Contractor licensing by state
How to Get a Contractor License in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires a state license for every trade we track except landscape irrigation, concrete flatwork, and drainage and detention work. It has no state license for concrete flatwork, so cities and counties set any rules for that work. The official sources do not settle the state rule for landscape irrigation and drainage and detention work. The main contractor license is the Construction Supervisor License, which costs $250 to start and needs the Construction Supervisor License exam. Of the 7 trades we could rate, concrete flatwork is the easiest to get licensed for and roofing the hardest.
The Massachusetts contractor license
| License | Construction Supervisor License (CSL) plus Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair, general contracting, roofing, and demolition |
| Fee | $250 (HIC $150 + Guaranty Fund $100 (0 to 3 employees)) |
| Exam | Construction Supervisor License exam. Given by PSI. |
| Experience | 3 years in building construction or design. |
| Renewal | HIC every 2 years. |
How to apply
- Verify 3 years of construction or design experience.
- Register and pass the CSL exam with PSI, then mail the score report to the BBRS.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the MA Contractor Hub ($150 plus Guaranty Fund).
- Pull the building permit with your CSL and HIC numbers.
A licensed construction supervisor or registered design professional must oversee construction on 1 and 2 family homes and buildings under 35,000 cubic feet.
State license requirements for each trade in Massachusetts
| Foundation repair | Unrestricted CSL or 1 and 2 family CSL | $250 | Construction Supervisor License exam | 3 years | Moderate · 35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | Unrestricted CSL or 1 and 2 family CSL | $250 | Construction Supervisor License exam | 3 years | Moderate · 35 |
| Roofing | Specialty CSL, roof covering | $250 | Construction Supervisor License exam | 3 years | Moderate · 35 |
| Plumbing | Master Plumber license | $109 | Massachusetts Master Plumber examination | None listed | Not rated |
| Electrical | Master Electrician license | $221 | Master Electrician exam | 1 years | Moderate · 27 |
| HVAC | Refrigeration Technician license | $75 | Refrigeration technician examination | 3 years | Moderate or harder · 32+ |
| Irrigation | Not settled | Not rated | |||
| Concrete flatwork | No state license | Easy · 0 | |||
| Drainage and detention | Not settled | Not rated | |||
| Demolition | Specialty CSL, demolition | $250 | Construction Supervisor License exam | 3 years | Moderate · 35 |
Tap a column to sort. Difficulty covers the state license only. Checked October 18, 2026.
Trades ranked from easiest to hardest in Massachusetts
- Concrete flatwork, easy (0)
- Electrical, moderate (27)
- HVAC, moderate or harder (32+)
- Demolition, moderate (35)
- Foundation repair, moderate (35)
- General contracting, moderate (35)
- Roofing, moderate (35)
Plumbing, landscape irrigation, and drainage and detention work are not rated because their rules are not fully published.
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| License | Unrestricted CSL or 1 and 2 family CSL (Masonry CSL minimum for masonry tied to the building) |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL) and Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) |
| Fee | $250 (HIC registration $150 + Guaranty Fund $100 (0 to 3 employees); CSL fees not confirmed) |
| Exam | Construction Supervisor License exam (10th Edition State Building Code). Given by PSI. |
| Experience | 3 years of experience in building construction or design. |
| Renewal | HIC every 2 years ($100). |
Mass.gov lists structural carpentry and masonry related to the building as needing a CSL, HIC registration and a permit. Foundation repair is structural work on the building. On existing 1 to 4 family owner-occupied homes the contractor must also hold Home Improvement Contractor registration ($150 plus a Guaranty Fund payment of $100 for 0 to 3 employees; $100 renewal every 2 years). Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state contractor licenses.
A building permit is required; the municipal building official decides whether engineer-stamped drawings are needed.
- Verify 3 years of construction or design experience.
- Register and pass the CSL exam with PSI, then mail the score report to the BBRS.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the MA Contractor Hub ($150 plus Guaranty Fund).
- Pull the building permit with your CSL and HIC numbers.
Difficulty 35, moderate (exams 15, experience 15, fees 5).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Construction Supervisor License (3 years, PSI); Mass.gov, CSL types and scopes; Mass.gov, When is a CSL required; Mass.gov, HIC contractor resources (job type table); Mass.gov, HIC registration fees.
