Construction / General Contractor License / Massachusetts
- Massachusetts
- Construction Supervisor
- Unrestricted, Restricted & Specialty
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License
In Massachusetts, the license that covers general building work is the Construction Supervisor License (CSL). Here’s how to qualify, pass the PSI exam and keep your license current.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards requirements
Application fee
$23
Plus $75 PSI exam fee and $150 license fee
Exam time
3 hrs
Unrestricted exam
Time to get license
~3 yrs
Full-time experience within the past 10 years
Continuing ed
Required
Hours not stated; due before each renewal
Overview
Do you need a Massachusetts general contractor license?
For many building projects, yes. Massachusetts requires oversight from a licensed construction supervisor on certain construction, alteration, repair and demolition work.
License required when
- Overseeing construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of covered buildings
- Work on 1- and 2-family dwellings and their accessory structures
- Work on buildings of any use under 35,000 cubic feet
- Specialty work such as masonry, roofing, windows and sliding doors, solid fuel burning appliances, demolition and insulation
Common exceptions
- Projects the state doesn’t require a construction supervisor to oversee (check with your building department)
- Union membership alone doesn’t count as qualifying experience
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, the state can discipline licensees and act against anyone who supervises covered work without the required license, and local building officials can refuse permits.
Your fast-track Massachusetts general contractor license checklist
The Massachusetts application, one page
- License type chosen: Unrestricted, Restricted or Specialty
- Proof of 3 years of experience (tax records or notarized attestation)
- Diploma or degree, if you’re using education
- Application submitted and approved
- PSI exam scheduled and passed
Types
Massachusetts general contractor license types and classifications
Massachusetts offers three kinds of construction supervisor license. Pick the one that matches the buildings or trade you work on.
CSL
Broadest scope
Unrestricted Construction Supervisor
Buildings of any use under 35,000 cubic feet, 1- and 2-family dwellings with accessory structures, agricultural buildings and walls under 10 feet.
Exam
Unrestricted exam, 75 questions
Limit
Under 35,000 cu ft
CSL-R
Residential
One and Two Family Dwellings
Construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of 1- and 2-family dwellings with any accessory structure.
Exam
Restricted exam, 60 questions
Limit
1- and 2-family homes
CSL-S
Single trade
Specialty Construction Supervisor
Masonry, roofing, windows and sliding doors, solid fuel burning appliances, demolition or insulation.
Exam
Specialty exam (varies)
Limit
Specialty trade only
Requirements
Massachusetts general contractor license requirements, class by class
Every applicant documents the same 3 years of experience. What changes between licenses is the exam.
| Requirement | Unrestricted | Restricted (1 & 2 family) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 3 years full-time, within the past 10 years | 3 years full-time, within the past 10 years | 3 years full-time, within the past 10 years |
| Education credit | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years |
| Proof of experience | W-2, Schedule C, 1099 or notarized attestation | W-2, Schedule C, 1099 or notarized attestation | W-2, Schedule C, 1099 or notarized attestation |
| Exam questions | 75 | 60 | Varies |
| Passing score | 70% | Not stated | Not stated |
| Exam time | 3 hours | Not stated | Varies |
Steps
How to get your Massachusetts general contractor license, step by step
- Choose your licenseBefore you start
Decide between Unrestricted, Restricted (1- and 2-family) or a Specialty license based on the work you supervise. - Document 3 years of experienceBefore you apply
Gather W-2s, Schedule C or 1099s, or a notarized letter of attestation from an engineer, architect, employer or licensed contractor. Add your diploma or degree if you’re using education. - Submit your applicationBefore you test
Send the application with verified education and work experience. Once approved, the state contacts you about your exam. - Schedule with PSIAfter approval
Book through PSI or call 855-746-8173. Testing centers are in larger cities across the state. - Pass the examExam day
The Unrestricted exam has 75 questions, a 3-hour limit and a 70% passing score. It’s open book. - Receive your licenseFinal step
With your exam passed, mail your score report and the $150 license fee to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
Exam
What to expect on the Massachusetts general contractor exam
Each license has its own PSI exam. All are open book, and you can tab and highlight your references.
