MA Hoisting 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 2B license encompasses the 2C & 2D, but NOT the 2A.

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.

As of November 21, 2025, the 1A license now covers (1B, 1C, 1D, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G). The 1B license covers (4B, 4C, 4E, 4F).

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

*1A also covers: 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G
**1B also covers: 4B, 4C, 4E, 4F

**-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: