Massachusetts Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement Contractor Registration Required under M.G.L. c.142A for any contractor, subcontractor, partnership, or corporation that solicits, bids on, or performs home improvement work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 unit residences. HIC registration is a registration (not a license) — no exam is required. A HIC registration does not authorize structural work requiring a building permit; that requires a CSL. | $150 registration fee + one-time Guaranty Fund contribution of $100 (0–3 employees), $200 (4–10), $300 (11–30), or $500 (31+) | $100 every 2 years | No surety bond; Guaranty Fund contribution only |
| Construction Supervisor License — Unrestricted Authorizes supervision of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of buildings regulated by 780 CMR (the Massachusetts State Building Code). Per 780 CMR 110.R5.1, CSL jurisdiction covers buildings of any use group containing less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, 1- and 2-family dwellings (any size), agricultural buildings, and retaining walls under 10 feet. Buildings 35,000 cu ft or larger fall outside the CSL program and require a registered architect or professional engineer. Applicants must document at least 3 years of construction experience within the prior 10 years and pass a written exam. | Set by Commonwealth under 801 CMR 4.02 (see OPSI fee schedule) | $100 every 2 years; 12 hours of BBRS-approved continuing education per cycle | Not required |
| Construction Supervisor License — Restricted (1 & 2 Family Dwellings) Authorizes supervision of construction and alteration of detached 1- and 2-family dwellings up to 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space. Cannot be used to supervise 3- or 4-unit residential buildings or commercial work. Same 3-year experience and written-exam requirements as the Unrestricted CSL. | Set by Commonwealth under 801 CMR 4.02 | $100 every 2 years; 10 hours of BBRS-approved continuing education per cycle | Not required |
| Construction Supervisor License — Specialty Specialty CSLs authorize specific trade work only — categories include Masonry-Only, Demolition, 1&2 Family Insulation, Roof Covering, Windows and Siding, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance Installer (SFCSL). Scope is strictly limited to the specialty area. Applicants must document experience in the specialty and pass a corresponding written exam. | Set by Commonwealth under 801 CMR 4.02 | $100 every 2 years; 6 hours of BBRS-approved continuing education per cycle | Not required |
| Electrician License (separate board) Electrical work in Massachusetts is regulated under M.G.L. c.141 by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians within the Division of Occupational Licensure. Classes include Master Electrician (Class A), Journeyperson Electrician (Class B), Systems Contractor, and Systems Technician. Neither HIC nor CSL authorizes electrical work. | See DOL Board of Electricians fee schedule | 3-year cycle; CEUs required | Not required |
| Plumber / Gas Fitter License (separate board) Plumbing and gas fitting are regulated under M.G.L. c.142 by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters within the Division of Occupational Licensure. Classes include Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and separate Gas Fitter licenses. Work must comply with 248 CMR. | See DOL Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters fee schedule | 2-year cycle; CEUs required | Not required |
Processing time: HIC: typically 2–4 weeks once the online application and Guaranty Fund payment are submitted through the MA Contractor Hub. CSL: several months — includes application review, scheduling the written exam with the third-party vendor, exam sitting, result processing, and license issuance; applicants should allow at least 3–5 months. from application submission to license issuance.
Massachusetts (MA) regulates construction work through two separate, non-interchangeable credentials. The Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration — administered by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) under M.G.L. c.142A — is required for anyone who solicits, bids on, or performs remodeling, renovation, repair, or alteration work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 unit residences. The Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — administered by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) within the Division of Occupational Licensure under 780 CMR — is required to supervise construction, reconstruction, alteration, removal, or demolition on any structure where a building permit is required. HIC registration is a fee-and-paperwork process with no exam; CSL requires a written exam, documented experience, and continuing education. Massachusetts also maintains a Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund that compensates homeowners up to $25,000 per claim (raised from $10,000 effective November 20, 2024).