Format
Open book
Questions
75 (Unrestricted)
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Unrestricted: 75 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass
- Restricted: 60 questions
- PSI may add 4–7 unscored experimental questions that don’t count against your time
- References include the 2021 IBC and IRC, 780 CMR amendments, 521 CMR, 225 CMR, the 2021 IECC and OSHA 1926
- Specialty exams vary in length and topics
Retake policy
- Retakes are unlimited
- Exam fee: $75 ($65 for specialty exams), nonrefundable
- Pre-approval is required before you schedule
- Contact PSI at 855-746-8173 with scheduling questions
Exam references · Open book
The Massachusetts Construction Supervisor exams are open book, and the permitted references can be tabbed and highlighted. The Unrestricted exam uses the full list below; the Restricted exam uses the residential, energy and safety references only.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) — Unrestricted CSL exam | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts State Building Code Amendments, 780 CMR (Basic/Commercial) — Unrestricted CSL exam | 10th edition | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts Architectural Access Regulations, 521 CMR 1.00–47.00 — Unrestricted CSL exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts Residential Code Amendments, 780 CMR | 10th edition | Allowed in exam |
| International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts Energy Resources, 225 CMR 1.00–27.00 | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best Massachusetts general contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Massachusetts general contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $23 |
| PSI exam fee | Fixed | $75 (unrestricted or restricted), $65 (specialty) |
| License fee | Fixed | $150 |
| Code books for the open-book exam | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes code books and renewal | $248 unrestricted or restricted; $238 specialty |
Fees from the February 2026 CSL candidate handbook and 801 CMR 4.02, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Massachusetts accept out-of-state general contractor licenses?
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with 5 states. Our source doesn’t list what each one waives, so confirm the details with the state before you apply.
Maine — reciprocity agreement
Massachusetts lists a reciprocity agreement with this state. Ask the licensing office which steps are waived.
New Hampshire — reciprocity agreement
Massachusetts lists a reciprocity agreement with this state. Ask the licensing office which steps are waived.
Vermont — reciprocity agreement
Massachusetts lists a reciprocity agreement with this state. Ask the licensing office which steps are waived.
Washington — reciprocity agreement
Massachusetts lists a reciprocity agreement with this state. Ask the licensing office which steps are waived.
Oregon — reciprocity agreement
Massachusetts lists a reciprocity agreement with this state. Ask the licensing office which steps are waived.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant: document 3 years of experience and pass the PSI exam.
Local
Do Massachusetts cities and counties have their own general contractor licensing rules?
Your CSL is a state license. Local building departments still handle permits and inspections on each project.
State handles
- Construction supervisor licenses and classifications
- Application and experience review
- Exams, through PSI
- Continuing education and renewals
City & county handle
- Building permits
- Inspections
- Checking that a licensed supervisor is on covered jobs
Governance
Who regulates construction supervisors in Massachusetts
Licensing authority
Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Division of Professional Licensure: 617-727-3200
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues construction supervisor licenses
- Reviews experience and education
- Sets exam content for unrestricted, restricted and specialty licenses
- Requires continuing education before each renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Massachusetts general contractor license and keep it active
Renewal costs $100 every two years, and you must finish continuing education first. There’s a one-year grace period, then a $100 late fee up to two years past expiration. After that you retake the exam.
Renewal cycle
2 years
CE hours
Required (hours not stated)
Renewal fee
$100
Late penalty
$100 if 1 to 2 years past expiration
Massachusetts construction supervisor licensing
Applications, renewals and continuing education from the state
FAQ
Massachusetts general contractor license FAQs
Is a Massachusetts construction supervisor license the same as a general contractor license?
It’s the state license for supervising general building work. Massachusetts requires a licensed construction supervisor to oversee certain construction, alteration, repair and demolition projects.
How much experience do I need for a CSL?
Three years of full-time building construction or design experience within the past 10 years. Education can count for up to 2 of those years.
Is the Massachusetts CSL exam open book?
Yes. You can tab and highlight your references. The Unrestricted exam has 75 questions, a 3-hour limit and a 70% passing score.
Who gives the exam?
PSI. Once your application is approved, schedule online or call 855-746-8173.
What’s the difference between Unrestricted and Restricted?
Unrestricted covers buildings of any use under 35,000 cubic feet plus 1- and 2-family homes. Restricted covers 1- and 2-family dwellings only, and its exam has 60 questions.
Does Massachusetts have reciprocity?
Yes, with Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. Ask the state what each agreement waives.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. You must complete continuing education before each renewal.
Sources
Official sources for the Massachusetts general contractor license
- Massachusetts Construction Supervisor Licensing
- Board of Building Regulations and Standards
- PSI, Massachusetts construction supervisor exam scheduling
- CSL candidate handbook (February 2026)
- Mass.gov, Renew your Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
- 801 CMR 4.02, state license fees
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards.