The Massachusetts construction supervisor licensing (CSL), which is monitored and regulated by the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), authorizes contractors to oversee specific construction projects defined by the law. The challenge is that the requirements are complex, and many people find them difficult to understand.
Why Is Construction Licensing Important?
Construction licensing has multiple benefits, including:
- It helps you meet the standards and compliance requirements for construction projects.
- It enables you to work with businesses within the Commonwealth.
- It adds credibility to your business.
- It Increases your revenue by opening job opportunities.
What Are the Types of Construction Licenses
There are eight types of licenses depending on the types of construction jobs:
1. Unrestricted CSL
The unrestricted CSL allows the holder to supervise persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, demolition, and removal. License holders can oversee the performance of the activities on buildings, regardless of their use, which are less than 35,000 cubic feet and have walls shorter than 10 feet from the footing base to the top. Unrestricted CSL holders can work on one- and two-family dwellings and any accessory buildings.
2. CSL One- and Two-Family Dwellings
As the name suggests, these CSL holders are qualified to work on one- or two-family dwellings with any added accessory. This includes construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, removal, or demolition tasks.
3. Specialty CSL Roof Covering
Specialty CSL roof covering permits you to work on 25% of sheathing replacements and 25% of sistering roof rafters. Holders can oversee construction, reconstruction, and removal and repair of roof coverings in terms of scope of work.
It authorizes the supervision of building structures and types, regardless of the use, less than 35,500 cubic feet or facilities for agricultural purposes, and one- and two-family dwellings with additional accessories.
4. Specialty CSL Masonry
These license holders are qualified to oversee a broad scope of work, including reconstruction, construction, repair, alteration, removal, or demolition of structures requiring a permit. Such activities involve buildings of any purpose that are less than 35,000 cubic feet, one- and two-family dwellings, and any accessory structures for agricultural purposes. The walls should not exceed 10 feet from the base of the footing to the top of the wall.
5. Specialty CSL Demolition
This covers the demolition of buildings used for any purpose, less than 35,000 cubic feet of aggregate volume, single- and two-family dwelling buildings, and accessory structures. Holders also qualify to work on agricultural facilities and walls less than 10 feet tall.
6. Specialty CSL Windows Doors Siding
The license covers repairing, altering, or removing doors, windows, and siding. The window and siding construction supervisor’s authorization is limited to buildings less than 35,000 cubic feet, which could be one- and two-family dwellings with added accessories.
7. Specialty CSL Insulation
The work for insulation construction supervisors includes installing, repairing, and replacing siding and sheathing on one- and two-family dwellings with an additional accessory and buildings less than 35,000 cubic feet. The license extends to buildings and structures for agricultural purposes.
8. Specialty CSL Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance
You may also be licensed to oversee solid fuel-burning appliance installation. It does not apply to certain structural elements, such as sheathing. However, the license may extend to exhaust elements or inlets required for installation.
Regarding building and structural specifications, the license applies to buildings, regardless of the use, less than 35,000 cubic feet, as well as one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures. It applies to facilities or buildings for agricultural use.
How Do You Get Your Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License?
The requirements for getting your construction license in MA include the following:
1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CSL exam, you must be at least 18 years of age with a three-year minimum of professional experience in construction and design within the field for which you seek the license. You may be qualified even if the three years experience requirement is not consecutive. However, it should be a full-time job.
Being a union member does not necessarily qualify as work experience. Yet, the knowledge gained through military service, vocational training, or a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or Ph.D. in a relevant field may be sufficient.
2. Register for the CSL Exam
You will need to complete a registration form, which requires a list of your previous employers, information about your education if applicable as proof of work experience, and the specific construction duties you performed. If you were self-employed, that also counts as work experience. The essential requirement is to provide details of the construction-related tasks you performed.
To complete the registration process, you must attach a notarized letter of attestation from your employer or military supervisor or a W2 form. Your signature on the form must also be notarized. Remember that you must submit your registration before scheduling your exam.
3. Take the CSL Exam
Depending on the CSL you test for, you’ll have an exam that comprises different questions:
- Unrestricted: 75 questions
- Restricted: 60 questions
- Roof Covering: 35 questions
- Masonry: 50 questions
- Demolition: 35 questions
- Windows Doors Siding: 35 questions
- Insulation: 35 questions
- Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance: 35 questions
You must meet a pass mark of at least 70%. Your score after passing the exam will let you know how to apply for your license through the BBRS.
4. Apply for Your License
After passing the exam, your score report will provide instructions on applying for and obtaining your license. The application may be processed approximately 30 days after the Department of Public Safety (DPS) receives your application and licensure fee. You must submit the application within one year of passing the exam.
5. Renew Your License
You must renew your MA CSL every two years, although you have a one-year grace period from the expiration date. The renewal comes with a fee. You must renew your license within two years after expiration to avoid the need to pass another exam to secure a new license. Attach proof of your continuing education credits to your license renewal application when renewing.
What Is the Penalty for Working on an Expired License?
Securing the CSL is mandatory. Working with an expired license exposes you to fines and possible jail time. You may be liable to pay a fine of up to $5,000 and serve up to two years in jail.
Contact a Construction Licensing Attorney at Calabrese Law Associates
A Massachusetts construction supervisor license authorizes you to oversee construction projects depending on the type you obtain, whether restricted, unrestricted, or specialty. Renew your license within the specified period to avoid having to retake an exam to obtain a new license. Working with an expired license may result in sanctions.
Calabrese Law Associates supports construction organizations and workers in several legal matters, including CSL renewal and addressing licensing claims. Learn more about our services or contact us to discuss your needs.
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This publication and its contents are not to be construed as legal advice nor a recommendation to you as to how to proceed. Please consult with a local licensed attorney directly before taking any action that could have legal consequences. This publication and its content do not create an attorney-client relationship and are being provided for general informational purposes only.