528 CMR 11.00 — Prerequisites for examinations for pipefitters, refrigeration technicians, and sprinkler fitters

cmr-528-11.00528 CMR 11.00Regulation

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528 CMR: BUREAU OF PIPEFITTERS & REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS 528 CMR 11.00: PREREQUISITES FOR EXAMINATIONS FOR PIPEFITTERS, REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS, AND SPRINKLER FITTERS Section 11.01: Scope of Pipefitting License Classifications 11.02: Pipefitter Licensing 11.03: Refrigeration Technicians/Contractor Licensing 11.04: Sprinkler System Licensing 11.05: License Renewal Extension - Military Service 11.06: License Denials and Disciplinary Actions 11.07: Methods of obtaining credit for licensure 11.08: Requirements for all Educational Programs 11.09: Definitions

528 CMR 11.00 Prerequisites for examinations for pipefitters, refrigeration technicians, and sprinkler fitters

11.01 Scope of Pipefitting License Classifications

11.01: Scope of Pipefitting License Classifications (1) Unrestricted Pipefitter. (a) Master Pipefitter - Unrestricted (PM-00) . A person having a regular place of business or who, by himself or herself, or with other master pipefitters, journeyman pipefitters, or apprentice pipefitters in his or her employ performs any work, including Fabrication, in Power, Heating & Cooling Piping pipefitting, Process Piping pipefitting, or Pipefitting Welding. (b) Journeyman Pipefitter - Unrestricted (PJ-00) . A person who has completed an apprenticeship training program satisfactorily to the Bureau and who by himself or herself or with other journeymen pipefitters or apprentice pipefitters in the employ of a Master Pipefitter (PM-00) performs any work, including Fabrication, in Power, Heating & Cooling Piping pipefitting, Process Piping pipefitting, or Pipefitting Welding. (2) Power, Heating and Cooling Pipefitter . (a) Master Pipefitter - Power, Heating and Cooling (PM-01) . A person having a regular place of business or who, by himself or herself, or with other Master Pipefitters, Journeyman Pipefitters, or Apprentice Pipefitters in his or her employ performs any work, including Fabrication, in Power, Heating & Cooling Piping Pipefitting, or Pipefitting Welding. (b) Journeyman Pipefitter - Power, Heating and Cooling (PJ-01) . A person who has completed an apprenticeship training program satisfactorily to the Bureau and who by himself or herself or with other Journeymen Pipefitters or Apprentice Pipefitters in the employ of a Master Pipefitter (PM-00 or PM-01), performs any work, including Fabrication, in Power, Heating & Cooling Piping Pipefitting. (3) Process Piping Pipefitter . (a) Master Pipefitter - Process (PM-02). A person having a regular place of business or who, by himself or herself, or with other Master Pipefitters, Journeyman Pipefitters, or Apprentice Pipefitters in his or her employ performs any work, including Fabrication, in Process Piping Pipefitting, or Pipefitting Welding. (b) Journeyman Pipefitter - Process (PJ-02) . A person who has completed an apprenticeship training program satisfactorily to the Bureau and who by himself or herself or with other Journeymen Pipefitters or Apprentice Pipefitters in the employ of a Master Pipefitter (PM-00 or PM-02), performs any work, including Fabrication, in Process Piping Pipefitting. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 23 (Mass. Register #1534, 11/08/2024)