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| License | Unrestricted CSL or 1 and 2 family CSL |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL) and Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) |
| Fee | $250 (HIC registration $150 + Guaranty Fund $100 (0 to 3 employees); CSL fees not confirmed) |
| Exam | Construction Supervisor License exam (10th Edition State Building Code). Given by PSI. |
| Experience | 3 years of experience in building construction or design. |
| Renewal | HIC every 2 years ($100). |
Covers construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition. On existing 1 to 4 family owner-occupied homes the contractor must also hold Home Improvement Contractor registration ($150 plus a Guaranty Fund payment of $100 for 0 to 3 employees; $100 renewal every 2 years). Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state contractor licenses.
Ask the municipal building official about building permits for remodels and additions.
- Verify 3 years of construction or design experience.
- Register and pass the CSL exam with PSI, then mail the score report to the BBRS.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the MA Contractor Hub ($150 plus Guaranty Fund).
- Pull the building permit with your CSL and HIC numbers.
Difficulty 35, moderate (exams 15, experience 15, fees 5).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Construction Supervisor License (3 years, PSI); Mass.gov, CSL types and scopes; Mass.gov, When is a CSL required; Mass.gov, HIC contractor resources (job type table); Mass.gov, HIC registration fees.
Roofing
| License | Specialty CSL, roof covering (minimum) |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL) and Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) |
| Fee | $250 (HIC registration $150 + Guaranty Fund $100 (0 to 3 employees); CSL fees not confirmed) |
| Exam | Construction Supervisor License exam (10th Edition State Building Code). Given by PSI. |
| Experience | 3 years of experience in building construction or design. |
| Renewal | HIC every 2 years ($100). |
New or replacement roofing needs a CSL, HIC and permit; the roof covering CSL allows replacing up to 25 percent of sheathing and sistering 25 percent of rafters. On existing 1 to 4 family owner-occupied homes the contractor must also hold Home Improvement Contractor registration ($150 plus a Guaranty Fund payment of $100 for 0 to 3 employees; $100 renewal every 2 years). Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state contractor licenses.
New or replacement roofs need a building permit.
- Verify 3 years of construction or design experience.
- Register and pass the CSL exam with PSI, then mail the score report to the BBRS.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the MA Contractor Hub ($150 plus Guaranty Fund).
- Pull the building permit with your CSL and HIC numbers.
Difficulty 35, moderate (exams 15, experience 15, fees 5).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Construction Supervisor License (3 years, PSI); Mass.gov, CSL types and scopes; Mass.gov, When is a CSL required; Mass.gov, HIC contractor resources (job type table); Mass.gov, HIC registration fees.
Plumbing
| License | Master Plumber license |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
| Fee | $109 ($31 application + $78 license) |
| Exam | Massachusetts Master Plumber examination. Given by PSI. |
| Experience | Licensed journeyman experience per 248 CMR 11 (not fully checked). |
Apply in eLIPSE; after Board approval PSI schedules the exam. Experience rules are in 248 CMR 11.
Ask the municipal building official who may pull plumbing permits.
- Apply in eLIPSE with experience and education forms and a CORI form.
- Pass the PSI exam.
- Pay the $78 license fee.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Master Plumber license.
Electrical
| License | Master Electrician license |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians |
| Fee | $221 ($66 application + $155 license (plus $135 PSI exam)) |
| Exam | Master Electrician exam (trade and business/practical portions). Given by PSI. Exam fee $135. $135 ($80 trade + $55 business/practical). |
| Experience | Massachusetts journeyman license, 1 year of work experience and 150 hours of Board-approved education. |
Reciprocity for masters only from New Hampshire per Mass.gov.
Ask the municipal building official who may pull electrical permits.
- Hold a Massachusetts journeyman license and 1 year of experience.
- Complete 150 hours of approved education.
- Apply in eLIPSE ($66), pass the PSI exam ($135), pay the $155 license fee.
Difficulty 27, moderate (exams 15, experience 5, fees 7).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for an individual electrical license.
HVAC
| License | Refrigeration Technician license (sheet metal licensing also applies to duct work) |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians and Sprinkler Fitters |
| Fee | $75 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Exam | Refrigeration technician examination. |
| Experience | 6,000 hours as a licensed refrigeration apprentice plus 450 hours of school, or an equivalent license elsewhere. |
Mass.gov lists central air conditioning and sheet metal venting as work by licensed trades. A refrigeration contractor license is separate.
