Construction / Roofing Contractor License / Massachusetts
- Massachusetts
- Roofing Contractor
- Roof Covering Specialty CSL
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Massachusetts Roof Covering Construction Supervisor License
Massachusetts licenses roofers through a Roof Covering specialty Construction Supervisor License (CSL). This page covers who needs one, the experience rules, the PSI exam and how to stay licensed.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards requirements
Application fee
$23
Plus $65 PSI exam fee and $150 license fee
Exam time
2 hrs
35 questions, open book
Time to get license
~3 yrs
3 years of building construction or design experience
Continuing ed
Required
Before each renewal; hours not stated
Overview
Do you need a Massachusetts roofing contractor license?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a Roof Covering specialty CSL before you bid on or contract roof covering work. The license holder directly supervises the people doing the work, including themselves.
License required when
- You bid on or contract roof covering work
- You install, alter, repair or remove roof coverings or roofs
- The building has less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, or is used for agriculture
- You install sheet metal incidental to roof coverings, or shingles, shakes, roll roofing, tile or slate
Common exceptions
- The Roof Covering CSL does not cover structural roof elements, including sheathing
- Buildings of 35,000 cubic feet or more fall outside this specialty license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific fines. The Board of Building Regulations and Standards can take action against anyone doing licensed roof covering work without a CSL.
Your fast-track Massachusetts roofing contractor license checklist
The Massachusetts application, one page
- Proof of 3 years of construction or design experience
- Transcripts if you’re using education credit
- Candidate exam registration form
- State pre-approval to test
- Passing Roof Covering CSL exam score sent to the BBRS
Types
Massachusetts roofing contractor license types and classifications
Roofing in Massachusetts falls under one specialty Construction Supervisor License. It’s limited by building size and excludes structural work.
CSL
Specialty
Roof Covering Construction Supervisor
Installation, alteration, repair and removal of low and steep slope roof coverings, plus incidental sheet metal. No structural work or sheathing.
Exam
Roof Covering CSL exam
Limit
Under 35,000 cu ft
Requirements
Massachusetts roofing contractor license requirements, class by class
You need 3 years of experience, and education can count for up to 2 of them.
| Requirement | Roof Covering CSL |
|---|---|
| Experience | 3 years in building construction or design |
| Vocational school credit | 3- or 4-year building construction program counts as 1 year |
| Bachelor’s degree credit | 1 year; 2 years if in architecture, engineering or a related field |
| Education cap | Education can’t replace more than 2 years |
| Military experience | Active construction-related service may count |
| Exam | Roof Covering CSL exam, 70% to pass |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Massachusetts roofing contractor license, step by step
- Document your experienceBefore you apply
Gather proof of 3 years in building construction or design. A vocational program or bachelor’s degree can cover 1 or 2 of those years. - Submit your applicationBefore the exam
Send the candidate exam registration form with your verified education and work experience. Pre-approval is required before you can test. - Schedule with PSIOnce approved
Schedule the Roof Covering CSL exam with PSI or by calling 855-746-8173. - Pass the examExam day
35 scored questions in 2 hours, open book, and 70% to pass. PSI may add 4–7 unscored experimental questions that don’t count against your time. - Send your score and get licensedAfter the exam
Mail your passing score report and the $150 license fee to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to receive your Roof Covering CSL.
Exam
What to expect on the Massachusetts roofing contractor exam
The Roof Covering CSL exam is short and open book. You can tab and highlight your references, so knowing where things are in the code books matters.
Format
Open book
Questions
35
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 35 questions, 2 hours
- Massachusetts administrative responsibilities (4 questions)
- Roofing substrate, steep slope, metal flashing and general roofing (metal panel, elastomeric, built-up)
- References include the 2021 IBC and IRC, 780 CMR amendments, the 2021 IECC, 225 CMR and OSHA 1926
- 4–7 unscored experimental questions may be added
Retake policy
- Retakes are unlimited; the $65 exam fee is nonrefundable
- Contact PSI at 855-746-8173 to reschedule
- Test centers are in larger Massachusetts cities
Exam references · Open book
The Massachusetts Roof Covering Construction Supervisor exam is open book. The references below can be tabbed, highlighted and brought into the exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Massachusetts State Building Code Amendments, 780 CMR (Basic/Commercial) | 10th edition | 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 roofing contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Massachusetts roofing contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $23 |
| Roof Covering CSL exam | Fixed | $65 |
| License fee | Fixed | $150 |
| Reference books | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exam | Excludes reference books and renewal | $238 |
Fees from the February 2026 CSL candidate handbook and 801 CMR 4.02, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Massachusetts accept out-of-state roofing contractor licenses?
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with five states. Contact the state to confirm what’s waived for your license.
Maine — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Massachusetts licensing office for exactly which requirements are waived.
New Hampshire — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Massachusetts licensing office for exactly which requirements are waived.
Vermont — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Massachusetts licensing office for exactly which requirements are waived.
Washington — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Massachusetts licensing office for exactly which requirements are waived.
Oregon — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Massachusetts licensing office for exactly which requirements are waived.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant, document your experience and pass the PSI exam.
Local
Do Massachusetts cities and counties have their own roofing contractor licensing rules?
Your CSL is issued by the state and covers all of Massachusetts. Cities and towns still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Construction Supervisor Licenses, including Roof Covering
- Exam approval, through PSI
- Continuing education for renewal
- Reciprocity agreements
City & county handle
- Building permits
- Inspections
- Enforcing the state building code locally
Governance
Who regulates roofing contractors in Massachusetts
Licensing authority
Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
(617) 727-3200
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Construction Supervisor Licenses, including Roof Covering
- Approves applicants to sit for the exam
- Sets continuing education for renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Massachusetts roofing 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.
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
Renewal and continuing education information from the state
FAQ
Massachusetts roofing contractor license FAQs
Do I need a license to do roofing in Massachusetts?
Yes. You need a Roof Covering specialty Construction Supervisor License before bidding on or contracting roof covering work.
How much experience do I need?
3 years in building construction or design. A vocational program or bachelor’s degree can count for 1 or 2 years, but education can’t cover more than 2.
What’s on the Roof Covering CSL exam?
35 questions in 2 hours on Massachusetts administration, substrates, steep slope roofing, metal flashing and general roofing. It’s open book and you need 70%.
Can I replace roof sheathing with this license?
No. The Roof Covering CSL doesn’t cover structural elements of a roof, including sheathing.
Does Massachusetts have roofing reciprocity?
Yes, with Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. Contact the state to confirm what’s waived.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. Massachusetts requires continuing education before each renewal.
Sources
Official sources for the Massachusetts roofing contractor license
- Massachusetts Construction Supervisor Licensing
- PSI, Massachusetts Construction Supervisor exams
- 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.