528 CMR: BUREAU OF PIPEFITTERS & REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS

11.01 continued

11.01: continued (4) Apprentice Pipefitter (PA) . A person who is: (a)in a registered apprenticeship program; (b)licensed by the Division; (c)in the employ of a Master Pipefitter; and (d)works under the direct supervision of a duly licensed Journeyman or Master Pipefitter performing Pipefitting within the scope of the supervisor and employer's license. (5) Pipefitter - Welder (PJ-W) . A pipefitter licensed by the Division who performs any pipefitting welding. The (W) license restriction shall be granted to a Master or Journeyman Pipefitter applicant upon his or her passing one of the following prescribed pipefitter examinations: (a) PM-00. Master Pipefitter Unrestricted (b) PM-01-W. Master Pipefitter/Pipefitter Welder - Power, Heating, Cooling Piping (c) PM-02-W. Master Pipefitter/Pipefitter Welder - Process Piping (d) PJ-00. Journeyman Pipefitter - Unrestricted (e) PJ-01-W. Journeyman Pipefitter /Pipefitter Welder- Power, Heating, Cooling Piping (f) PJ-02-W. Journeyman Pipefitter/Pipefitter Welder - Process Piping Applicants for the pipefitting welder license classification may be admitted for examination by meeting all of the minimum prerequisites of a journeyman pipefitter per 528 CMR 11.00. A person who is in a registered apprenticeship program and licensed by the Division to perform any work, including Fabrication, in Power, Heating & Cooling Piping Pipefitting, Process Piping Pipefitting may perform Pipefitting Welding under the direct supervision of a duly licensed Journeyman or Master Pipefitter Welder.

11.02 Pipefitter Licensing

11.02: Pipefitter Licensing No person shall engage in pipefitting unless he or she is licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 84. Licenses shall be carried on the person at all times the licensee is engaged in pipefitting work and shall be furnished for inspection by the licensee upon request by the Commissioner, the Chief, or a District Engineering Inspector. Every applicant shall file with the Division an application on a form provided by the Division, accompanied by the appropriate fee. All completed and approved applications for examination shall be filed with the Division 30 days before the day of examination. (1) Apprentice Pipefitter License . Each applicant for an Apprentice Pipefitter License must be registered with the Department of Labor Standards and DAS and be enrolled in an apprentice program registered with the DAS. A copy of his or her Annual Apprentice ID card issued by the DAS must be submitted to the Division along with the application and appropriate fee. Each applicant is limited to three renewals of his or her apprentice license, unless otherwise approved by the Bureau upon showing a documented hardship and verification that the applicant is enrolled in an educational program to enable completion of his/her apprenticeship. (2) Journeyman Pipefitter License . (a) Every applicant for a Journeyman Pipefitter's License by examination must be a high school graduate or possess a state equivalency certificate. Furthermore:

  1. Applicants whose application for examination is dated and received by the Division prior to November 9, 2026: a. Shall have completed successfully 350 hours study in a pipefitter's course approved by the Bureau and shall have worked for not less than 6,000 hours as an apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Pipefitter employer; b. Shall have completed successfully 500 hours of study in a pipefitter's course approved by the Bureau. Furthermore, he or she shall have completed 4,000 actual working hours as an apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Pipefitter employer; or c. Shall have completed successfully 1,000 hours of study in a pipefitter's course approved by the Bureau. Furthermore, he or she shall have completed 2,000 actual work hours as an apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Pipefitter employer. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 24

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11.02 continued

11.02: continued 2. Applicants whose application for examination is dated on or after November 9, 2026: Shall have successfully completed a formal 450 hour course of study in an education course approved by the Bureau. Furthermore, he or she shall have completed pipefitting work experience totaling a minimum of 6,000 clock hours as a validly licensed apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Pipefitter employer. Exception: the Bureau may, in its discretion, accept applications meeting requirements effective prior to November 9, 2026 for individuals who suffered from a relevant, documented hardship. However, no such waivers shall be granted on or after May 10, 2027. (b) Verification of work experience from an employer shall include the following information:

