Obtain a Class A Hoisting Machine Operator License - Buildings

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Obtain a Class A Hoisting Machine Operator License

UPDATES

Limited HMO License Service Notice – As of November 7, 2024, an HMO license issued by the Department of Buildings will be required to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler in New York City.

HMO License Types in DOB NOW: Licensing Service Notice – As of October 16, 2024, all new Hoisting Machine Operator (HMO) license applications, renewal submissions, card re-issuance requests and changes to information must be submitted in DOB NOW: Licensing.

STEP 1: License Qualifications

To obtain a Class A Hoisting Machine Operator license, you must meet all the following qualifications prior to applying for the license:

be at least eighteen (18) years old

be able to read and write the English language

be fit to perform the work authorized by the license

have good moral character so as not to adversely impact your ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Hoisting Machine Operator

possess relevant certifications issued by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) (see STEP 2)

completed a Department-approved 40-hour Hoisting Machine Operator Course within the one (1) year prior to application

have at least three (3) years of experience operating hoisting machines in New York City in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed Class A or B Hoisting Machine Operator, within the five (5) years prior to application. The experience must have been obtained operating hoisting machines of a type, size, and capacity authorized to be operated by a Class A licensed hoisting machine operator.

at least two (2) of the required three (3) years of experience must have been in the operation of mobile cranes with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 50 tons or tower cranes, other than self-erecting tower cranes

the remaining year of experience can be on any type of mobile or tower crane, derrick, or rotating telehandler authorized to be operated by a Class A HMO licensee; this includes but is not limited to cranes with a capacity under 50 tons.
NOTE: Experience does not have to be sequential. It, however, must cumulatively add up to meet the specified time.

required three (3) years of experience must also have included outrigger placement incorporating at least 100 crane set-ups*, 25 of which must occur on mobile cranes with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of 50 tons. *Where an applicant for a Class A HMO license already possesses a Class C HMO license, the requirement for the remaining 75 set-ups is waived.

NOTE: Please see Title 1 of the Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) Section 104-09 and Section 28-405 of the New York City Administrative Code for full requirements for licensure.

STEP 2: Exam Requirements

To become a licensed Class A Hoisting Machine Operator, the applicant must possess relevant certifications issued by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

For a Class A HMO license, the following three (3) certifications are required:

telescopic boom crane (fixed cab)

telescopic boom crane (swing cab)

lattice boom crane
NOTE: If the applicant wishes to be authorized to operate a friction crane, one of the practical exams must have occurred on a friction crane.

Additional Certifications

In addition to holding the three above certifications:

To operate a tower crane, the applicant must additionally show a valid NCCCO certification card containing the following certification:

Tower Crane

To operate an articulating boom crane, the applicant must additional show a valid NCCCO certification card containing one of the following certifications:

Articulating Boom Crane

Boom Crane w/Winch

Articulating Boom Loader
NOTE: The applicant will be limited to the operation of only those types of articulating boom cranes within the scope of the certification held.

To operate a dedicated pile driver, the applicant must additionally show a valid NCCCO certification card containing the following certification:

Dedicated pile driver

To operate a rotating (roto) telehandler, the applicant must additionally show a valid NCCCO certification card containing the following certification:

Rotating telehandler

STEP 3: Submitting Your Application

Please see the New License Application User Guide for step-by-step directions.

You must upload PDF scans of the following original documentation. Pictures of documents will not be accepted. Documents must be scanned PDFs.

LIC61: Physical Examination Form must be completed by a physician within the 90 days prior to application

Substance Abuse Attestation

Notarized letter from the applicant showing a negative result of the substance abuse test. It also must include the name, address and telephone number of the laboratory that performed the test and give consent to the release by the laboratory of the test results to the Department upon its request

Certificate of Completion for a Department-approved 40-hour course for Hoisting Machine Operator

A copy of previously held New York City Hoisting Machine Operator license (i.e., Class C or Limited), if applicable

Valid NCCCO certification card listing the certifications specified in Step 2

Written and practical exams result from the NCCCO, including type of equipment on which you were tested by NCCCO

Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years claimed as experience
NOTE: Experience Verification Forms from company Human Resources will not be accepted.

Social Security History of Earnings (detailed itemized earnings statement) for the years you are claiming as experience

Union Extracts for the years you are claiming as experience, if applicable

Current Driver’s License Abstract – if driver’s license is from outside of NY, applicant must submit a driving abstract from the Department of Motor Vehicles in State of license issuance.

Original Social Security Card

Latest paystub

Background Investigation Fee - $500.00 payable within the DOB NOW Portal

License Issuance Fee - $150.00

STEP 4: Obtaining Your License Card

If the Department determines you meet all the qualifications and you pass the background investigation, you will be able to schedule an appointment within the DOB NOW Portal to take picture and receive the Hoisting Machine Operator Class A license card. You have one (1) year from the date of notification to obtain your license.

Helpful Links

How to Renew Class A & B License

Limited HMO License FAQs