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MA HE License Classifications (Click to Read)

View a simplified MA HE license chart
See Mass.gov Hoisting Operators FAQs (reference questions 18-21)
Summary: Massachusetts has four (4) HE license classifications: 1 (hoisting), 2 (excavating), 3 (air, tower & electric), and 4 (specialty).
  • Classes 1 and 2 have four (4) sub-grades, or restrictions (A, B, C, and D), which work as a hierarchy. Therefore, HE 1A and 2A licenses are essentially "unrestricted" for their respective classes. Conversely, someone holding an HE 1C license, for example, may only operate equipment falling under the HE 1C and 1D licenses - but not the 1A or 1B licenses.
  • Class 3 only has a 3A license.
  • Class 4 has seven (7) sub-grades, or restrictions (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Like classes 1 and 2, the 4A serves as "unrestricted" in its class. Unlike classes 1 and 2, the remaining class 4 restrictions do not operate as a hierarchy. For example, someone holding a 4C license may only operate equipment covered under the 4C.

MA HE Exam Process (Click to Read)

To apply for a MA Hoisting Engineering License, you must submit an application to the MA Department of Public Safety (or, we can do it for you, per our "Electronic license application assistance" option).

Application instructions and requirements can be found here (reference question 6).
  • The Mass DPS will receive and process your application, and schedule you for an upcoming exam. During "normal" processing times, new license applicants typically receive an exam date in the month following when they applied (ex: application submitted in June, exam date provided in July).
  • The Mass DPS will mail you (to the address provided on your application) exam details (date/location) about 2 weeks prior to your scheduled exam date.
  • A list of exam dates and locations can be found here.
  • You must achieve a 70% or better on a given exam in order to obtain the associated MA Hoisting Engineering license. If you score below a 70%, you must wait 90 days before you are allowed to retake the same exam.

MA HE Application Status (Click to Read)

If you've applied for a MA HE License and are curious about your application status, there are a few things you can do:
  • Check the Mass.gov License Verification portal and search by first/last name. If your name appears with the designation "pending," it means your application has been processed and you should soon receive details (mail) on your upcoming exam date/location.
  • Check with your bank. Has your application check been cashed by the Mass DPS? If so, they've received and have processed (or are processing) your application.
  • As a last resort, call the Mass DPS to inquire about your status (617.727.3200). Before calling, please remember the process of applying and then sitting for a MA HE license exam typically takes at least a month.

MA HE Continuing Education Requirements (Click to Read)

As outlined on Mass.gov, "all Hoisting License holders must complete continuing education requirements of 520 CMR 6.04 prior to license renewal, unless a request for an inactive license status has been made pursuant to 520 CMR 6.04(3)." Hours of continuing education needed are as follows:
  • 4 hours for each of the following license grades: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 4A.
  • 2 hours for each of the following license grades: 1D, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G.