Massachusetts Contractor & Trade License Requirements

Massachusetts Licensing Overview

Massachusetts requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber — are regulated by 3 separate agencies: Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) / Office of Public Safety and Inspections (BBRS), Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BSEE), Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (BSEPGF). HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $83 to $238, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Massachusetts also participates in reciprocity agreements with 1 other state, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.

Massachusetts Contractor License Cost Summary

Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.

Key Facts About Massachusetts Contractor Licensing

• No state-level general-liability requirement found for individual plumber licensure; workers' compensation is required for employers under M.G.L. c.152.
• Massachusetts does not require a statewide license for hvac technician or roofing contractors. Local permits may still apply.
• Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with 1 state, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
• Massachusetts has NO generic 'general contractor' license. The CSL governs supervision of structural work; Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration (separate, via OCABR) is required for anyone soliciting, bidding on, or performing residential remodeling on an existing 1-4 unit owner-occupied home. Most residential jobs require BOTH a CSL-licensed supervisor AND HIC registration for the business.
• HIC registration: $150 fee + a one-time Guaranty Fund contribution on a sliding scale by employee count (0-3 employees $100, 4-10 $200, 11-30 $300, more than 30 $500). HIC renews every 2 years for $100. The Guaranty Fund compensates homeowners up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against a registered contractor.
• Continuing education per 2-year cycle: Unrestricted 12 hours, Restricted (1-2 family) 10 hours, Specialty 6 hours (up to 6 hours may be completed online for the Unrestricted license).

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Massachusetts Licensing Resources

• Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) / Office of Public Safety and Inspections (BBRS) — for general contractor
• Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BSEE) — for electrician
• Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (BSEPGF) — for plumber