  1. Name, address, and telephone number of the employer at which the applicant has worked;
  2. The employer Master Pipefitter license number; and
  3. The total number of hours of pipefitting work experience the applicant has received. (c) No experience requirements required by this section shall be allowed for individuals while working for those entities exempted from these regulations under M.G.L. c. 146, § 87, unless such experience is part of an apprentice program registered with the Division of Apprentice Standards. (d) Candidates approved for examination must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the questions on the examination to qualify for a license. (e) The holder of this license may not employ other apprentice, journeyman, or master pipefitters. (f) A person who is licensed as a Journeyman Pipefitter with a restricted classification is eligible to be examined for another classification of Journeyman Pipefitter License. Upon successfully passing the prescribed examination, a new license shall be granted listing all of the classifications covered by his or her license. For the purpose of computing the requirement for a student or graduate of a pipefitter course approved by the Bureau, the school shall verify the transcript of the actual attendance and grades of the applicant on a Verification of Pipefitter Course Hours form. (3) Master Pipefitter License . (a) Applicants for a Master Pipefitter's license shall have at least 2,000 hours of work experience as a Massachusetts Journeyman Pipefitter and shall have completed 200 hours of Bureau approved education before being eligible for examination; (b) Candidates approved for examination must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the questions on the examination to qualify for a license. (c) The holder of this license may be self-employed or have a regular place of business and employ other Master Pipefitters, Journeyman Pipefitters, or Apprentice Pipefitters. (d) A Master Pipefitter who has a regular place of business by himself or herself, with other Master Pipefitters or with Journeyman or Pipefitter Apprentices in his or her employ, must prominently display his or her master pipefitter's license number on all commercial vehicles, offers, invoices, installation drawings, and on all stationery used in their business. The lettering of the license number required to be displayed on all commercial vehicles used in the master pipefitter's business shall be visible, legible and prominently displayed on vans, trucks, and doors of stake body trucks. (e) For the purpose of computing the requirement for a student or graduate of a pipefitter course approved by the Bureau, the school shall verify the transcript of the actual attendance and grades of the applicant on a Verification of Pipefitter Course Hours form.
11.03 Refrigeration Technicians/Contractor Licensing

11.03: Refrigeration Technicians/Contractor Licensing No person shall work in Refrigeration unless he or she is licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 85. Licenses shall be carried on the person at all times the licensee is engaged in refrigeration work and shall be furnished for inspection by the licensee upon request by the Commissioner, the Chief, or a District Engineering Inspector. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 25

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11.02 continued

11.02: continued Every applicant shall file with the Division, an application on a form provided by the Division, accompanied by the appropriate fee. All completed and approved applications for examination shall be filed with the Division 30 days before the day of examination. (1) Refrigeration Apprentice License . Each applicant for a Refrigeration Apprentice license must meet the requirements contained in M.G.L. c. 146, §§ 81 to 88. Furthermore, he or she must be registered with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, DAS and enrolled in an apprentice program registered with the DAS. A copy of his or her Annual Apprentice ID card issued by the DAS must be submitted to the Division along with the application and appropriate fee. Each applicant will be limited to three renewals of his or her apprentice license unless otherwise approved by the Bureau upon showing a documented hardship and verification that the applicant is enrolled in an educational program to enable completion of his/her apprenticeship. (2) Journeyman Refrigeration Technician's License . Every applicant for a Journeyman Refrigeration Technician's license must be a high school graduate or possess a state equivalency certificate. Furthermore, each applicant: (a) For Applicants whose application for examination is dated and received by the Division prior to November 9,2026:

  1. shall have successfully completed 250 hours of study in a refrigeration technician course, approved by the Bureau, before being eligible to take the examination. Furthermore, the applicant shall have obtained an EPA Section 608 Universal certification and completed 6,000 actual work hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor employer; or
  2. shall have successfully completed not less than 500 hours of study in a refrigeration technician course, approved by the Bureau, before being eligible to take the examination. Furthermore, the applicant shall have obtained an EPA Section 608 Universal certification and completed 4,000 actual work hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor employer; or
  3. shall have successfully completed not less than 1,000 hours of study in a refrigeration technician course, approved by the Bureau, before being eligible to take the examination. Furthermore, the applicant shall have obtained an EPA Section 608 Universal certification and completed 2,000 actual work hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor employer; (b) For Applicants whose application for examination is dated on or after November 9, 2026: Shall have successfully completed a formal 450 hour course of study in a refrigeration education course approved by the Bureau. Furthermore, he or she shall have obtained an EPA Section 608 Universal certification and have completed refrigeration work experience totaling a minimum of 6,000 clock hours as a validly licensed Refrigeration Apprentice, such work time to be verified by a licensed Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor employer. Exception: the Bureau may, in its discretion, accept applications meeting requirements effective prior to November 9, 2026 for individuals who suffered from a relevant, documented hardship. However, no such waivers shall be granted on or after May 10, 2027. ( c) For the purpose of computing the requirement for a student or graduate of a refrigeration technician course at a state, municipal or private school approved by the Bureau, the school shall verify the transcript of the actual attendance and the grades of the applicant on a Verification of Refrigeration Course Hours form. Verification of work experience from an employer shall include the following information: 1 . Name, address, and telephone number of the employer at which the applicant has worked;
  4. The employer's Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor license number; and
  5. The total number of hours of refrigeration work experience the applicant has received. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 26

