Preparing for the Massachusetts Hoisting License exam can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what to study. While there are plenty of free flashcards and practice tests available online, many are incomplete, outdated, or don't accurately reflect the current Massachusetts licensing requirements. Whether you're preparing for the 2A, 1C, or another Massachusetts hoisting license classification, this Massachusetts Hoisting License Study Guide outlines the major topics you should focus on, explains what to expect during the licensing process, and highlights common mistakes to avoid so you can prepare confidently for exam day.
About the Exam
The MA Hoisting License exam is a multiple-choice test comprised of roughly 40 questions. You must score a 70% or better.
The fact is, the MA hoisting exam is difficult. It’s a mixture of state law and equipment-specific questions. Since many of the questions ask detailed questions about state law, even the most experienced operators find it challenging.
Hearing this, most would agree it’s a good idea to study for the exam. If you fail the exam, you have to wait 60 days before you can retake the exam AND pay another $75 per exam.
MA Hoisting Study Materials
Using a search engine won’t yield any useful study materials. There are free flashcards online that someone created, but those won’t get you far; each exam is different and chances are you’ll be reading flashcards for the wrong exam. Not to mention, these flashcards only cover a portion of what's on the exam, and they are unreliable and outdated.
Therefore, taking a comprehensive exam prep course specific to your desired license(s) is certainly your best option. While most people assume the state approves curriculums offered by training companies, this is not the truth. That means you are left to the training companies' interpretation of the exam, and more importantly, their training style.
Here are a couple of areas covered on the exam …
State Law
As mentioned above, even some of the most experienced operators end up failing the exam, because while they are well-versed in how to use a machine, they get tripped up on the state law questions. This is a problem because state law questions account for a significant portion of the hoisting exam... and most of it reads like Old English.
Here's an example of the type of question you might encounter:
- Q: What Massachusetts General Law governs hoisting?
- A: MGL Chapter 146
If you've been operating equipment for years, you probably know how to run the machine safely, but unless you've studied the Massachusetts regulations, there's a good chance you wouldn't know the answer to a question like this. That's exactly why experienced operators often find the exam more challenging than they expected.
Equipment Specific
The remaining questions cover the specific equipment you are looking to operate. These questions will range anywhere from the parts of the equipment, to safe operation of said equipment. While some of these questions may seem straightforward, they are often worded in ways that can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the exam. We work closely with past students who have recently taken the exam to gain as much insight as possible as to how current exam questions are worded.
Applicants should understand:
- equipment capabilities
- equipment limitations
- stability principles
- load handling
- safe operating practices
- hazard recognition
Common Study Mistakes
Many applicants spend hours memorizing online flashcards, only to discover the actual exam asks questions differently than expected.
Some common mistakes include:
- relying on outdated flashcards
- memorizing answers instead of understanding concepts
- waiting until the last minute
- misunderstanding the application process
- arriving at the exam without the proper items
Exam Day
Sitting for the exam will be a little nerve-wracking. You may not think so, but most people report being nervous once they’ve arrived. So we spend some time telling you what to expect on that day. Small things like what to bring, such as your own pencils. Big things like what you can expect from the inspectors, such as taking an oath at the beginning of the exam. Convenient things like don’t bring your cell phone, or else it goes in a box with everyone else’s. After taking our class, from exam questions to the exam process, you will be prepared for all of it, and you'll feel more relaxed.
Scheduling your MA Hoisting Exam
To receive an exam, you must submit an application. A part of our service is helping you schedule your exam. We go beyond just providing you with the necessary education, so all the guesswork is no longer a burden. Alongside this application, you must submit an ID and a DOT Medical Certificate. If you do not possess a DOT Medical Certificate, an added leg to our classroom offering is that we provide on-site DOT physicals at a discounted rate. Our goal is to make the entire process of getting licensed as simple as possible.
Registering for a Mass Hoisting Class
If you're ready to take the first step in obtaining your Massachusetts hoisting license, view our class schedule today. Prefer online learning? We also offer online MA hoisting exam prep courses through our sister company, At Leisure Contractor Licensing.