Step 1: Determine Which Credential the Work Requires
HIC registration covers remodeling, renovation, and repair work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 unit homes. CSL is required for any work that needs a building permit — new construction, structural alteration, additions, and demolition. Many Massachusetts contractors hold both. Electrical, plumbing, and gas-fitting work requires a separate trade license regardless of HIC or CSL status.
Step 2: Look Up HIC Registration at the MA Contractor Hub
Use the Office of Consumer Affairs' MA Contractor Hub to search by business name or HIC registration number. The record shows registration status (Active, Suspended, Revoked), expiration date, any public complaints, Guaranty Fund payouts, and arbitration cases decided against the contractor.
MA Contractor Hub — HIC Lookup →
Step 3: Verify CSL Status with the Division of Occupational Licensure
For permit-required work, confirm the supervisor's CSL status. The Division of Occupational Licensure (Office of Public Safety and Inspections) maintains the CSL lookup. Check that the license is current, not expired, and that the class (Unrestricted, Restricted 1&2 Family, or Specialty) matches the scope of the project.
Step 4: Ask for the Written Contract and Required Disclosures
Massachusetts law requires a written contract for any home improvement project over $1,000. The contract must include the contractor's HIC registration number, a detailed scope of work, total price, payment schedule, and start and completion dates. The law caps the initial deposit at one-third of the total contract price and gives you three business days to cancel (Notice of Cancellation must be attached).
- HIC registration number printed on the contract
- Total price, payment schedule, and start/end dates
- Maximum 1/3 down payment
- Three-day Notice of Cancellation form attached
Step 5: Check for Insurance and Required Permits
Massachusetts does not require HICs or CSLs to post a surety bond, but the homeowner should request proof of general liability insurance and, if the contractor has employees, workers' compensation coverage (required under M.G.L. c.152). It is the contractor's responsibility — not yours — to pull the building permit. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself under the homeowner exemption, you forfeit eligibility to recover from the Guaranty Fund (M.G.L. c.142A §2 and 201 CMR 14.21(4)).
Step 6: Search Public Complaints and Guaranty Fund History
The MA Contractor Hub displays public complaints filed against an HIC registrant, the outcome of any Arbitration Program case, and any Guaranty Fund payouts the contractor owes back to the Commonwealth. A contractor with unresolved payouts to the Fund cannot hold an active HIC registration.
Massachusetts Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Not required by M.G.L. c.142A or 780 CMR, but strongly recommended and frequently required by local building officials and GCs. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required under M.G.L. c.152 for any contractor with employees. The Department of Industrial Accidents enforces this independently of HIC/CSL licensure. |
| Surety Bond | Not required. The Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund — funded by mandatory registrant contributions — replaces the bond function in most other states. |
Massachusetts Contractor Bond Requirements
Massachusetts does not require a contractor surety bond. Instead, every HIC registrant contributes to the Residential Contractor's Guaranty Fund (M.G.L. c.142A §5), which compensates homeowners up to $25,000 per claim for losses caused by a registered contractor's poor workmanship or contract breach. The one-time contribution is $100 (0–3 employees), $200 (4–10), $300 (11–30), or $500 (more than 30 employees) under 201 CMR 14.19.
Massachusetts Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Massachusetts law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Written contract required for any home improvement project over $1,000 (M.G.L. c.142A §2), signed by both parties before work begins.
- Maximum down payment capped at one-third of the total contract price (M.G.L. c.142A §2), unless special-order materials justify more.
- Three business-day right of cancellation — the contract must include a Notice of Cancellation form the homeowner can use to rescind without penalty.
- Contractor must pull the building permit for permit-required work; homeowners who pull their own permits under the homeowner exemption forfeit Guaranty Fund eligibility (M.G.L. c.142A §2 and 201 CMR 14.21(4)).
- Mandatory arbitration program available to homeowners through the Office of Consumer Affairs, at the homeowner's option, for HIC-registered contractors.
- Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund pays up to $25,000 per claim and up to $150,000 per calendar year per contractor (M.G.L. c.142A §§5, 7 as amended by St. 2024, c.238).
