[TN · STATE LICENSING · REPUBLISHER]
Licensing data: Data as of May 5, 2026

Trades Navigator summarizes state licensing rules from the state board. We do not characterize the rules, order classes against each other, or combine them into a single number. Each license class links to the issuing authority for primary-source verification.

Reported

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety — Primary source · Rhode Island

Page last refreshed: May 1, 2026

[03·GET LICENSED · RI]

Operating Engineer licensing in Rhode Island

State-issued license classes for operating engineers in Rhode Island. Each class links to the issuing state board for primary-source verification.

License classes

RHODE-ISLAND · operating-engineer

Hoisting Engineer Full License

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety
Exam
Rhode Island DLT

Scope of Work

The Rhode Island Hoisting Engineer Full License permits operation of all hoisting and excavating equipment covered by the state's hoisting-engineer regulations — the broadest scope on the Rhode Island matrix. Source: Rhode Island DLT — Hoisting Engineers (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/hoisting-engineers) and Rhode Island Code of Regulations 260-RICR-30-15-8 (https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/260-30-15-8).

Legal basis

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-26-5 (License required for operation of hoisting machinery); 260-RICR-30-15-8 (Examining and Licensing of Hoisting Engineers).

Eligibility

Applicants for the Full License must have at least two years of valid regular hoisting experience. Application requires a non-refundable $75 application fee, a valid government-issued ID, a notarized statement from a current or former employer detailing experience with hoisting engineer equipment, a copy of a forklift safety training evaluation certificate, and passage of the licensing test.

Medical

Applicants for Full License, Lattice Crane, and Hydraulic Crane endorsements must submit a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT Health Card) in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Federal overlay

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 (Subpart CC) certification applies on top of the state license for crane work in construction. NCCCO certification is the typical OSHA-compliance pathway.

Reciprocity

Editor verification required for current reciprocity arrangements with neighboring states.

Renewal

Renewal state fee: $96.00 for Full License. Editor verification required for current renewal cycle and any continuing-education requirements.

Related classes

Rhode Island also issues 12 additional narrower endorsements: Lattice Crane, Hydraulic Crane, Aerial Lift, Overhead Electric Crane, Conveyor Belt, Concrete Pump/Screeding, Construction Forklift/Telehandler, Excavating Equipment, Drilling Rig, Hydraulic Delivery Truck, Sign Crane, and Segmental Lift Hoist (per 260-RICR-30-15-8.5). The Full License covers all categories without separate endorsement.

Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety before acting

RHODE-ISLAND · operating-engineer

Hoisting Engineer Hydraulic Crane License

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety
Exam
Rhode Island DLT

Scope of Work

The Rhode Island Hydraulic Crane License authorizes operation of cranes with hydraulically telescopic main booms, including personnel hoists, manipulators, and spider cranes. Source: Rhode Island DLT — Hoisting Engineers (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/hoisting-engineers) and 260-RICR-30-15-8.5 — Categories of Licenses (https://regulations.justia.com/states/rhode-island/title-260/chapter-30/subchapter-15/part-8/section-260-ricr-30-15-8-5/).

Legal basis

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-26-5; 260-RICR-30-15-8 (Examining and Licensing of Hoisting Engineers).

Eligibility

Applicants must submit the Rhode Island hoisting-engineer application, a notarized employer statement of experience, a valid government-issued ID, a forklift safety training evaluation certificate, a Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT Health Card) per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and the $75 non-refundable application fee, then pass the licensing test.

Federal overlay

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 (Subpart CC) certification applies on top. NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator (Telescopic Boom — Swing Cab or Fixed Cab) is the typical OSHA-compliance pathway.

Renewal

Editor verification required for current renewal fee, renewal cycle, and any CE requirements.

Reciprocity

Editor verification required for current reciprocity arrangements.

Related classes

Rhode Island issues 13 hoisting endorsements in total under 260-RICR-30-15-8.5, including the Full License, Lattice Crane, Hydraulic Crane, Aerial Lift, Overhead Electric Crane, Conveyor Belt, Concrete Pump/Screeding, Construction Forklift/Telehandler, Excavating Equipment, Drilling Rig, Hydraulic Delivery Truck, Sign Crane, and Segmental Lift Hoist categories.

Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety before acting

RHODE-ISLAND · operating-engineer

Hoisting Engineer Lattice Crane License

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety
Exam
Rhode Island DLT

Scope of Work

The Rhode Island Lattice Crane License authorizes operation of lattice boom cranes, derricks, stiff legs, Chicago booms, gin poles, and tower cranes. Source: Rhode Island DLT — Hoisting Engineers (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/hoisting-engineers) and 260-RICR-30-15-8.5 — Categories of Licenses (https://regulations.justia.com/states/rhode-island/title-260/chapter-30/subchapter-15/part-8/section-260-ricr-30-15-8-5/).

Legal basis

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-26-5; 260-RICR-30-15-8 (Examining and Licensing of Hoisting Engineers).

Eligibility

Applicants must submit the Rhode Island hoisting-engineer application, a notarized employer statement of experience, a valid government-issued ID, a forklift safety training evaluation certificate, a Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT Health Card) per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and the $75 non-refundable application fee, then pass the licensing test.

Federal overlay

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 (Subpart CC) crane-operator certification applies on top. NCCCO Lattice Boom Crane Operator and CCO Tower Crane Operator certifications are the typical OSHA-compliance pathway.

Renewal

Renewal state fee: $84.00 for the Lattice Crane License. Editor verification required for current renewal cycle and any CE requirements.

Reciprocity

Editor verification required for current reciprocity arrangements.

Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety before acting

Free educational resource. Not legal, financial, or career advice. Trades Navigator compiles state board rules, statutes, and federal data into a navigable layer linked to primary sources. We do not maintain editorial attestation on each line. Always verify the specific number, fee, deadline, or rule against the linked primary source before relying on it. Confirm any decision with the relevant state agency, a lawyer, or an accountant.

Correction reports open at launch (target May 2026).