the Equipment

Daily inspections and logs under 230 CMR 6.08, wire rope, hooks and rigging, and OSHA 1926.1412 shift, monthly and annual inspections.

Not published

Hand Signals

National standard hand signals printed in 230 CMR 6.00: Appendix A (ASME B30.5 crane signals) and Appendix B (SAE excavator signals).

Not published

Massachusetts Hoisting Laws & Regulations

MGL c. 146 §§ 53-54A and 64-67 and 230 CMR 6.00: license classes, application, renewal, continuing education, incident reporting and discipline.

Preparing for the MA Crane Operator Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Written exam for each restriction, given by OPSI on scheduled monthly dates with a minimum grade of 70%; OPSI does not publish a question count or time limit. Covers working parts, safe operation, inspection, hand signals and Massachusetts hoisting law (MGL c. 146, 230 CMR 6.00)
  • Time limit: Not published by OPSI
  • Exam / certification fees: $75 per restriction (nonrefundable) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 146 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MA Crane Operator: Suggested Study Strategy

1Read MGL c. 146 §§ 53-54A and 64-67 and all of 230 CMR 6.00; OPSI names them as required study material.
2Learn exactly what each restriction covers in 230 CMR 6.10, especially the wire rope line between 1B and 1C and the Class 4 items 1B does not include.
3Memorize the crane hand signals in Appendix A of 230 CMR 6.00; OPSI says crane applicants must know them to pass.
4Study OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC for power lines, inspections and personnel hoisting; 230 CMR 6.08 also cites 29 CFR 1910.
5Know the Massachusetts Dig Safe rules: white premark, 72 business hours' notice, 30-day ticket and the 18-inch safety zone.
6Practice load chart deductions, parts-of-line and sling-angle calculations until they are automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Massachusetts hoisting engineer exam?

OPSI does not publish a question count or time limit. 230 CMR 6.02 requires a written exam for each restriction with a minimum grade of 70%. Massachusetts hoisting schools describe the test as roughly 30-40 multiple-choice questions per restriction.

Which Massachusetts hoisting restriction do crane operators need?

Under 230 CMR 6.10, 1A covers friction clutch machines, all derricks including tower cranes, and lattice boom cranes; 1B covers telescoping boom equipment with wire rope; 1C covers hydraulic booms and other hydraulic hoisting equipment without wire rope; and 1D covers warehouse forklifts used mainly indoors.

What does the Massachusetts hoisting exam cover?

OPSI bases the exam on the working parts of the machinery applied for, safe operating practices, safety inspection, hand signals and Massachusetts law: MGL c. 146 §§ 53-54A and 64-67 and 230 CMR 6.00. Candidates should also study OSHA 29 CFR 1926 and Dig Safe.

How long must I wait to retake the Massachusetts hoisting engineer exam?

MGL c. 146 § 57 and 230 CMR 6.02 bar applying for a license of the same class more than once in 60 days. Each attempt needs a new application and the $75 nonrefundable fee per restriction.

Is NCCCO certification accepted in Massachusetts?

A national certification is not a Massachusetts license. Under 230 CMR 6.02(3)(c), the Commissioner may, at their discretion, waive the exam for a substantially equivalent national certification, but the operator must still apply for and hold a Massachusetts hoisting license.