528 CMR: BUREAU OF PIPEFITTERS & REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS

11.02 continued

11.02: continued (d) No experience requirements required by 528 CMR 11.03 shall be allowed for individuals while working for those entities exempted from 528 CMR 11.00 under M.G.L. c. 146, § 88, unless such experience is part of an apprenticeship program registered with the Division of Apprentice Standards. (e) Candidates for examination must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the examination questions to qualify for a license. (3) Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor's License . Applicants for a Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor's license shall have at least 2,000 hours of work experience as a Massachusetts Journeyman Refrigeration Technician and shall have completed 100 hours of Bureau approved education before being eligible for examination. Candidates for examination must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the examination questions to qualify for a license. A Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor who has a regular place of business by himself or herself, with other Master Refrigeration Technicians/Refrigeration Contractors, or with journeyman or Refrigeration Apprentices in his or her employ, must prominently display his or her Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor's license number on all commercial vehicles, offers, invoices, installation drawings, and on all stationery used in their business. The lettering of the license number required to be displayed on all commercial vehicles used in the Master Refrigeration Technician/Refrigeration Contractor's business shall be visible, legible and prominently displayed on vans, trucks, and doors of stake body trucks. For the purpose of computing the requirement for a student or graduate of a refrigeration technician course at a state, municipal or private school approved by the Bureau, the school shall verify the transcript of the actual attendance and the grades of the applicant on a Verification of Refrigeration Course Hours form.

11.04 Sprinkler System Licensing

11.04: Sprinkler System Licensing (1) Sprinkler Fitter Licensing. No person shall engage in sprinkler fitting or work on a fire protection sprinkler system unless he or she is licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 85. Licenses shall be carried on the person at all times the licensee is engaged in sprinkler fitting work and shall be furnished for inspection by the licensee upon request by the Commissioner, the Chief, or a District Engineering Inspector. Every applicant shall file with the Division an application on a form provided by the Division, accompanied by the appropriate fee. All completed and approved applications for examination shall be filed with the Division 30 days before the day of examination. (a) Apprentice Sprinkler Fitter License . Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 85A, each applicant for a sprinkler fitter apprentice license shall, before starting his or her apprenticeship, file an application, accompanied by the appropriate fee, with the Division and shall provide documentation that the applicant is employed by a Massachusetts Sprinkler Contractor. The application shall be made on a form furnished by the Division. Each applicant will be limited to three renewals of his or her apprentice license unless otherwise approved by the Bureau upon showing a documented hardship and verification that the applicant is enrolled in a program to enable completion of his/her apprenticeship. (b) Sprinkler Fitters/Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter License . Every applicant for a sprinkler fitters/journeyman sprinkler fitters' license must be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency certificate. Furthermore, each applicant: Shall have worked for not less than 8,000 hours in Massachusetts as an apprentice and have successfully completed not less than 144 hours of study for each year of the term of apprenticeship. The sprinkler training course must be approved by the Bureau. Candidates for examination must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the examination questions to qualify for a license. For the purpose of computing the requirement for a student or graduate of an apprentice sprinkler fitter's course approved by the Bureau, the school shall verify the transcript of the actual attendance and grades of the applicant on a Verification of Sprinkler Fitter Course Hours form. Verification of work experience from an employer shall include the following information: 11/8/24 528 CMR - 27