- Violations of c.142A also constitute unfair or deceptive acts under M.G.L. c.93A, allowing homeowners to recover multiple damages and attorney's fees in civil court.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Massachusetts puts you at risk:
- You lose access to the Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund — the Fund only pays claims against registered contractors.
- You cannot use the OCABR Arbitration Program to resolve the dispute quickly and without litigation.
- The contractor is subject to administrative penalties under M.G.L. c.142A §18 and potential criminal prosecution under §19.
- A c.142A violation is automatically an unfair or deceptive act under M.G.L. c.93A, exposing the contractor to double or treble damages and attorney's fees in civil court.
- An unregistered contractor's contract may be legally unenforceable, and mechanics' lien rights can be limited.
- Local building officials can refuse to issue permits to unregistered contractors for residential work covered by c.142A.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Massachusetts
Report unregistered home improvement contractor activity to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Report unlicensed construction supervisor or trade (electrical/plumbing/gas) work to the Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
- HIC complaints — MA Contractor Hub: mass.gov/home-improvement-contractor-program
- HIC phone: (617) 973-8787 or (888) 283-3757
- HIC email: HICRegistration@mass.gov
- CSL / trade complaints — email: OPSI-info@mass.gov
- CSL / trade phone: (617) 727-3200
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Massachusetts
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation investigates complaints against HIC-registered and unregistered contractors. Homeowners can file a public complaint, request arbitration through the OCABR HIC Arbitration Program, or submit a claim to the Guaranty Fund after obtaining a court judgment or arbitration award.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: MA Contractor Hub — submit a Public Complaint, Arbitration Request, or Guaranty Fund claim at mass.gov
- Phone: OCABR Consumer Hotline (617) 973-8787 or toll-free (888) 283-3757 (MA only)
- Mail: OCABR, Home Improvement Contractor Program, 1 Federal Street, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02110-2012
- Email: HICRegistration@mass.gov
Complaints against Construction Supervisor License holders go to the Division of Occupational Licensure / Office of Public Safety and Inspections at OPSI-info@mass.gov or (617) 727-3200. Electrical, plumbing, and gas-fitting complaints go to their respective DOL boards.
Massachusetts Contractor Bond Schedule
Massachusetts uses the Guaranty Fund model rather than surety bonds. CSL holders are also not required to post a bond.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HIC Guaranty Fund Contribution (one-time) | $100–$500 sliding scale | Paid once at initial HIC registration under 201 CMR 14.19. Not refundable except on application denial. OCABR may assess additional fees if the Fund falls below solvency threshold. |
| CSL Bond | Not required | 780 CMR does not impose a bond requirement on Construction Supervisor License holders. |
What Makes Massachusetts Contractor Licensing Unique
HIC and CSL Are Not Interchangeable
A HIC registration does not allow you to pull a building permit, and a CSL does not substitute for HIC registration when doing residential remodeling. Most Massachusetts residential contractors need both. The HIC program is administered by OCABR under M.G.L. c.142A; the CSL program is administered by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards under 780 CMR.
Guaranty Fund Raised to $25,000 in 2024
Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 (effective November 20, 2024) more than doubled the HIC Guaranty Fund's per-claim maximum from $10,000 to $25,000, and raised the annual per-contractor aggregate cap from $75,000 to $150,000. The amendment also lowered the claimant's standard of proof for collecting from the Fund from 'exhausted all customary and reasonable efforts' to simply 'reasonable efforts.'
No State Bond — Guaranty Fund Instead
Unlike most states, Massachusetts does not require contractors to post a surety bond. Instead, HIC registrants pay a one-time Guaranty Fund contribution ($100–$500 sliding scale) that pools into a common fund for consumer claims. CSL holders post no bond or fund contribution.
Pulling Your Own Permit Forfeits Fund Protection
Under M.G.L. c.142A §2 and 201 CMR 14.21(4), a homeowner who secures their own building permit ('homeowner exemption') is disqualified from receiving any recovery from the Guaranty Fund, even if their contractor is HIC-registered. Reputable contractors always pull the permit themselves.
