How to Get a Massachusetts Contractor License

Thinking about starting a contractor or handyman business in Massachusetts but not sure where to begin? Getting properly registered and licensed is the first step toward working legally. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a construction license in Massachusetts so you can launch your new venture with confidence.

Do I Need a Massachusetts Builders License? 

Yes — but the type of license or registration you need depends on the work you plan to do.

In Massachusetts, contractors and handymen doing home improvement projects may need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC),¹ while larger jobs involving structural changes — such as framing, roofing, or building additions — require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL).² Some projects may require both.

See this helpful list³ for a breakdown of what jobs require an HIC registration, CSL, or both. 

How Do I Register as a Home Improvement Contractor?

If you’re doing smaller, non-structural work on an existing owner-occupied home, you can register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)⁴ through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.⁵ This registration helps protect consumers and ensures a baseline of accountability for residential work in the state.

The initial registration fee is $150, plus a required contribution to the Guaranty Fund, which is based on the size of your company:

• 0 to 3 employees: $100
• 4 to 10 employees: $200
• 11 to 30 employees: $300
• More than 30 employees: $500
  

You can register online through the Massachusetts Contractors Hub.⁶ There’s also in-person service available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at:

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
One Federal Street, Suite 720
Boston, MA 02110-2012

You must renew your HIC registration every two years; the renewal fee is $100.

How Do I Get a Construction Supervisor License?

For larger projects or anything involving structural work, you can obtain a Construction Supervisor License (CSL)⁷ through the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). ⁸

What Type of CSL Do I Need?

The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)⁹ offers several licenses based on the scope of your work:

• Restricted CSL: For construction or renovation of single- and two-family homes, including accessory structures such as garages or sheds.
• Unrestricted CSL: For any buildings under 35,000 cubic feet. This license includes all types of work: construction, demolition, alteration, or repairs.

There is also a Specialty CSL for specific trades, including:

• Masonry
• Roof Covering
• Windows and Siding
• Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
• Insulation
• Demolition

What Are the Basic CSL Requirements?

To qualify for a CSL, you must meet the following requirements:¹⁰

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Proof of at least three years of full-time experience in construction or design within the past 10 years.
• Pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code.

How Do I Schedule and Take the Exam?

The PSI testing service administers CSL exams. To get started:

• Visit PSI’s Massachusetts construction testing portal¹¹ and create an account.
• Upload your documentation and submit your application for review.
  

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to pay the exam fee and choose a testing location in Boston, Fall River, Lawrence, Auburn, or Springfield.

On exam day, bring a valid photo ID that matches your registration name. You’ll receive your results right after completing the test. A passing score is 70% or higher.

What if I Don’t Pass the Exam?

If you fail the exam, you’ll need to wait at least two business days before retesting. PSI keeps your application on file for two years, so you can retake the exam within that window without reapplying. After two years, you must submit a new application with updated documents.

What Happens When I Pass?

If you pass the exam, mail your PSI score report to the BBRS, along with the required items indicated on the report:

Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards
One Federal Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02110-2012

The application process usually takes about 30 days. Once processed and approved, you’ll receive your CSL. 

Do I Need Business Insurance?

If you have employees, Massachusetts law requires that you carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if you don’t have employees, carrying workers’ comp and general liability insurance can be a smart move. It protects your business in the event of accidents, property damage, or injuries on the job, and it shows clients that you’re serious and professional.

Need coverage? We can help you compare free quotes from top insurers specializing in contractor coverage.

Ready to Get to Work?

Getting registered and licensed in Massachusetts is an important first step toward building a successful contracting business. But that’s just the beginning. And the Simply Business Resource Center has tools, templates, and tips to help you grow. 

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• General Contractor Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

• FREE Contractor Invoice Template
• How to Get Massachusetts Business Insurance

If you still have questions about how to get a builder’s license in Massachusetts, we encourage you to speak with local legal and tax professionals who can assist you.

References:

1. https://www.mass.gov/guides/home-improvement-contractors-hic-guide#-first-time-applicants- ↩︎
2. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-construction-supervisor-license ↩︎
3. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-and-information-for-contractors#what-work-requires-an-hic-registration,-csl-license,-or-building-permit?- ↩︎
4. https://www.mass.gov/guides/home-improvement-contractors-hic-guide#-first-time-applicants- ↩︎
5. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/home-improvement-contractor-hic-program ↩︎
6. https://www.mass.gov/doc/contractor-guide-ma-contractor-hub-portal/download ↩︎
7. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-construction-supervisor-license ↩︎
8. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-building-regulations-and-standards ↩︎
9. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-different-construction-supervisor-licenses ↩︎
10. https://www.mass.gov/doc/csl-candidate-handbook/download ↩︎
11. https://test-takers.psiexams.com/macon ↩︎