General Contractor License Requirements in Massachusetts
| Licensing Authority | Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) / Office of Public Safety and Inspections (BBRS) |
| License Type | Construction Supervisor License (CSL) |
| Experience Required | 3 years of full-time (40 hrs/week) experience in building construction or design within the past 10 years. Union affiliation alone is not acceptable. |
| Education Substitute | Vocational/trade program completion or a bachelor's degree (any field) = 1 year credit; a bachelor's in architecture/engineering/science/technology = 2 years credit. Education cannot substitute for more than 2 of the 3 required years. |
| Exam Required | Yes — CSL Examination (Unrestricted, Restricted, or Specialty) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: not required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | ~30 days after the Board receives a passing exam score and application |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $23 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $150 |
| Late renewal (up to 2 years after expiration) | $100 |
| HIC registration (separate, via OCABR) | $150 |
| HIC Guaranty Fund one-time contribution (0-3 employees) | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $588 |
Renewal: $100 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
CSL Examination (Unrestricted, Restricted, or Specialty)
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Unrestricted
3 years of building construction or design experience; supervises structural work across most use groups within code size limits
Exam: Required
Restricted (1-2 Family Dwellings)
3 years of experience; limited to one- and two-family dwellings
Exam: Required
Specialty (Masonry, Roof Covering, Window/Siding, Solid Fuel, Demolition, Insulation)
3 years of experience; each specialty scope defined by the building code
Exam: Required
Notes
- 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).
- Massachusetts does NOT recognize out-of-state contractor licenses for CSL purposes.
- The $150 initial CSL license-issuance fee is corroborated via 201 CMR 18.02 (which ties the HIC fee to the current CSL fee) but was quoted directly only from an older candidate bulletin; confirm with OPSI if exactness matters.
Local requirements on top of your Massachusetts license
The BBRS general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Massachusetts. On top of it, most Massachusetts cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires a statewide general contractor license through the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) / Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Massachusetts?
The estimated initial cost is $238, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Massachusetts?
3 years of full-time (40 hrs/week) experience in building construction or design within the past 10 years. Union affiliation alone is not acceptable. Education substitute: Vocational/trade program completion or a bachelor's degree (any field) = 1 year credit; a bachelor's in architecture/engineering/science/technology = 2 years credit. Education cannot substitute for more than 2 of the 3 required years.
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Massachusetts?
You must pass the CSL Examination (Unrestricted, Restricted, or Specialty) exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Massachusetts?
Processing time is typically ~30 days after the Board receives a passing exam score and application after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Massachusetts?
Yes, 12 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Massachusetts— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-05 | Source: BBRS