Online-Only Registration via MA Contractor Hub
As of the MA Contractor Hub rollout, HIC registrations and renewals must be completed and paid for online. Paper applications and paper certified checks are no longer accepted and are returned. In-person service is available Monday–Friday 9:30am–3:30pm at One Federal Street, Boston, but applicants still transact through the Hub.
Massachusetts Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Massachusetts Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's HIC registration in Massachusetts?
Go to the MA Contractor Hub on mass.gov and use the contractor search tool. You can search by business name or HIC registration number. The record shows the contractor's registration status (Active, Suspended, or Revoked), expiration date, public complaints on file, any Guaranty Fund payouts owed, and arbitration cases decided against the contractor. The HIC Program is administered by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR); the consumer hotline is (617) 973-8787 or (888) 283-3757 toll-free within Massachusetts.
What's the difference between a HIC registration and a CSL in Massachusetts?
A Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration is issued by OCABR under M.G.L. c.142A and is required for anyone performing remodeling, renovation, or repair work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 unit residences. HIC registration does not require an exam. A Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards under 780 CMR and is required to supervise any work that needs a building permit — new construction, structural alterations, additions, and demolition. CSL requires a written exam, documented experience, and continuing education. The two are not interchangeable; most residential contractors need both.
How much does it cost to register as a Home Improvement Contractor in Massachusetts?
The HIC registration fee is $150, plus a one-time Guaranty Fund contribution on a sliding scale: $100 for 0–3 employees, $200 for 4–10, $300 for 11–30, and $500 for more than 30 employees. The registration is valid for 2 years; renewal costs $100. All payments are made online through the MA Contractor Hub — paper applications and paper checks are no longer accepted.
What are the classes of Construction Supervisor License in Massachusetts?
There are three broad CSL classes: Unrestricted (covers buildings of any use group containing less than 35,000 cubic feet, plus 1- and 2-family dwellings of any size, per 780 CMR 110.R5); Restricted 1 & 2 Family Dwellings (covers detached 1- and 2-family homes only); and Specialty licenses for specific trades — Masonry-Only, Demolition, 1 & 2 Family Insulation, Roof Covering, Windows and Siding, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance Installer (SFCSL). Unrestricted CSL holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; Restricted 1&2 Family require 10 hours; Specialty require 6 hours.
Do Massachusetts contractors need a bond?
No. Massachusetts does not require a contractor surety bond. Instead, Home Improvement Contractors pay a one-time Guaranty Fund contribution ($100–$500 based on employee count) into the Residential Contractor's Guaranty Fund, which compensates homeowners up to $25,000 per claim. Construction Supervisor License holders post no bond or fund contribution.
How much can I recover from the Massachusetts Home Improvement Guaranty Fund?
As of November 20, 2024 (under Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024), the Guaranty Fund pays up to $25,000 per claim — more than double the previous $10,000 cap. The annual aggregate per contractor is capped at $150,000 (raised from $75,000). To recover, you must have a court judgment or arbitration award against a registered HIC, have made 'reasonable efforts' to collect from the contractor, and apply to the Fund through the MA Contractor Hub. The contractor must obtain the building permit for the work; if you pulled your own permit, you are ineligible.
What protections do Massachusetts homeowners have under the home improvement contract law?
M.G.L. c.142A requires a written contract for any home improvement project over $1,000. The contract must include the contractor's HIC registration number, detailed scope of work, total price, payment schedule, and start/end dates. The initial down payment is capped at one-third of the total price. Homeowners have a three business-day right to cancel, and the contract must include a Notice of Cancellation form. Violations of c.142A also trigger M.G.L. c.93A (Consumer Protection Act), which allows recovery of multiple damages and attorney's fees.
What happens if I hire an unregistered home improvement contractor in Massachusetts?
