Massachusetts General Contractor License: Become a Contractor in MA

Do you need a general contractor license in MA?

Yes, to work as a general contractor in Massachusetts, you’ll either need to register as a home improvement contractor (HIC), get a construction supervisor license (CSL), or both, depending on the type of work you want to do.

Home Improvement Contractor:  Anyone who performs ordinary repairs, such as exterior painting, wallpapering, repairing existing decking, etc., on a pre-existing residential building with one- to four-family dwellings must register as an HIC. HICs are governed by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR).

Exemptions from registration do exist, however, so be sure to check with the OCABR to see if you meet any of these criteria.

Construction Supervisor License: Anyone who performs larger projects, such as building a deck or addition, or structural work, such as a kitchen renovation, to an existing residential building with one- to four-family dwellings must also get a CSL. CSLs are obtained through the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI).

Most construction projects that include renovations/improvements, demolition, or construction require both HIC registration and CSL-licensed contractors. This resource can help you determine what is needed for some specific types of projects.

Types of contractor licenses in Massachusetts

There is only one type of HIC registration. It is possible to register as an individual, a proprietorship/trust, a partnership, or a corporation.

There are several different types of construction supervisor licenses. The type of CSL you need will depend on the type of work you want to do. Let’s look at the different options:

Registered Design Professional (RDP)

For commercial buildings or structures with more than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, the state of Massachusetts requires a registered design professional (RDP) to oversee the project. An RDP is an engineer or an architect, a type of individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Jobs where an RDP can be used or is required:

• For one- and two-family dwellings and buildings with less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, as defined in the table above, either a CSL or RDP can oversee construction.
• For one- to four-family owner-occupied dwellings, either a CSL or RDP must oversee construction, and an HIC registration is required.
• For buildings with 35,000+ cubic feet of enclosed space, only an RDP can oversee construction.

Additional county or city licensing requirements may exist, so remember to check the local regulations before starting any construction.

How do I get a general contractor license in Massachusetts? (steps)

The requirements for getting an HIC registration differ from those for getting a CSL. While there are no education requirements for either certification, there are age, work, and exam requirements to get your construction supervisor license.

Home improvement contractor (HIC) registration

Here are the steps that the OCABR outlines for getting your HIC registration: 

1. Determine whether you will register as an individual, a proprietorship/trust, a partnership, or a corporation
   1. If registering as a corporation, submit documentation to show that your business is registered with the Secretary of State’s Office 
   2. If filing as a Doing Business As (DBA), provide a current copy of the business certificate filed with the clerk in the county or city where your business is located
2. Register online by creating an HIC Program registration portal account or register by mail by downloading and filling out the registration form 
3. Pay the registration fee 
4. Contribute to the Guaranty Fund

Bring or mail your completed application and payments to:

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Home Improvement Contractor Program:
1000 Washington Street
Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118

Once you’ve completed all the steps, your registration card will be mailed to you in 1-2 weeks (for online applications and submissions only). 

Construction supervisor license (CSL) 

Here are the steps that the OPSI outlines for getting your CSL: 

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Submit proof of three years of full-time construction-related experience (tax forms or letters of attestation) within the past 10 years (includes active construction-related military experience)
   1. One year of experience may be accounted for by completing a three- or four-year vocational school program in the field of building construction
   2. One year of experience may be accounted for by completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
   3. Two years of experience may be accounted for by completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in architecture, science, engineering, or technology in a related field
3. Provide a list of your building construction or design duties 
4. Complete a notarized form stating you have filed all state tax returns and paid state taxes
5. Determine the type of CSL you need
6. Register for and take the relevant Prometric exam
7. Submit your Prometric exam score to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) by mail

Forward completed application packages to: 

Office of Public Safety and Inspections
CSL License Application
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710 
Boston, MA 02118

Once you have completed all the steps, you will receive information about how to download your license for printing.

Massachusetts general contractor exam

Exam topics vary for the eight different types of CSLs. Here is information about the exams for the unrestricted and restricted exams:

A detailed list of the number of questions and subjects covered on each CSL exam can be found in the candidate information bulletin.

Does Massachusetts reciprocate general contractor licenses?

A general contractor reciprocity agreement is an arrangement between different states, provinces, or jurisdictions that allows general contractors licensed in one area to practice in another without having to meet all of the licensing requirements of the new jurisdiction.

Currently, Massachusetts does not offer reciprocity agreements for contractor licenses.

How much does a general contractor license cost in MA?

In general, it will cost between $250 and $500 to get licensed initially, depending on the type of registration and/or license you need. Let’s look at the types of fees you’ll be responsible for based on the type of certification you want to get:

*If you apply for multiple specialty CSLs (up to six) at the same time, you can bundle them and pay just one DPS licensing fee. If you apply separately, you will have to pay a DPS licensing fee with each application.

It’s important to remember that there are often insurance requirements for working as a contractor, so make sure you check with the right state or local authority for more information to determine any associated costs.

Renewing your general contractor license

The process to renew an HIC registration differs slightly from that to renew a CSL, as continuing education is a requirement to renew a CSL.

Home improvement contractor registration 

Registrations are valid for two years. You can renew online, or by mail or in person by filling out the application and submitting it with a certified check or money order.

Note that you are given a 30-day grace period beyond the license expiration date to submit your renewal application and pay the fees. If you attempt to renew more than 30 days beyond the expiration date, you will need to submit a new application and pay the initial registration fee and Guaranty Fund fee again.

You can check for your license’s expiration date on the OCABR website.

Construction supervisor license

Licenses are valid for two years. Continuing education is a mandatory requirement for CSL holders, and it must be completed within the two-year renewal cycle. The requirements vary by license type:

Specific topics that must be covered within these hours include:

• Code Review: 4 hours (unrestricted and restricted), 2 hours (specialty)
• Workplace Safety: 1 hour
• Business Practices/Workers’ Compensation: 1 hour
• Energy (except Demolition Specialty License): 1 hour
• Lead Safe Practices (only first renewal cycle): 1 hour
• The remaining hours can be completed through approved electives or additional topics.

Once you have completed your continuing education, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

License renewal notifications will be sent 60 days before license expiration, and you can check for your license’s expiration date on the OPSI website.

Note that you are given a one-year grace period beyond the license expiration date to submit your renewal application and pay the fees. Licenses can be renewed up to two years past their expiration date for an additional fee. However, if you attempt to renew more than two years beyond the expiration date, you will need to take the exam and pay the initial licensing fee again.

How to start a contracting business in Massachusetts

Regardless of the type of contracting work you want to do in Massachusetts, starting your own contracting business is a great way to earn more money. To learn more about starting a business, you’ll find the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to be an invaluable guide and resource.

A few of the most important steps include:

• Choosing a business structure (Corporation, sole proprietor, LLC)
• Filing for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) Certificate
• Registering your business with the state
• Obtaining a Tax ID and learning about tax rules

Once you’re registered, there are few more things you’ll need to think about to truly set your business up for success:

• Pricing your services appropriately
• Securing financing and setting up an accounting system
• Finding the necessary equipment and product suppliers
• Setting up general contracting business software
• Generating leads for your general contractor business 

See our library of free contracting business resources for expert advice and templates you get you started.

Does a general contractor license in Massachusetts increase your earning potential?

Yes, possessing a general contractor’s license in Massachusetts definitely increases your earning potential. Remember, Massachusetts has some of the highest salaries in the nation for general contracting, with an average annual salary of $131,730 and over $190,000 for some of the top earners. 

You stand to increase your earning potential even more by opening your own contracting business. To learn more, refer to our guide on How to make money in construction and remodeling.