Ask the municipal building official who may pull mechanical permits.
- Log 6,000 apprentice hours and 450 school hours.
- Apply in MyLicenseOne ($75).
- Pass the exam.
Difficulty 32+, moderate or harder (exams 15, experience 15, fees 2).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Refrigeration Technician License; Mass.gov HIC job type table.
Irrigation
We could not confirm from official sources whether Massachusetts requires a state license for landscape irrigation.
No state irrigation license was found. Mass.gov lists routine landscaping as needing no CSL, HIC or permit; the water connection is plumbing work by licensed trades.
Ask the municipal building official and the water utility about permits and backflow devices for the water connection.
Ask the municipality about plumbing permits for the tie-in.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov HIC job type table.
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
Mass.gov lists driveways and patios as needing no CSL, no HIC registration and no building permit; check local zoning. Ask the municipality about any work in the public way.
Check local zoning and any street opening or curb cut permit.
Ask the municipality about curb cuts and zoning.
Difficulty 0, easy (nothing in the rubric applies).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov HIC job type table.
Drainage and detention (grading, drainage, stormwater and detention ponds)
We could not confirm from official sources whether Massachusetts requires a state license for drainage and detention work.
No state grading or drainage license was found; retaining walls over 4 feet need a permit and CSL per Mass.gov.
Ask the municipal building official about grading, drainage and stormwater approvals.
Ask the municipality.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov HIC job type table.
Demolition
| License | Specialty CSL, demolition (minimum) |
|---|---|
| Board | Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL) and Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) |
| Fee | $250 (HIC registration $150 + Guaranty Fund $100 (0 to 3 employees); CSL fees not confirmed) |
| Exam | Construction Supervisor License exam (10th Edition State Building Code). Given by PSI. |
| Experience | 3 years of experience in building construction or design. |
| Renewal | HIC every 2 years ($100). |
Mass.gov lists demolition as needing a CSL (demolition CSL minimum), HIC registration and a building permit. On existing 1 to 4 family owner-occupied homes the contractor must also hold Home Improvement Contractor registration ($150 plus a Guaranty Fund payment of $100 for 0 to 3 employees; $100 renewal every 2 years). Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state contractor licenses.
Demolition needs a building permit.
- Verify 3 years of construction or design experience.
- Register and pass the CSL exam with PSI, then mail the score report to the BBRS.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the MA Contractor Hub ($150 plus Guaranty Fund).
- Pull the building permit with your CSL and HIC numbers.
Difficulty 35, moderate (exams 15, experience 15, fees 5).
Checked October 18, 2026 against Mass.gov, Apply for a Construction Supervisor License (3 years, PSI); Mass.gov, CSL types and scopes; Mass.gov, When is a CSL required; Mass.gov, HIC contractor resources (job type table); Mass.gov, HIC registration fees.
Exams for a Massachusetts license
| Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (10th edition code) | PSI, for the Board of Building Regulations and Standards | $75 (unrestricted or restricted), $65 (specialty such as roof covering) | Unlimited retests; a retest can often be booked within two business days | Open book | 75 unrestricted, 60 restricted (one and two family), 35 roof covering | 240 minutes (unrestricted and restricted), 120 minutes (roof covering) | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Master Electrician | PSI, for the Board of State Examiners of Electricians | $135 ($80 Part 1, $55 Part 2 Business and Law) | Retake only the failed part, up to six times within one year of approval; after three failed attempts, more education first; wait at least 24 hours | 90 (Part 1) and 50 (Part 2) | 240 minutes and 120 minutes | 70% on each part |
Tap a column to sort. Each exam name opens the provider's bulletin or exam page. A blank cell is a fact not confirmed from the provider, and the linked bulletin has the full rules.
- Study references for Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (10th edition code) are Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) 10th edition with the 2021 International Residential Code or International Building Code.
Checked October 18, 2026 against PSI Massachusetts Construction Supervisor Candidate Information Bulletin; PSI Massachusetts electrician Candidate Information Bulletin.
Official sources
- Mass.gov Construction Supervisor Licensing
- Mass.gov HIC program
- Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
- Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Licensing pages for nearby states cover Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with the licensing board before you apply or bid.