50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Guide Contents
Overview

Massachusetts Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Massachusetts.

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Company Licenses

Massachusetts Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Fire Suppression System Certificate of Registration

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security - Department of Fire Services
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

FP-085 Application for Certificate of Registration for Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers and/or Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$60 per restriction

Required Attachments:
  • One copy of your service tag
  • One copy of your orange non-compliance tag (remove wires before mailing)
  • List of licensed employees

Registration Renewal

Form:

FP-085 Application for Certificate of Registration for Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers and/or Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems 

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$60 per restriction

Due:

Biennially by date of issuance

Required Attachments:
  • One copy of your service tag
  • One copy of your orange non-compliance tag (remove wires before mailing)
  • List of licensed employees

Massachusetts Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$2,050

Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$2,050

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

Massachusetts Asbestos Consulting Firm License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$1,500

Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$1,500

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

Massachusetts Deleader Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards - Deleading and Lead Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$575

Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$575

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

Massachusetts Electrical/Systems Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$221 + $2.35% convenience fee for credit card payments or $0.35 convenience fee for ACH/EFT payments

Turnaround:
  • The application will be processed in no less than 10 business days.
  • Once issued the license number will be listed in the portal account. The license card is printed and mailed within the week of approval. However, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for the license card to arrive by USPS. The license is also publicly viewable via DOL’s “Check a License” feature within 24 to 48 hours of issuance.
Required Attachments:
  • Copy of the Secretary of Commonwealth filing
    • Electrical Companies: The SOC must have the licensee of record visibly listed with the title and in addition to any other purpose, the document shall state the business entity is “organized to conduct or engage in the electrical contracting and installation work, including but not limited to Fire Warning and Security Systems”
    • Strictly Systems Companies: The SOC must have the licensee of record visibly listed with the title and in addition to any other purpose, the document shall state the business entity is “incorporated to conduct or engage in the Fire Warning and Security Systems installation work”. An amendment shall be filed, if necessary, with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a copy shall accompany the original Articles of Organization
  • Copy of Master or Systems Contractor license card of the named licensee of record
  • Licensee letter of intent
  • Copy of Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, or Partnership Agreement Form
  • Copy of Bylaws or Operating Agreement naming the licensee of record and their responsibilities
  • Clerk's Certificate (Corporations)
  • List of Managers (LLC)
  • Limited Liability Insurance Certificate, if applicable
  • Letter of resignation/termination, for associating/disassociating licensee of record (LLP)
  • Certificate of Amendment, if applicable
  • DBA Certificate, if applicable
  • Amended Business Articles, if necessary

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$117

Due:

Triennially by July 31

Massachusetts Gas Fitter Corporation License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Massachusetts Gas Fitter Corporation License

Agency Fee:

$225

Registration Renewal

Form:

Massachusetts Gas Fitter Corporation License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Gas Fitter LLC License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Massachusetts Gas Fitter LLC License

Agency Fee:

$225

Registration Renewal

Form:

Massachusetts Gas Fitter LLC License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Gas Fitters Partnership Certificate

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Registration Renewal

Form:

Massachusetts Gas Fitters Partnership Certificate Renewal

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts General Contractor License

Not required



General Contractor Company licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.

There is no state level license for general contractor firms in Massachusetts, however, contractors may need to have a licensed construction supervisor present depending on the scope of a project.

Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Agency:Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation - Home Improvement Contractor Program
Notes:

Registration is required for contractors who perform work on existing 1-4 unit residential properties.

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Registration as a Home Improvement Contractor or Sub-Contractor

Agency Fee:

$150 registration fee + $100 for contractors with 3 or fewer employees, $200 for contractors with 4-10 employees, $300 for contractors with 11-29 employees, and $500 for contractors with 30 or more employees.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Lead-Safe Renovator Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards - Deleading and Lead Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$375

Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$375

Due:

Every 5 years from the date of initial issuance. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

Massachusetts Mechanical Contractor License

Not required



Mechanical/HVAC Contractor Company licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.

Mechanical contractor firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a refrigeration contractor license is required to operate a refrigeration contactor business.

Massachusetts Plumbers Partnership Certificate

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Issuance of a Plumbers Partnership Certificate

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Biennially

Massachusetts Plumbing Corporation License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumbing Corporation License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$225

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

Biennially

Massachusetts Plumbing LLC License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumbing LLC License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$225

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

Biennially

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Boston General Contractor License

Not required



General Contractor Company licensure is not required on the City level in Boston.

The city of Boston does not issue contractor licenses, only work permits. Contractor licenses are issued at the state level.

Individual Licenses

Massachusetts Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitter Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure - Office of Public Safety and Inspections - Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Sprinkler Contractor

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:

$100

Required Attachments:
  • 2 x 2 passport-sized photo
  • Documentation from employer stating you have worked for at least 5 years in a fire sprinkler system business management position
  • Documentation that you are an owner, partner, officer, or in a full-time management position
  • Documentation from an approved school that you have completed 300 hours of additional sprinkler fitter study
  • Proof you are at least 18 years of age

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Biennially 

Notes:

Renewal notices are sent by email and mail 60 days prior to the expiration of the license. These notices will include a registration code, which allows a license to be renewed online. Mailed renewal notices will include a hard-copy renewal application. 