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11.04 continued

11.04: continued

  1. Name, address, and telephone number of the employer at which the applicant has worked;
  2. The license number of the employer's Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor; and
  3. The total number of hours of sprinkler fitter work experience the applicant has received. (2) Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor Licensing . No person shall engage in the preparation of technical drawings, installations, maintenance, service, inspections or testing of a fire protection sprinkler system or use any title, sign, card, or device indicating, or intending to indicate, or represent in any manner that he or she represents a fire protection sprinkler system contractor without first obtaining a fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license. (3) Qualifications for Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor's License and Requirements of Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems Contractor (a) To become a Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor under 528 CMR, an applicant must have satisfactorily passed an examination prescribed by the Division. (b) Every applicant shall fulfill the following prerequisites:
  4. Must be at least 18 years of age;
  5. Must be or have in its full time employ a valid license holder who is a person or an owner, partner, officer, or in a full time management position of a fire protection sprinkler system Contractor;
  6. Must have completed 300 hours of additional Bureau approved education;
  7. Must have five years of work experience as a Massachusetts Sprinkler Fitter/Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter and provide written proof from his or her employers detailing the length of time and positions held.
  8. Must pass a written examination and must correctly answer 70% or more of the examination questions to qualify for a license. (c) Every Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor shall prominently display their fire sprinkler system contractor license number on all commercial vehicles, offers, invoices, installation drawings, and on all stationery used in their business. The lettering of the license number required to be displayed on all commercial vehicles used in the fire protection sprinkler system contractor's business shall be visible, legible and prominently displayed on vans, trucks, and doors of stake body trucks. (d) A Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor license is not transferable. (e) In no case shall a license holder be employed by more than one fire protection sprinkler system contractor at one time. If the license holder should leave the employment of the fire protection sprinkler system contractor, the contractor and the license holder must notify the Division within 30 days. If the license holder should leave the employment of the fire protection sprinkler system contractor, the contractor shall have 60 days to submit a new application identifying another license holder. If such new application is not received within the allotted time, the Division shall revoke the license of the fire protection sprinkler system contractor. The fire protection sprinkler system contractor shall be permitted to complete only that work which is under contract at the time the license is revoked. No new work may be undertaken. (f) License Applications . Each application for a license shall be filed on a form furnished by the Division. The fee for the first license of a contractor and for any biennial renewal thereof; or for examination therefore shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Administration under the provision of M.G.L. c. 7, § 3 for the filing thereof. No examination will be required for a renewal, unless the applicant fails to renew his or her license within one year after the license expiration date. (g) Upgrading/downgrading fire protection sprinkler system contractor's licenses
  9. Upgrading . Every applicant who is to obtain a fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license shall surrender his or her journeyman's sprinkler license to the Division before the contractor's license will be issued. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 28

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11.04 continued

11.04: continued 2. Downgrading . If a fire protection sprinkler system contractor ceases to be an owner, partner, officer, or in a full time management position of a fire protection sprinkler system business, the holder must downgrade to a journeyman's sprinkler license. A former contractor must also seek a downgraded license if they will not be an owner, partner, officer, or in a full time management position of a fire protection sprinkler system business. The following procedures apply to all downgrades: a. The license of the fire protection sprinkler system contractor cannot be downgraded if it is suspended or revoked; b. If holding a valid fire protection sprinkler system contractor license, said individual shall file an application with the Bureau, must surrender their contractor license, and will be issued or re-issued a journeyman sprinkler fitter's license, without examination. c. If the individual's fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license has expired, said individual shall file an application with the Bureau, must agree in writing to surrender their right to renew their fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license (in lieu of renewing said license), and will be issued or re-issued a journeyman sprinkler fitter's license, without examination. Notwithstanding this allowance, if said fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license was expired for more than a year, the applicant must first pass the journeyman examination to obtain further licensure. 3. Future Upgrades . Unless subject to disciplinary action, if an individual who previously downgraded their license maintains their journeyman sprinkler fitter's license and later becomes an owner, partner, officer, or in a full time management position of a fire protection sprinkler system business, they shall be permitted to reinstate their fire protection sprinkler system contractor's license without re-examination. (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, no renewal of a Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor license shall be issued by the Division unless licensee provides proof of liability insurance, including "completed operations" coverage in the amount of $500,000 minimum per occurrence, which has been issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth, or a bond or other type indemnity against liability providing substantially equivalent coverage. The liability insurance certificate shall list the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Occupational Licensure, as the certificate holder.

