Construction / Low Voltage License / Massachusetts
- Massachusetts
- Low Voltage Systems
- Technician & Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Massachusetts Systems Technician & Contractor License
Massachusetts licenses low voltage fire warning and security work through its Systems Technician and Systems Contractor licenses. This page covers the experience, education, two-part exams and extra security clearance you need, based on the Board of State Examiners of Electricians’ rules.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians requirements
Application fee
$31–$66
Plus $135 PSI exam fee and $104–$155 license fee
Exam time
5 hrs
Systems Contractor Parts I & II
Time to get license
2+ yrs
4,000 hrs of supervised systems work for Technician
Continuing ed
Required
Before each renewal; hours not stated
Overview
Do you need a Massachusetts low voltage license?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a Systems Technician or Systems Contractor license before you perform or contract low voltage systems work such as fire alarm, security or communication systems. Anyone who installs security systems also needs a separate Security Clearance Certificate.
License required when
- You install, repair or maintain fire warning or security systems
- You perform low voltage work on fire alarm, security or communication systems
- You contract for systems work as an individual, firm or corporation (Systems Contractor)
- You install security systems: you also need an S-License from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Common exceptions
- Apprentices working under the direct supervision of a licensed Systems Contractor or Technician while they build hours
- Our source doesn’t list other exemptions, so check with the Board before skipping a license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Systems technicians must carry their license and show it on request, and contractors must display theirs at their place of business. Working without the right license breaks state licensing law, and the Board can investigate and discipline violations.
Your fast-track Massachusetts low voltage license checklist
The Massachusetts application, one page
- 4,000 hrs of supervised systems work over 2+ years
- 300 hrs of approved electrical education
- High school diploma or GED
- Application with verified hours and education sent to the Board
- Passing scores (70%) on both PSI exam parts
- S-License if you install security systems
Types
Massachusetts low voltage license types and classifications
Most people start as a Systems Technician, then move up to Systems Contractor after a year of licensed work. Both cover fire warning and security systems.
TECH
Start here
Systems Technician
Works as an individual on fire warning and security systems. Must carry the license and display it on request.
Exam
Technician Parts I & II
Limit
Not stated
CONT
Run a business
Systems Contractor
Works as an individual, firm or corporation and can employ technicians and apprentices. Must keep a regular place of business with the license displayed.
Exam
Contractor Parts I & II
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Massachusetts low voltage license requirements, class by class
The Technician license is built on hours and education. The Contractor license requires a year as a licensed Technician plus extra classroom time.
| Requirement | Systems Technician | Systems Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4,000 hrs of systems work over at least 2 years, under a licensed Systems Contractor or Technician | Held a Massachusetts Systems Technician license for 1+ year while actively working in the trade |
| Experience credit | Up to 2,000 hrs of electrical work (over at least 1 year); no credit for work over 20 years old | Not applicable |
| Education | 300 hrs of electrical education from an approved vocational school, private occupational school or college program | 75 hrs of classroom instruction |
| Diploma | High school diploma or GED | Not stated |
| Exam | Parts I & II, 70% to pass | Parts I & II (Business & Law), 70% to pass |
| Security work | S-License if you install security systems | S-License if you install security systems |
Steps
How to get your Massachusetts low voltage license, step by step
- Build your hours as an apprentice2+ years
Log at least 4,000 hours of systems work over a minimum of two years under the direct supervision of a licensed Massachusetts Systems Contractor or Technician. - Complete your educationBefore you apply
Finish 300 hours of electrical education through an approved public vocational school, licensed private occupational school or Board-approved college program. You also need a high school diploma or GED. - Apply to the BoardBefore the exam
Apply online through eLIPSE with verified education and work experience for the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. The application fee is $31 for Technician or $66 for Contractor. You need approval before you can test. - Schedule with PSIAfter you apply
Book your exam through the PSI Massachusetts catalog or by calling 800-733-9267. Test centers are in larger cities across the state. - Pass both partsExam day
Both the Technician and Contractor exams have two parts, and you need 70% on each. Both are open book. - Get your S-License if neededSecurity installers
If you install security systems, apply for a Security Clearance Certificate on top of your Board license. - Move up to Systems ContractorAfter 1 year
After a year as a licensed Technician, complete 75 hours of classroom instruction and pass the two-part Contractor exam.
Exam
What to expect on the Massachusetts low voltage exam
Both licenses use a two-part, open-book exam given by PSI. Since July 2026, the exams are based on the 2026 NEC and the 2022 edition of NFPA 72.
