License Grades | Mass Hoisting Training

In the state of Massachusetts, there are varying "grades" of a hoisting license. Just like a driver's license where the class of license you hold identifies the type(s) of vehicles you are qualified to operate, the same goes for a hoisting license. Each "Class" of a hoisting license has varying "Grades". The classes and grades of a hoisting license are as so ...

Hoisting License Classes

Class 1: Hoisting Equipment
Class 2: Excavating Equipment
Class 3: Electric & Pneumatic Equipment
Class 4: Specialty Equipment

Hoisting License Grades

Within each Class, each Grade encompasses the Grades beneath it. For example, a 1B license encompasses the 1C & 1D, but NOT the 1A.

A common misconception is a Class 1 license will cover the rest of the Classes. This is not true. Each class has its own set of rules. For example, most people hold a 2A & 1C license, as those are the two most popular grades covering the majority of equipment used in the industry.

**-Class 1: Hoisting-**
License Grade:	Derricks/lattice cranes	Telescoping Boom with cables/cranes	Telescoping Booms without cables	Forklifts
1A:
1B:
1C:
1D:

**-Class 2: Excavating-**
License Grade:	Excavators	Backhoes	Front-End Loaders	Compact Equipment*
2A:
2B:
2C:
2D:

*Compact Equipment: Excavators, Backhoes & Front-End Loaders weighing less than 10,000 lbs

**-Class 3: Electric & Pneumatic-**
License Grade:	Overhead Cranes & Marine Lifts*
3A:

*Marine Lifts: still fall under the 3A license, although powered by gas or diesel

**-Class 4: Specialty Equipment-**
License Grade:	Drill Rigs	Pipeline side booms	Concrete Pumps	Catch Basin Cleaner	Sign Hanging Equipment	Specialty Lawnmowers
4A:	No Longer Exists
4B:
4C:
4D:
4E:
4F:
4G: