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Limited HMO License FAQs

This page addresses frequently asked questions regarding the new limited HMO licenses created by the 2022 New York City Construction Codes.

Beginning November 7, 2024, to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler, the operator must be licensed* as a New York City Hoisting Machine Operator (HMO). Three new classes of Limited HMO licenses have been created – one for articulating boom cranes, one for mini cranes, and one for telehandlers.

The the existing HMO C-2 license has been reclassified as a Limited HMO License for boom trucks. The existing HMO C-3 license has been reclassified as a Limited HMO License for sign hanging cranes. The existing HMO C-1 license has been reclassified as the HMO Class C license

* NOTE: Additionally, an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or telehandler limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

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Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Equipment Types

What is an articulating boom crane?

An articulating boom crane is a crane whose boom consists of a series of folding, pin connected structural members, typically manipulated to extend or retract by power from hydraulic cylinders. Articulating booms can be mounted to an array of vehicles and structures, including but not limited to a commercial truck chassis

What is a mini crane?

A mini crane is a mobile crane, other than a boom truck, which possesses a telescoping, articulating, hydraulic, or folding boom, whose boom, including jibs and any other extensions to the boom, does not exceed 50 feet in length, and whose manufacturer’s rated capacity does not exceed 3 tons.

What is a rotating telehandler?

A rotating telehandler is a telehandler whose boom is mounted on a rotating or slewing superstructure.

What is a boom truck?

A boom truck is a mobile crane consisting of a rotating super-structure (center post or turntable), boom, operating machinery, and one or more operator’s stations mounted on a frame attached to a commercial truck chassis.

What is a sign hanging crane?

A sign hanging crane is a boom truck that is used exclusively for the installation, maintenance, or removal of signs, and which possesses a telescoping, articulating, hydraulic, or folding boom, whose boom, including jibs and any other extensions to the boom, does not exceed 135 feet in length, and whose manufacturer’s rated capacity does not exceed 3 tons.

License Scope

Have the Class C HMO licenses been renamed?

Yes. The HMO C-1 license is now known as the HMO C License. The HMO C-2 license has been reclassified as a Limited HMO License for boom trucks. The HMO C-3 license has been reclassified as a Limited HMO License for sign hanging cranes. Holders of an HMO C-1, C-2, or C-3 license will be allowed to continue to operate the same type of equipment they are currently authorized to operate on and after November 7, 2024, and will not be required to obtain a new license card with the new HMO license name. A new license card displaying the updated license name will be issued when the license is renewed.

Have any new classes of HMO licenses been created?

Yes. Three new classes of limited HMO licenses have been created – one for articulating boom cranes, one for mini cranes, and one for telehandlers.

What type of mobile cranes can each class of HMO license operate?

This chart summarizes which types of mobile cranes are authorized to be operated by each class of HMO license. An HMO A and B license is also authorized to operate tower cranes, derricks, and other types of hoisting machinery. See NYC Administrative Code §28-405 for full details.

B can operate anything an A can operate; A can operate anything a C can operate

License Class

Capacity

Boom length

Type

B

Unlimited

Unlimited

No restriction

A

Unlimited

Up to 200’

No restriction

C
(formerly C-1)

Up to 50 tons

Up to 200’

Wheel-mounted cranes only

Class A, B, or C can run all within limited license classes

Individuals will be able to hold multiple limited licenses

Limited license for Boom Trucks
(formerly C-2)

Up to 50 tons

Up to 200’

Only boom trucks or cranes authorized by another limited license

Limited license for Sign Hanging Cranes
(formerly C-3)

Up to 3 tons

Up to 135’

Boom truck: sign hanging work only

Limited license for Articulating Boom Cranes

Up to 50 tons

Up to 200’

Articulating booms, only attached to a commercial truck chassis

Limited license for Mini Cranes

Up to 3 tons

Up to 50’

Boom trucks & telehandlers prohibited

Limited license for Telehandlers

Up to 50 tons

Up to 200’

Telehandlers only

NOTES:

Capacity is the maximum rated capacity as established by the manufacturer. That is, if a crane has a maximum rated capacity of 60 tons, but the maximum load lifted during the operation is only 40 tons, an HMO Class A or B licensed operator is still required because the maximum rated capacity of the machine is 60 tons.

Boom length is the boom + jib or extension length during time of operation. That is, if a telescopic boom can extend to 220 feet, but the boom + jib or extension is not extended past 200 feet during the operation, a Class B HMO licensed operator is not required because the boom + jib or extension was not extended beyond 200 feet.

