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Contractor License in Massachusetts

State license

Massachusetts has no single general contractor license. Instead, anyone doing residential work on existing 1-4 family owner-occupied homes must register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and anyone who supervises structural/permit-pulling construction must separately hold a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) from the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. The two are not interchangeable.

Quick facts

When a license is neededHIC registration is required for residential contracting on existing 1-4 unit owner-occupied homes regardless of dollar amount. A CSL is required to pull permits and supervise structural work on buildings under 35,000 cubic feet and 1-2 family dwellings of any size.
ExperienceNone for HIC registration. CSL requires 3 years of full-time (40 hrs/week) building construction or design experience within the past 10 years; a vocational program or bachelor's degree can each count as one year.
ExamNone for HIC registration. CSL requires passing an open-book exam (75 questions, 3-hour limit for the Unrestricted CSL) on the state building code and safety.
InsuranceNot mandated by the state for HIC registration itself, though liability insurance is strongly recommended; workers' comp required if you have employees.
FeesHIC: $150 initial registration (2-year term) plus a Guaranty Fund fee based on employee count ($100 for 0-3 employees up to $500 for more than 30); HIC renewal $100. CSL renewal $100 per 2-year cycle.
RenewalHIC renews every 2 years ($100). CSL renews every 2 years ($100) and requires approved continuing education.
Main agencyMassachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Official sitehttps://www.mass.gov/info-details/home-improvement-contractor-registration-and-renewal
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Massachusetts board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Massachusetts

  1. Determine whether you need HIC registration, a CSL, or both based on the type of work.
  2. For HIC: complete the registration and pay the $150 fee plus the applicable Guaranty Fund contribution online through the MA Contractor Hub.
  3. For CSL: document 3 years of qualifying construction/design experience.
  4. Schedule and pass the Construction Supervisor License exam.
  5. Receive your CSL and, if doing residential home-improvement work, also register as an HIC.
  6. Renew both credentials every 2 years (CSL requires continuing education).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need both an HIC and a CSL?

Often yes. If you do larger or structural work on existing 1-4 family owner-occupied homes, you need a CSL to pull permits and an HIC registration to legally solicit and contract that home-improvement work. They cover different things and are not interchangeable.

Is there a statewide 'general contractor' license in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts uses HIC registration plus the CSL rather than a single general contractor license. Some cities may add their own requirements.

How much does HIC registration cost?

The base registration is $150 for a two-year term, plus a mandatory Guaranty Fund payment that ranges from $100 (0-3 employees) up to $500 (more than 30 employees).

What is the Guaranty Fund?

It is a state fund that can reimburse homeowners for losses from a registered contractor. Every HIC registrant must pay into it, with the amount scaled to the number of employees.

How long does a CSL last?

A Construction Supervisor License is valid for two years and requires approved continuing education to renew.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Massachusetts licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.