Required Attachments:
  • Certificate of liability insurance that includes "completed operations" coverage in the amount of $500,000 minimum per occurrence that lists the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Occupational Licensure as the certificate holder
  • Documentation stating you are an owner, officer, or in a full-time management position

Massachusetts Apprentice Gas Fitter License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$9

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Asbestos Inspector License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Asbestos Management Planner License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Massachusetts Asbestos Project Designer License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Asbestos Project Monitor License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$625

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Massachusetts Asbestos Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$225

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Asbestos Worker License

Agency:Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - Asbestos Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Deleader Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards - Deleading and Lead Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Deleader Worker License

Agency:Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards - Deleading and Lead Safety Program

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Demolition Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $150 license fee

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Electrical Systems Technician License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Examination

Filing Method:

Mail or email to maelapps@psionline.com

Agency Fee:

$226 application fee+ $104 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$78

Due:

Triennially by July 31.

Massachusetts Insulation Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Examination

Filing Method:

Mail or email to maelapps@psionline.com

Agency Fee:

$226 exam fee + $104 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$78

Due:

Triennially by July 31.

Massachusetts Journeyman Gas Fitter License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Journeyman Gas Fitter Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$52 license fee + $31 exam fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$52

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber Examination Application

Agency Fee:

52 License +$31 exam

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$52

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Limited Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Limited LP Installer Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$66

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$52

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Masonry Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form

Agency Fee:

100 exam fee + $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Massachusetts Master Electrician License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Examination

Filing Method:

Mail or email to maelapps@psionline.com

Agency Fee:

$276 Application fee + $155 License fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$117

Due:

Triennially by July 31

Massachusetts Master Gas Fitter License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Massachusetts Master Gas Fitter Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$31 exam fee + $78 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$97

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Master Plumber License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Massachusetts Master Plumber License

Agency Fee:

$31 exam fee + $78 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$78

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts One and Two Family Dwellings Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$100

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Massachusetts Plumbing Apprentice License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Apprentice Plumbers License

Agency Fee:

$14

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$14

Due:

By May 1 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Refrigeration Apprentice License

Agency:Massachusetts Engineering Division - Refrigeration Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Refrigeration Apprentice License

Agency Fee:

$20

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$20

Due:

Annually by the licensee's date of birth. The first renewal will not be due within 12 months of the issuance of the license.

Massachusetts Refrigeration Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Engineering Division - Refrigeration Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Refrigeration Contractor Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the licensee's date of birth. The first renewal will not be due within 12 months of the issuance of the license.

Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician License

Agency:Massachusetts Engineering Division - Refrigeration Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Refrigeration Technician Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$20

Due:

Annually by the licensee's date of birth. The first renewal will not be due within 12 months of the issuance of the license.

Massachusetts Roof Covering Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form for Construction Supervisor Candidate

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee; $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:

After receiving a Score Report Form with a passing grade from Prometric at the exam location, the applicant shall complete the Score Report form and mail it with the $150 license fee to DPS, which will issue the license in approximately 30 days.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Massachusetts Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form for Construction Supervisor Candidate

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee; $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:

After receiving a Score Report Form with a passing grade from Prometric at the exam location, the applicant shall complete the Score Report form and mail it with the $150 license fee to DPS, which will issue the license in approximately 30 days.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Massachusetts Systems Contractor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Electrician Application for Examination 

Filing Method:

Mail or email to maelapps@psionline.com

Agency Fee:

$276 application fee + $155 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$117

Due:

Triennially by July 31

Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Applying for a New Construction Supervisor License

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:

After receiving a Score Report Form with a passing grade from Prometric at the exam location, the applicant shall complete the Score Report form and mail it with the $150 license fee to DPS, which will issue the license in approximately 30 days.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Duplicate Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail, in-person, or online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Biennially by date of issuance

Notes:

Unrestricted Construction Supervisor license holders are required to take 12 credits of CE/renewal cycle

Required Attachments:

Continuing Education Certificate

Massachusetts Windows Doors Sliding Construction Supervisor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Registration Form for Construction Supervisor Candidate

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee; $150 license fee

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:

After receiving a Score Report Form with a passing grade from Prometric at the exam location, the applicant shall complete the Score Report form and mail it with the $150 license fee to DPS, which will issue the license in approximately 30 days.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Licenses are initially issued for three years from the date of licensing; after that they are renewed every 2 years.

Explore Licensing in Other States

Associated General Contractors of America
Professional association providing advocacy and organization for construction firms and workers.

National Association of Home Builders
National association for the promotion of the housing industry.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies
National organization that represents and promotes the interests of state level contractor licensing agencies.