What type of license is required to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler?

Device Type

Authorized operator beginning November 7, 20241 2

Articulating Boom Crane (mounted to a commercial truck chassis)3 4

HMO Class A

HMO Class B

HMO Class C (formally C-1)

Limited HMO Boom Truck (formally C-2)

Limited HMO Sign Hanging Crane (formally C-3) (for sign hanging work only)

Limited HMO Articulating Boom Crane

A learner supervised in accordance with 1 RCNY 104-23 of the Rules of the City of New York by one of the above listed HMO license types

An individual with a pending application, submitted before November 7, 2024, for a Limited HMO Articulating Boom Crane license

Mini Crane

HMO Class A

HMO Class B

HMO Class C (formally C-1)

Limited HMO Boom Truck (formally C-2)

Limited HMO Mini Crane

A learner supervised in accordance with 1 RCNY 104-23 of the Rules of the City of New York by one of the above listed HMO license types

An individual with a pending application, submitted before November 7, 2024, for a Limited HMO Mini Crane license

Rotating Telehandler

HMO Class A

HMO Class B

HMO Class C (formally C-1)

Limited HMO Boom Truck (formally C-2)

Limited HMO Telehandler

A learner supervised in accordance with 1 RCNY 104-23 of the Rules of the City of New York by one of the above listed HMO license types

An individual with a pending application, submitted before November 7, 2024, for a Limited HMO Telehandler license

FOOTNOTES

1 = Licensees may only operate equipment within the scope of their license. For example, an HMO A licensee cannot operate an articulating boom crane or a rotating telehandler with a boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, in excess of 200 ft in length. An HMO C (formally C-1) or a Limited HMO Boom Truck (formally C-2) licensee cannot operate an articulating boom crane or a rotating telehandler with a boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, in excess of 200ft in length, or with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 50 tons. A Limited HMO sign hanging crane (formally C-3) licensee can only operate an articulating boom crane to install, maintain, or remove a sign. The crane cannot have a boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, in excess of 135ft in length, or a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 3 tons.

2 = Licensees cannot supervise learners on equipment that the licensee is not authorized to operate.

3 = Operation of an articulating boom crane will be limited based on the type of national certification held by the licensee or applicant. For example, the ABL NCCCO certification will only authorize the operation of an Articulating Boom Loader. The ABW NCCCO certification will authorize the operation of any articulating boom crane configuration, including when equipped with a winch.

4 = An articulating boom crane mounted to a building or pedestal can only be operated by an HMO Class A or B licensee. An articulating boom crane mounted to a wheel or crawler base, other than a commercial truck chassis, can only be operated by an HMO Class A, B, or C (formally C-1) licensee. However, if the articulating boom crane, when mounted to a wheel or crawler base, other than a commercial truck chassis, has a boom length, including jibs and other attachments, not exceeding 50 feet, and a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 3 tons or less, a Limited HMO Mini Crane license is also authorized to operate the articulating boom crane, provided the licensee possesses a relevant national certification for the operation of the articulating boom crane.

I possess an HMO C-3 license, can I operate an articulating boom crane?

Yes, but only to install, maintain, or remove a sign, provided 1) that the articulating boom is mounted on a commercial truck chassis, 2) that the boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, does not exceed 135ft. in length, and 3) that the manufacturer’s rated capacity for the crane does not exceed 3 tons. You must also obtain the appropriate national certification for an articulating boom crane. A copy of the national certification must be submitted to the department and listed on your license.

An individual licensed as a limited sign hanging crane HMO (formally C-3) who wishes to operate an articulating boom crane to perform non sign hanging work may separately apply for a limited articulating boom crane HMO license if so qualified.

I possess an HMO C-3 license, can I operate a mini crane or rotating telehandler?

No. While a limited sign hanging crane HMO (formally C-3) may operate a boom truck with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 3 tons or less, this class of license is not authorized to operate a traditional mini crane (i.e., a Sypdercrane, Jekko, or Valla crane mounted on crawler treads or a wheel base), nor a rotating telehandler, even if used to perform sign hanging work.

An individual licensed as a limited sign hanging crane HMO (formally C-3) who wishes to operate a mini crane or rotating telehandler may separately apply for a limited mini crane or telehandler HMO license if so qualified.

My HMO license class authorizes me to operate an articulating boom crane, does that mean I can operate any articulating boom crane?

