Massachusetts crane operator license

What the statute requires

Section 53 says nobody may operate the listed hoisting machinery without a license or a temporary permit. The machinery named in subsection (a) is derricks, cableways, cargo-discharging machinery and temporary elevator cars used on excavation work or for hoisting building material, when the power is mechanical and not steam. The owner or user may not operate the machinery, or cause it to be operated, unless the operator is licensed or holds a temporary permit. Operators using such machinery only for agricultural purposes are exempt.

Subsection (b) has the commissioner of the Division of Occupational Licensure classify hoisting machinery into categories. It says at least one category must cover cranes and similar equipment and one must cover excavating equipment. The commissioner writes rules under chapter 30A on the criteria and procedures for issuing, denying, renewing, suspending and revoking licenses and temporary permits. Criteria for a license include training and experience suited to the category. Criteria for a temporary permit include training and experience suited to compact equipment. Because the categories and criteria live in those rules, the statute alone does not tell you which license a particular crane needs.

Suspension and discipline

A final finding of a violation of federal or state occupational safety and health regulations, or of a Division rule, is cause for denial, suspension or revocation. An inspector may order immediate suspension or revocation of a license, or of a temporary permit, when needed to protect public health or safety, pending a hearing under the regulations.

Exemptions

The statute exempts some operations when conditions are met.

• A public utility operating its own truck-mounted cranes, derricks and similar equipment for maintaining its own equipment, if it has a licensed supervisory employee in charge of the equipment and an in-service training program the Division approves.
• Companies working only on a utility's property or equipment, under conditions set in subsection (f).
• Lift trucks, forklifts, overhead cranes and other equipment the Division specifically authorizes, used only on company property, with a licensed supervisor on site. The company must also meet the supervisory-employee and approved in-service training conditions in subsection (e).
• Public high school vocational technical programs approved under chapter 74, and recognized operating-engineer apprenticeship training facilities, each with a licensed supervising instructor on site.

Read subsections (e) to (i) before relying on any exemption.

What this means for NCCCO study

Our sources do not say how national certification fits into the Massachusetts license, so we make no claim about it. If your employer wants national certification for OSHA purposes, see our Core exam guide and the OSHA rule guide. For a neighbor with a published exam rule, see Rhode Island.

How the free check fits

Massachusetts sets its own license rules; the written knowledge you can practice here is the NCCCO Core. Take the free 10-question check to see your score by Core domain. No signup, every answer explained.

✓ Checked 26 Oct 2026 against Massachusetts General Laws chapter 146, section 53, on the Legislature's site.

Sources

Show the list

• M.G.L. chapter 146, section 53, Massachusetts Legislature. License and temporary permit requirement, categories, exemptions. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
• Hoisting Licensing and Exams, Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. Access attempted 26 Oct 2026; returned a block (HTTP 403), not read.