Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL): Scope & the 35,000 Cubic-Foot Rule
Massachusetts licenses the person who supervises construction — the Construction Supervisor — rather than issuing a general contractor license. This chapter covers who issues the CSL, the 35,000 cubic-foot and 1-2 family scope, the Unrestricted vs. Restricted licenses, and the open-book exam.
The BBRS/DPS and M.G.L. c.143
The Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) within the Department of Public Safety (DPS), under M.G.L. c.143. The CSL is a personal license: it authorizes an individual to supervise construction work that is regulated by the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR. Massachusetts does not issue a business 'general contractor' license the way many states do; instead it licenses the qualified supervisor who oversees code-regulated construction, and separately registers home-improvement businesses under M.G.L. c.142A.
What the CSL covers — the 35,000 cubic-foot rule
A CSL is required to supervise the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of any building or structure that contains less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, and of any one- and two-family dwelling regardless of its size. Buildings of 35,000 cubic feet or more (other than 1-2 family dwellings) require a registered design professional and fall outside the CSL scope. This cubic-foot threshold, and the special treatment of one- and two-family homes, is central to knowing when a CSL holder may legally take charge of a job.
Unrestricted vs. Restricted licenses and the open-book exam
The Unrestricted CSL covers buildings under 35,000 cubic feet including small commercial work, while the Restricted (1 & 2 Family) CSL is limited to detached one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures. The Unrestricted exam, administered by PSI, has 75 questions in 180 minutes and requires 70% to pass; the Restricted exam has 60 questions. Both are open book, based on 780 CMR 10th Edition (2021 IBC/IRC). Massachusetts does not accept the NASCLA exam and offers no CSL reciprocity, so out-of-state credentials do not substitute for the Massachusetts exam.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Department of Public Safety
- Prelicensing education
- At least 3 years (36 months) of relevant experience within the past ten years
- Passing score
- 70%
- Scored questions
- 75
- Time limit
- 180 minutes
Does Massachusetts require a state contractor license?
Yes. Massachusetts issues the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) under M.G.L. c.143 and the State Building Code (780 CMR). A CSL is required to supervise construction of buildings under 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, and of any one- and two-family dwelling regardless of size.
What is on the Massachusetts Unrestricted CSL exam?
The Unrestricted CSL exam is 75 questions, 180 minutes, open book, and requires 70% to pass. Applicants must document at least three years of relevant experience within the past ten years and apply within one year of passing.
What is the difference between a CSL and an HIC registration?
The CSL governs building supervision, while the separate Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration under M.G.L. c.142A governs residential remodeling contracts and the Guaranty Fund. Unrestricted CSL continuing education is 12 hours per two-year cycle.
Sources: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-building-regulations-and-standards