No. The scope of the license held constrains the type, size, and capacity of articulating boom that you may operate. For example, the limited license for an articulating boom crane only authorizes the operation an articulating boom mounted on a commercial truck chassis. A Class A or B HMO license is required to operate an articulating boom crane mounted to a fixed structure. The scope of the articulating boom crane limited license is further limited to a maximum boom length of 200 ft and a maximum manufacturer’s rated capacity of 50 tons. A Class A or B HMO license is required to operate an articulating boom crane with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 50 tons. A Class B HMO license is required to operate an articulating boom crane when the boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, exceeds 200 ft in length. In addition, the type of national certification held by the operator and listed on their license may further constrain the type of articulating boom that the operator may operate. For example, the ABL NCCCO certification only authorizes the operation of an Articulating Boom Loader.

My HMO license class authorizes me to operate a rotating telehandler, does that mean I can operate any rotating telehandler?

No. The scope of the license held constrains the size and capacity of rotating telehandler that you may operate. The scope of the rotating telehandler limited license is limited to a maximum boom length of 200 ft and a maximum manufacturer’s rated capacity of 50 tons. A Class A or B HMO license is required to operate a rotating telehandler with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 50 tons. A Class B HMO license is required to operate a rotating telehandler when the boom, including jibs and other extensions to the boom, exceeds 200ft in length.

I hold a limited mini crane HMO license, and I hold a national certification for the operation of a boom truck, or wheel mounted crane, can I operate a boom truck or wheel mounted crane?

No. The scope of the limited mini crane HMO license does not authorize the operation of a boom truck, even if the boom truck has a boom length of 50 feet or less and a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 3 tons or less. An individual licensed as a limited mini crane HMO who wishes to operate a boom truck may separately apply for a limited boom truck HMO license if so qualified.

License Application

How do I obtain an HMO license?

Please visit the Hoist Machine Operator page.

If I submit an application for licensure by November 6, 2024, can I continue to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler?

Yes. A qualified individual who submits an application for a limited articulating boom crane, mini crane, or telehandler HMO license by November 6, 2024, may continue to operate equipment within the scope of the license they applied for until such time their license is issued, or their application is denied.

I already possess an HMO A, B, C-1, or C-2 license, do I need a separate limited license to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler?

No. Individuals who are a licensed Class A, B, C (formerly C-1), or limited boom truck (formerly C-2) HMO, do not need to obtain a separate limited license to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler. However, you must still obtain a national certification for an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler to operate an articulating boom crane or telehandler. A copy of the national certification must be submitted to the Department and listed on your license. . You do not have to obtain any additional national certifications to operate a mini crane.

I possess a limited HMO license. C can I hold multiple limited licenses?

Yes. An individual may hold multiple limited HMO licenses. To apply for an additional limited license, you must complete a full application for the limited license as if you were applying for a new license. You will not have to give up your current limited license to hold the additional limited license.

Please note, there is no need for a person holding a limited boom truck HMO license (formally C-2) to obtain additional limited HMO licenses as the boom truck limited license authorizes the operation of all other types of equipment which falls under another limited license. However, the boom truck licensee must possess the appropriate national certifications for an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler to operate an articulating boom crane or telehandler. A copy of the national certification must be submitted to the Department and listed on the license.

Are any national certifications other than those issued by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) acceptable for licensure?

Not at this time. All applicants for an HMO license must obtain NCCCO certifications. However, the Department is evaluating additional certification programs. Should an additional certification program be recognized, industry will be informed, and this webpage updated. Please review the required NCCCO certifications page for additional information.

License Exemptions

Is there any work that is exempted from the licensing requirements?

Yes. An HMO license is not required for:

Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge.

Excavation equipment, high reach demolition equipment, tree trimming equipment, and aerial work platforms – this includes rotating telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform.

Articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or rotating telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 1 ton or less.

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The exemption will only apply when the device and operation are in compliance with all the parameters of the exemption.

Is the operation of an articulating boom crane to make a delivery exempt from licensure?

No. The licensing exemption for deliveries sunsets on November 7, 2024. On and after that date, a licensed operator* will be required for an articulating boom crane delivering materials to a construction or demolition site.

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

Is the operation of an articulating boom crane to install a sidewalk shed or hoist exempt from licensure?