Format
Open book, two parts
Questions
Tech 60 + 30, Contractor 70 + 50
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Contractor Part I: 70 questions, 180 minutes (alarm NEC rules, intrusion and fire detection, electrical theory)
- Contractor Part II, Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Technician Part I: 60 questions; Part II: 30 questions, 60 minutes (circuit calculations, schematics, testing, licensing laws)
- References include the 2026 NEC, NFPA 72 (2022), the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) and MGL Chapter 141; Contractor adds a NASCLA business and law guide
- Approved books can be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Re-exam fees are $80 for the trade portion and $55 for the business/practical portion, and you pay only for the part you retake
- Schedule through PSI online or at 800-733-9267
- Board approval is required before you test
- Once approved for licensure, you pay the license fee in eLIPSE: $104 for Technician or $155 for Contractor
Exam references · Open book
The Massachusetts Systems Technician and Systems Contractor exams are open book, and the permitted references can be tabbed and highlighted. Both exams use the NEC and NFPA 72; the Systems Contractor exam adds the business and law references, and the state code and law documents are free to print and bring in.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2026 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code | 2022 | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00 (state amendments to the NEC) — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic Edition — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| 237 CMR 12.00–23.00: Insurance Requirements for Limited Liability Corporations and Limited Liability Partnerships — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 141: Supervision of Electricians — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 143, Sections 3L, 3P and 50 — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 254 (selected sections) — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151: Minimum Fair Wages (selected sections) — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 152 (selected sections) — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts State Unemployment Law (Employer Handbook) — Systems Contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Ugly’s Electrical References | 2026 | Study only |
| American Electricians’ Handbook | 17th edition | Study only |
| Fire Alarm Signaling Systems Handbook | Not stated | Study only |
| Certified Alarm Technicians Manual, Level 1 | 2001 | Study only |
| Understanding and Servicing Alarm Systems | 3rd edition | Study only |
Both exams move to the 2026 NEC and the 2022 NFPA 72 as of July 2026. The last five books are not allowed in the exam room.
Prep
Best Massachusetts low voltage exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Massachusetts low voltage license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $31 (technician), $66 (contractor) |
| Exam fee (PSI) | Fixed | $135 ($80 trade + $55 business/practical) |
| License fee | Fixed | $104 (technician), $155 (contractor) |
| Required electrical education | Variable | Varies |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| S-License (security installers) | Fixed | Not stated |
| State fees and exams | Excludes education, code books and the S-License | $270 technician; $356 contractor |
Fees from the Board of State Examiners of Electricians application and renewal pages on mass.gov, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Massachusetts accept out-of-state low voltage licenses?
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with five states. Our source doesn’t say which license levels or exams each one covers, so confirm with the Board before you apply.
Maine — reciprocity agreement
Ask the Board which systems licenses qualify and what you still need to submit.
New Hampshire — reciprocity agreement
Ask the Board which systems licenses qualify and what you still need to submit.
Vermont — reciprocity agreement
Ask the Board which systems licenses qualify and what you still need to submit.
Washington — reciprocity agreement
Ask the Board which systems licenses qualify and what you still need to submit.
Oregon — reciprocity agreement
Ask the Board which systems licenses qualify and what you still need to submit.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant with verified hours and education, and pass both exam parts.
Local
Do Massachusetts cities and counties have their own low voltage licensing rules?
Systems licenses are issued by the state and cover work anywhere in Massachusetts. Cities and towns still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Systems Technician and Systems Contractor licenses
- Exam approval, with exams through PSI
- Security Clearance Certificates (S-License)
- The Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00)
City & county handle
- Permits and inspections where required
- Local code enforcement
Governance
Who regulates systems technicians in Massachusetts
Licensing authority
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
617-727-9931
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Systems Technician and Systems Contractor licenses
- Verifies experience and education before approving exams
- Sets continuing education requirements for renewal
- Disciplines licensees
Maintenance
How to renew your Massachusetts low voltage license and keep it active
Systems licenses expire July 31, and you renew online in eLIPSE starting 90 days before. Renewal costs $78 for a Systems Technician and $117 for a Systems Contractor, and you need continuing education first.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Required (hours not stated)
Renewal fee
$78 technician; $117 contractor
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
Massachusetts low voltage license FAQs
Do I need a license for low voltage work in Massachusetts?
Yes. You need a Systems Technician or Systems Contractor license to perform or contract fire alarm, security or communication systems work.
What’s the difference between a Systems Technician and a Systems Contractor?
A Systems Technician works as an individual. A Systems Contractor can run a firm, employ technicians and apprentices, and must keep a place of business with the license displayed.
How many hours do I need for the Systems Technician license?
At least 4,000 hours of supervised systems work over at least two years, plus 300 hours of electrical education and a high school diploma or GED. Up to 2,000 hours of electrical work can count.
How do I qualify for the Systems Contractor exam?
Hold a Massachusetts Systems Technician license for at least one year while actively working, and complete 75 hours of classroom instruction.
Is the exam open book?
Yes. Both two-part exams are open book, given by PSI, and you need 70% to pass. Since July 2026 they use the 2026 NEC and 2022 NFPA 72.
Do I need an S-License?
Yes, if you install security systems. The Security Clearance Certificate comes from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections and is separate from your Board license.
Does Massachusetts have reciprocity?
Yes, with Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. Confirm with the Board which licenses each agreement covers.
Sources
Official sources for the Massachusetts low voltage license
- Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
- Mass.gov, Apply for or renew a Certificate of Clearance (S-License)
- PSI, Massachusetts exam catalog
- Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00
- 237 CMR 23.00, Insurance requirements for LLCs and LLPs
- MGL Chapter 141, Supervision of Electricians
- Mass.gov, Apply for an individual electrical or systems license
- Mass.gov, Renew your electrician, systems technician, or systems contractor license
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 State Examiners of Electricians.