If you're wondering how to get a hoisting license in Massachusetts, you've come to the right place.
We've simplified the process into five basic steps:
1. Obtain a DOT Medical Card
Before you can begin the process of getting a Mass. Hoisting License, you must obtain a valid DOT Medical Card. To do so, you must get a medical exam conducted by an approved provider. This ensures that you are healthy enough to operate hoisting equipment.
The DOT medical exam may include:
- checking your vital signs
- vision test
- hearing test
- listening to your heart and lungs
- general physical exam
- urine test (this is NOT a drug test. It measures the presence of blood, sugar, or protein in urine)
At the conclusion of your DOT physical exam, the provider will issue your DOT Medical Card, which will be valid for up to two years. If there are any health concerns, your DOT Medical Card may have an expiration date sooner than two years.
Before you leave the provider's office, double check your DOT Medical Card to make sure it's signed by the provider and all fields have been filled out. If anything is missing, your hoisting application could get rejected.
How much are DOT physicals? The cost of DOT medical exams in Massachusetts typically ranges between $109-140 or more.
Where can I get a DOT physical? At Leisure offers discounted DOT physicals in Massachusetts, with eleven locations across the state ranging from Western Mass. to the North Shore and South Coast of MA. We're proud to offer our customers the low price of $85 through our team of providers.
Are there any exceptions? You could also apply for a Massachusetts Intrastate Medical Waiver if that applies to you, or provide an ANSI/ASME B30.5 Medical Qualifications Form.
2. Make sure your driver's license isn't about to expire.
You must have a valid state-issued ID, like a driver's license, in order to apply for a Massachusetts Hoisting License. Check the expiration date on your license to make sure it's not coming up within the next few months. Sometimes, it can take a bit of time for the state to process your hoisting application, and if your driver's license expires during the process, your application could get rejected.
If you're wondering how to get a Mass. hoisting license if you don't have a driver's license, the good news is that the state will also accept a driver's license learner's permit or a Massachusetts ID.
Can I get a Hoisting License in Massachusetts if my driver's license is issued by a different state? Yes, you can. However, be aware that you'll need to include a 2" x 2" passport size photo along with your application. This is not necessary for applicants with Mass. driver's licenses because they can pull your license image from the RMV with your authorization.
3. Apply for the Massachusetts Hoisting Exam.
Once you have copies of your DOT Medical Card and state-issued ID, you're ready to apply for the Massachusetts hoisting test. You have three options for submitting your application:
- by mail using a printed application form,
- online via the Office of Public Safety and Inspections website, or
- online via At Leisure's easy-to-use platform.
At Leisure's e-submission platform is available to all who enroll in an online Mass. Hoisting Exam Prep course. Customers tell us it's a lot easier to use than the state's website - plus we have a customer support team standing by the phone 7 days a week should you experience any issues. One of the biggest benefits of our application submission add-on is that a staff member personally reviews your application for any problems that could delay the approval process. The cost is just $5.
Regardless of how you submit your application, you'll need to include the following:
- your social security number,
- a valid mailing address,
- a copy of your driver's license, driver's license learner's permit, or Massachusetts ID,
- a copy of your DOT medical card,
- an application fee of $75, and
- a 2" x 2" passport size photo - ONLY if you have an out-of-state driver's license or you choose not to authorize the release of your RMV photo
You also must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
4. Study for the Mass. Hoisting Test.
It could take anywhere from 1-3 months to take your hoisting exam, from the time you submit your hoisting application. Some times of the year are busier than others. You'll want to use that time to study.
We recommend taking a MA hoisting license prep class to help you prepare. A good portion of the exams cover Mass. state law, in addition to equipment questions, so it's helpful to have a class that can help you navigate both in an easy to understand way.
At Leisure offers self-paced online classes to help you study and you can continue to review the material right up until you walk into your exam so it's fresh on your mind. Practice quizzes enable you to test your knowledge and preparedness so there are no surprises come exam day. If you fail your exam, you'll need to wait 60 days from your initial application before you can apply again, so it's in your best interest to pass it the first time so you don't experience further delays.
5. Pass your exam.
It's the moment you've been waiting for: Exam day! The Mass. hoisting test is administered in person at a few different locations across the state. At the exam, you'll be given a Student ID. Make sure you hold onto this ID number so you can check your score later. Test scores are usually calculated on the same day, and you can check how you did on the OPSI website with your Student ID #.
If you received a score of 70% or better, congratulations! You are now a licensed Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer. You'll be able to access your hoisting license digitally throuth the OPSI website.
And that's how to obtain a Hoisting License in Massachusetts! Questions? We're happy to help.