No. The licensing exemption for sidewalk shed and hoist work sunsets on November 7, 2024. On and after that date, a licensed operator* will be required for an articulating boom crane installing a sidewalk shed or hoist at a jobsite.

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

Is the lifting of materials on forks exempt from licensing?

No. The licensing exemption for lifting on forks with an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler sunsets on November 7, 2024. On and after that date, a licensed operator* will be required for an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler, even when material is lifted on forks, unless the work can meet another exemption specified in NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) (i.e., occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard).

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane or telehandler limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

Is the operation of an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler to lift a suspended load exempt from licensing if the machine is not equipped with a hoisting mechanism or winch?

No. The licensing exemption for lifting a suspended load without a hoisting mechanism or winch sunsets on November 7, 2024. On and after that date, a licensed operator* will be required for an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler, unless the work can meet another exemption specified in NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) (i.e., occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard).

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane or telehandler limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

NOTE: Many setups that lift a suspended load without a hook are dangerous and illegal. See 1 RCNY 3316-01(d)(8). Operators found to be operation in violation of this rule provision may be subject to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of their license.

Is the operation of an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler to lift a suspended load exempt from licensing if the machine is not equipped with a hook?

No. The licensing exemption for lifting suspended loads without a hook sunsets on November 7, 2024. On and after that date, a licensed operator will be required for an articulating boom crane or rotating telehandler, unless the work can meet another exemption specified in NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) (i.e., occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard).

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as an articulating boom crane or telehandler limited HMO by November 6, 2024. See the question 3.2 for more information.

NOTE: Many setups that lift a suspended load without a hook are dangerous and illegal. See 1 RCNY 3316-01(d)(8). Operators found to be operation in violation of this rule provision may be subject to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of their license.

Is the operation of a rotating telehandler configured as an aerial work platform or excavator exempt from licensing?

Yes. Rotating telehandlers, when configured as an aerial work platform or excavator, are exempt from licensing, provided the rotating telehandler, when so configured, is not otherwise used to also lift or lower suspended loads in contrivance with the exemption parameters specified in Section 3319.1 of the NYC Building Code.

I have completed manufacturer training to operate a mini crane, do I need a license?

Yes. Beginning November 7, 2024, operators of mini cranes must possess an HMO license.* Completion of manufacturer training in lieu of licensing will not be accepted on and after that date.

*This shall also mean an individual who has submitted an application for licensure as a mini crane limited HMO by November 6, 2024.

Is a license required to operate a fixed (non-rotating) telehandler?

In certain cases, yes. When a fixed telehandler is equipped with a hoisting mechanism (that is, a hoist drum and rope reeving system), the operator must be licensed as a New York City Class A, Class B, Class C (formally C-1), Limited Boom Truck (formally C-2), or Limited Telehandler HMO.

When the manufacturer’s rated capacity of the fixed telehandler exceeds 50 tons , even if not equipped with a hoisting mechanism, the operator must be licensed as a New York City Class A or Class B Hosting Machine Operator. When the boom of the fixed telehandler - including jibs and other extensions to the boom - exceeds 200ft in length, the operator must be licensed as a New York City Class B Hosting Machine Operator.

Otherwise, a licensed HMO is not required. Except, even if the fixed telehandler meets one of the requirements above for an HMO, a licensed HMO is not required for:

Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge.

Fixed telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform.

Fixed telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 1 ton or less.

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The exemption will only apply when the device and operation are in compliance with all the parameters of the exemption.

Does the operator of a fixed (non-rotating) telehandler require a national certification?

In certain cases, yes. Beginning November 7, 2024, the operator of a fixed telehandler must possess a NCCCO certification for the operation of a telehandler when the fixed telehandler is 1) used to move a suspended load; or 2) is configured with a hook attachment, jib attachment, concrete bucket attachment, or a vacuum or magnetic lifting attachment.

A certification for either the operation of a fixed telehandler or a rotating telehandler will be acceptable. Where the operator holds an HMO license, the certification does not need to be listed on the HMO license to operate a fixed telehandler.

NOTE: A certification for a rotating telehandler must be listed on the license for an HMO to operate a rotating telehandler.

However, even if the fixed telehandler meets one of the requirements above, certification is not required for:

Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge.

Fixed telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform.

Fixed telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 1 ton or less.

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The exemption will only apply when the device and operation are in compliance with all the parameters of the exemption.

NOTE: In certain instances, a licensed HMO may be required to operate a fixed telehandler. See the above question for further information.