General Contractor License in Massachusetts — Exam Required
Open-data reference.
Oversees all aspects of construction projects, coordinates subcontractors
License Type
CSL/HIC License
CSL exam required. HIC registration for $500+ residential.
Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
Yes — Exam Required
Experience Required
3 years minimum
Surety Bond
$10,000 required
Liability Insurance
Minimum $1000K coverage
Continuing Education
No continuing education required
License Fee
$200-$400
How to Apply
- 1 Document at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- 2 Pass the required licensing exam — contact the board for approved testing centers
- 3 Obtain a surety bond for $10,000 from a licensed bonding company
- 4 Purchase general liability insurance with at least $1000K coverage
- ✓ Submit application and pay the license fee ($200-$400) to Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR)
Compare General Contractor Requirements Across States
36 of 51 states require a general contractor license. See how Massachusetts compares.
View All States for General Contractor →What the Massachusetts General Contractor Record Shows
Massachusetts requires general contractor contractors to hold a CSL/HIC License before performing licensed work. Of 36 US states that license general contractor work, Massachusetts's regime applies all three primary screens — exam, bond, and insurance — placing it among the more protective jurisdictions for this trade. Licensing is administered through the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.
The specific entry requirements for general contractor contractors in Massachusetts are: a qualifying exam, 3 years of documented work experience, a surety bond of $10,000, liability insurance with at least $1000K in coverage, and no continuing-education mandate. License fees in this classification run $200-$400. Additional notes from the licensing board: CSL exam required. HIC registration for $500+ residential.
For homeowners in Massachusetts, verification is straightforward: use Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR)'s official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery — file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a licensed and unlicensed contractor?
A licensed contractor has met state-specific requirements including education, experience, exams, and background checks. They carry required insurance and bonds. An unlicensed contractor has met none of these requirements. Hiring an unlicensed contractor may void your homeowner's insurance, expose you to liability if a worker is injured, and leave you with no legal recourse for defective work.
Does a license guarantee quality work?
No. A license means the contractor met minimum standards at the time of licensing. Always check reviews, ask for references, and see past project photos. However, a licensed contractor provides legal protections that an unlicensed contractor does not.
What is a contractor bond and why does it matter?
A contractor bond (surety bond) is a three-party agreement between the contractor, a bonding company, and you. If the contractor fails to complete a job or causes damage, you can make a claim against the bond. Bonds typically have limits ($5K-$100K) — they are a baseline protection, not comprehensive coverage.
What is contractor liability insurance?
General liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury caused by the contractor. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing at least $500,000-$1,000,000 in general liability coverage.
What is workers compensation and why do I care?
Workers' compensation covers contractors and their employees if injured on your property. Without it, an injured worker could potentially sue you as the property owner. Always verify workers' comp coverage before work begins.
Can I hire an unlicensed contractor to save money?
The risks are significant: work may not pass inspection, homeowner's insurance may deny claims, you could be liable for injuries, and you have limited legal recourse. Where contractor licensing is required by law, hiring unlicensed is also illegal.
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Related Data
Disclaimer: Requirements shown are from state licensing boards and NCSL. Always verify current requirements directly with Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR).
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
| Publisher | Kiznis Studio |
| Sources | Public state contractor licensing board records |