You lose access to the Guaranty Fund and the OCABR Arbitration Program — both are only available against registered contractors. The unregistered contractor is subject to administrative penalties under M.G.L. c.142A §18 and criminal prosecution under §19. Violations also constitute unfair or deceptive acts under M.G.L. c.93A, which lets you sue for multiple damages and attorney's fees in civil court. Before hiring, always verify registration on the MA Contractor Hub.
How do I renew my Construction Supervisor License in Massachusetts?
CSL renewal is every 2 years. Before renewing, complete the required continuing education: 12 hours for Unrestricted (up to 6 hours online, remainder in-person classroom), 10 hours for Restricted 1&2 Family (up to 6 hours online, remaining 4 hours in-person classroom), and 6 hours for Specialty (all 6 may be completed online). This 6-hour online cap applies to every class per 780 CMR 110.R5.4.2 and the BBRS CE FAQ. The renewal fee is $100. Renew online via MyLicenseOne, by mail, or in person at the Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Public Safety and Inspections, One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston. There is a one-year grace period; renewals 1–2 years after expiration cost an extra $100. After 2 years expired, you must retake the exam.
Who licenses electricians and plumbers in Massachusetts?
Electricians are licensed under M.G.L. c.141 by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. Plumbers and gas fitters are licensed under M.G.L. c.142 by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Sheet metal workers are licensed under M.G.L. c.112 §§237–251 (principally §§239, 241, 243, 247), implemented by 271 CMR 5.02 and 271 CMR 7.00, by the Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers. All three boards sit within the Division of Occupational Licensure. Neither a HIC registration nor a CSL authorizes electrical, plumbing, or gas work.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Mass.gov — Home Improvement Contractor Program — Overview of the HIC program, Guaranty Fund up to $25,000, Arbitration Program, complaint process. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — Home Improvement Contractor Registration and Renewal — Current fees: $150 initial, $100 renewal every 2 years, Guaranty Fund $100–$500 sliding scale. MA Contractor Hub online-only requirement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — HIC Homeowner Resources — Homeowner verification steps, what to ask contractors, how to use MA Contractor Hub. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- malegislature.gov — M.G.L. c.142A (Regulation of Home Improvement Contractors) — Full text of HIC statute including written-contract requirement, 1/3 down-payment cap, 3-day cancellation, Guaranty Fund, penalties. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- malegislature.gov — M.G.L. c.142A §5 (Residential Contractor's Guaranty Fund) — Establishes Guaranty Fund. Text effective Nov 20, 2024 reflects St. 2024, c.238 amendments raising per-claim max to $25,000. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- malegislature.gov — M.G.L. c.142A §17 (Prohibited Acts) — Lists prohibited acts including operating without certificate of registration; references administrative sanctions (§18) and criminal prosecution (§19); c.93A treatment. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — Mass. General Laws c.142A (consolidated) — OCABR's reference index of c.142A sections with notes on 2024 amendments (St. 2024, c.238, §§259-260 effective Nov 20, 2024). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — Construction Supervisor Licensing — Overview of CSL classes (Unrestricted, Restricted 1&2 Family, Specialty), exam and experience requirements, administered by BBRS/DOL/OPSI. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — Renew your Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — Current CSL renewal fee: $100. 2-year cycle. 1-year grace period; additional $100 for renewal within 2 years of expiration. After 2 years requires new exam. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — MA Contractor Hub Homeowner Guide (PDF) — OCABR homeowner guide with office address (1 Federal Street, Suite 0720, Boston) and consumer hotlines (617) 973-8787 / (888) 283-3757. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MA Contractor Hub — HIC Contractor Search — Current official lookup for registered HIC contractors, public complaints, Guaranty Fund payouts, and arbitration case outcomes. Replaces the retired services.oca.state.ma.us lookup. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mass.gov — Office of Public Safety and Inspections / Division of Occupational Licensure — BBRS and CSL administrator contact: (617) 727-3200, OPSI-info@mass.gov, One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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