11.05 License Renewal Extension - Military Service

11.05: License Renewal Extension - Military Service (1) If the licensee is on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, as defined in M.G.L. c. 4 § 7 clause forty-third, the license shall remain valid until the licensee is released from active duty and for a period of not less than 90 days following that release. For 528 CMR 11.05 to apply, the licensee must be given an Honorable Discharge, a General Discharge, or an Under Other than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC) Discharge as noted on their discharge and separation papers.

11.06 License Denials and Disciplinary Actions

11.06: License Denials and Disciplinary Actions (1) Denials of Licensure and Examination. (a) Denial. The Division may refuse to examine or license an applicant for the following reasons:

  1. Submission of an incomplete license application.
  2. Failure to submit the required fees.
  3. Submission of false, invalid, incorrect or fraudulent information,
  4. The applicant is not eligible for renewal or licensure.
  5. Applicant does not meet the requirements for licensure under 528 CMR 11.00.
  6. Failure of the examination administered by the Division.
  7. A determination that the applicant does not possess the integrity and general fitness to work in a safe manner and in the public interest consistent with the purposes of 528 CMR 11.00 or other sufficient cause. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 29

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11.06 continued

11.06: continued (b) Appeals (other than contesting examination results) .

  1. If the Division refuses to examine or license the applicant it shall notify the applicant in writing setting forth the reasons for denial.
  2. Within 21 days after receipt of the denial, the applicant may appeal the Division's decision by making written demand for a limited hearing. Said demand must set forth facts that refute the facts upon which the Division has based its decision. If the applicant meets this requirement, the Bureau, or such persons or entities as it so delegates, shall conduct a hearing in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A. If the denial is for failure to pay a fee, the applicant is not entitled to a hearing, but may resubmit the license application with the requisite fees.
  3. If, after conducting a limited hearing, the Bureau or its designee denies the appeal of the applicant, it shall notify the applicant in writing. Such notice shall be sent no later than 30 days after the hearing is concluded, and shall contain the reasons for denial. Within 30 days after receipt of the notice, the applicant may appeal to Superior Court pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 14. (c) Appeals of examination results . Candidates who receive an unfavorable result on an examination may appeal that result subject to procedures and criteria set by the Commissioner. No further review of examination results shall be permitted. (2) Disciplinary Actions . (a) In addition to any fines/civil administrative penalties issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 22, §22 or M.G.L. c. 112, §61 , or M.G.L. c. 146, § 89, a licensee may be reprimanded, placed on probation, suspended, or revoked by the Commissioner or their designee after a hearing is conducted pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, or if the public interest requires prior to an adjudicatory hearing, for any of the following reasons:
  4. False or misleading information on the license application or license renewal;
  5. Any violation of a provision of M.G.L. c. 146, §§ 81 through 89;
  6. Any violation of a provision of 528 CMR;
  7. Engaging in conduct which places into question the licensee's competence to practice the profession, such as working in an unsafe manner;
  8. Engaging in dishonesty, fraud or deceit which is reasonably related to the practice of the profession, such as behavior that demonstrates untrustworthiness;
  9. Practicing the profession beyond the authorized scope of the license held;
  10. Practicing the profession while the licensee's ability to practice was impaired by alcohol or drugs;
  11. The licensee has been convicted of a criminal offense which is reasonably related to the practice of the profession;
  12. The licensee has permitted, aided, or abetted, an unauthorized person in performing activities requiring a license;
  13. The licensee holds or has held a license, certificate, registration, or authority issued by another governmental authority which has been revoked, cancelled, suspended, not renewed, or otherwise disciplined. For purposes of this requirement, another government authority can include, but not be limited to, a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, another Massachusetts governmental authority, or a foreign state or nation; or
  14. Any other ground delineated in M.G.L. c. 112, §61. (b) Procedure for suspending a license prior to a hearing in the interest of public safety.
  15. Whenever the Commissioner or their designee suspends a license prior to an administrative hearing, he or she shall immediately notify the licensee in writing and provide a hearing date within ten days of said action.
  16. Upon receipt of such notice, the licensee shall immediately return his or her license to the Division pending the outcome of the hearing. (c) Procedure for disciplining a license.
  17. Whenever the Commissioner or their designee determines that disciplinary action may be taken against a licensee, he or she may hold a hearing relative to the license. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 30

