Operating hoisting machinery in New York City requires specialized licensing to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. The New York City Department of Buildings categorizes these licenses into Class A, Class B, and Class C, each with distinct qualifications, experience requirements, and certifications.

This guide provides an overview of who needs each type of license and the specific criteria operators must meet to obtain them. Whether handling mobile cranes, large telescopic boom cranes, or smaller hoisting machines, understanding these requirements is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient construction practices in the densely populated urban environment of NYC.

Here is a breakdown of who needs to obtain Class A, Class B, and Class C Hoisting Machine Operator licenses in New York City:

Class A Hoisting Machine Operator License:

NYC DOB Licensing Page for Class A HMO License

Who Needs It: Operators of cranes with a boom length under 200 feet.

Experience Requirements:

Three years of experience operating hoisting machines in NYC under a licensed Class A or B operator.
At least two years must be in the operation of mobile cranes with a manufacturer’s rated capacity over 50 tons or tower cranes.

Outrigger Setup: Must include at least 100 crane setups, with 25 on machinery requiring a Class A license.

Certification Requirements: To obtain a Class A Hoist Machine Operator license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card with at least the following four (4) endorsements:

Telescopic boom cranes (swing cab) (TLL)
Telescopic boom cranes (fixed cab) (TSS)
Lattice boom truck crane (LBT)
Lattice boom crawler crane (LBC)

Certificate of Completion for the 40-Hour Hoisting Machine Operator Department-Approved Course

In addition to showing a valid NCCCO certification card containing the four above certifications, to operate a tower crane, the applicant must additionally show a valid NCCCO certification card containing the following certification:

Tower Crane (TWR)

Class B Hoisting Machine Operator License:

NYC DOB Licensing Page for Class B HMO License

Who Needs It: Operators of all cranes, regardless of boom length.

Experience Requirements:

Must already hold a Class A Hoisting Machine Operator license.
At least two years of experience under a Class B licensed operator, specifically on equipment requiring a Class B license.

Certification Requirements: To become a licensed Class B Hoist Machine Operator the applicant must pass the appropriate National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) written and practical examinations. Candidate handbooks and application information can be found on the NCCCO website at www.nccco.org.

To obtain a Class B Hoist Machine Operator license the applicant must show a valid NCCCO certification card containing at minimum the following five (5) certifications:

Mobile cranes – large telescopic boom cranes (swing cab) (TLL)
Mobile cranes – small telescopic boom cranes (fixed cab) (TSS)
Lattice boom truck crane (LBT)
Lattice boom crawler crane (LBC)
Tower crane (TWR)

Tower Crane (TWR)

Ratings: Must possess ratings for specific makes and models of hoisting machines, requiring practical exams and courses.

Class C Hoisting Machine Operator License:

NYC DOB Licensing Page for Class C HMO License

Who Needs It: Operators of smaller hoisting machines under 50 tons

Experience Requirements:

Two years of experience operating hoisting machines under the supervision of a licensed operator, with at least one year in NYC or a comparable urban area.

Certification Requirements: To become a licensed Class C Hoist Machine Operator you must pass the appropriate National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) written and practical examinations for the type of machinery you intend to operate. Candidate handbooks and application information can be found on their websites – NCCCO, www.nccco.org.

To obtain a Class C1 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for both of the following:

Mobile cranes, large telescopic boom cranes (swing cab) (TLL)
Mobile cranes, small telescopic boom cranes (fixed cab) (TSS)

TTo obtain a Class C2 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for the following:

Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF)

To obtain a Class C3 license, you must show a valid NCCCO certification card for:

Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF)

Outrigger Setup: Must include 100 crane setups, with specific requirements depending on the license class.

Additional Points:

Physical Fitness: All license classes require physical fitness certification and substance abuse tests.

Training: Completion of a 40-hour Hoist Machine Operator training course covering NYC-specific regulations and hazards is mandatory for all license classes.

Driver’s License: A valid, unrestricted driver’s license is required for all classes.

References:

NYC Department of Buildings Hoisting Machine Operators

Hoisting Machine Operator License | City of New York

1 RCNY §104-09 Hoisting Machine Operators

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a Hoisting Machine Operator (HMO) license? A: An HMO license is required to operate cranes and other hoisting machinery in New York City. The license ensures that operators are qualified and experienced to handle such equipment safely.

Q2: What are the different classes of HMO licenses in NYC? A: There are three classes of HMO licenses in NYC: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class corresponds to different types of cranes and hoisting machines, with specific qualifications and experience requirements.

Q3: Who needs a Class A HMO license? A: A Class A HMO license is required for operators of cranes with a boom length under 200 feet. This includes mobile cranes and tower cranes with a capacity over 50 tons.

Q4: Who needs a Class B HMO license? A: A Class B HMO license is needed for operators of all cranes, regardless of boom length. This license covers a wider range of cranes and requires additional experience and certifications.

Q5: Who needs a Class C HMO license? A: A Class C HMO license is for operators of smaller hoisting machines under 50 tons. This license requires specific certifications for different types of smaller cranes and hoisting machines.

Q6: What are the experience requirements for a Class A HMO license? A: Applicants must have three years of experience operating hoisting machines in NYC under the supervision of a licensed Class A or B operator, with at least two years operating mobile cranes over 50 tons or tower cranes.

Q7: What are the experience requirements for a Class B HMO license? A: Applicants must already hold a Class A license and have at least two years of experience under a Class B licensed operator on equipment requiring a Class B license.

Q8: What are the experience requirements for a Class C HMO license? A: Applicants need two years of experience operating hoisting machines under supervision, with at least one year in NYC or a comparable urban area.

Q9: What is an outrigger setup and why is it important? A: An outrigger setup involves extending and positioning the outriggers of a crane to ensure stability during lifting operations. Proper outrigger setup is crucial for preventing tipping and ensuring the safe operation of the crane.

Q10: What certifications are required for HMO licenses? A: Certifications must be from accredited programs by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specific certifications depend on the class of license and the type of machinery to be operated.

Q11: How do I renew my HMO license? A: Renewal requires maintaining physical fitness and certification, possessing a valid driver’s license, and completing an 8-hour refresher course. Renewal applications must be submitted online with the necessary documentation.

Q12: What training is required for HMO licenses? A: All HMO license classes require the completion of a 40-hour Hoist Machine Operator training course covering NYC-specific regulations and hazards related to hoisting machine operations.

Q13: Where can I find more information about HMO licenses? A: Detailed information can be found on the NYC Department of Buildings website and the specific guidelines provided in 1 RCNY §104-09.

Able Safety Consulting - Hoist Machine Operator License Guide

Hoist Machine Operator License Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)