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11.06 continued

11.06: continued 2. Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A and, as determined by the Commissioner, 801 CMR 1.01: Formal Rules or 801 CMR 1.02: Informal/Fair Hearing Rules. 3. If the Licensee is aggrieved by a final decision disciplining a license, the licensee may, within the statutory 30 day deadline, appeal that decision pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §14.

11.07 Methods of Obtaining Credit for Licensure

11.07: Methods of Obtaining Credit for Licensure (1) Credentials from outside Massachusetts. (a) Applicants seeking a Massachusetts license who hold a similar license in another state or country may submit to the Bureau a written request petitioning that such license, including experience or education obtained for said license, be considered for approval as being substantially equivalent to the experience and education requirements required in Massachusetts. (b) Unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the relevant jurisdiction authorizing licensure without examination, all applicants will be required to pass the relevant examination for the license being sought. (c) The Bureau reserves the right to request additional information regarding qualifications and may choose not to grant or grant only in part a request for education or experience waivers. (d) Absent special Bureau approval, applicants shall not be granted credit for:

  1. Work experience in a jurisdiction that does not require a license; or
  2. Licenses from a jurisdiction that does not require formal education. (2) Massachusetts public secondary vocational technical programs (a) Applicants shall be granted credit for education and work experience obtained in Bureau approved vocational technical programs meeting the requirements of these regulations. (b) Education obtained in a vocational technical program under this section must adhere to the curriculums and other standards approved by the Bureau and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (c) Work experience may be obtained by students enrolled in a vocational technical program by the following methods:
  3. In a "shop" or "laboratory" facility at the school where students are under the direct supervision of one or more licensees who meet the educator licensing requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
  4. In a Bureau approved, off-campus construction and/or maintenance project overseen by the school; or
  5. After obtaining an apprentice license, in a school arranged co-op employment relationship with a licensee. To engage in this type of employment, students must meet the same apprenticeship and DAS requirements required of apprentice licenses per 528 CMR 11.00. (3) Credit for education and work experience obtained pursuant to another Massachusetts license. At its sole discretion, the Bureau may grant an applicant credit towards a Bureau issued license for education and/or work experienced obtained pursuant to a license issued by another Massachusetts board or agency which the Bureau finds is substantially equivalent to Bureau requirements. (4) Unlicensed practice . Other than work performed under a Vocational Technical School Program as described in these regulations, the Bureau shall not grant any work experience credit to an individual for any period in which they did not hold a valid license issued by the Bureau. This section shall not be construed as preventing the Bureau from taking additional disciplinary action against an individual for practicing without a license. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 31

528 CMR: BUREAU OF PIPEFITTERS & REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANS

11.08 Requirements for all Educational Programs

11.08: Requirements for all Educational Programs (1) All Public, Private, Proprietary, Occupational Trade Schools, College/University programs, or other educational programs must be approved by the Bureau in order to qualify for credit towards a Bureau issued license. (2) Educational Programs not approved by the Bureau shall not be granted any credit towards licensure unless the Bureau deems, in its discretion, that there was good cause for the program's failure to obtain certification. (3) All educational programs approved by the Bureau must adhere to any model curriculum/frameworks issued by the Bureau. (4) No Exceptions . All educational programs approved by the Bureau for credit towards a license must meet the latest Bureau requirements regardless of when they were initially certified.

11.09 Definitions.

11.09: Definitions. All terms shall have the meanings set forth in 528 CMR 2.00: Definitions, unless otherwise defined in 528 CMR 11.00. REGULATORY AUTHORITY 528 CMR 11.00: M.G.L. c. 146, §§ 81 and 82. 11/8/24 528 CMR - 32

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