FAQs # Frequently Asked Questions FAQs ### General Questions #### How do I join Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts? To join HBRAMA, you first [join one of our five local affiliate associations](https://hbrama.com/local-associations). Joining your local association automatically gives you membership to both HBRAMA as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). #### How do I find a licensed home builder or remodeler in Massachusetts? [Find your local association on our jurisdiction map](https://hbrama.com/local-associations) and visit their website to browser members. Local association staff know their member builders well and can help point you toward members suited to your project. #### I have a concern about work a contractor did. What can I do? HBRAMA isn't able to investigate individual complaints, but your [local home builders association](https://hbrama.com/local-associations) can offer guidance and help you understand your options. For a formal complaint against a registered home improvement contractor, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) handles complaints and arbitration through the [MA Contractor Hub](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/). #### Who do I contact for media inquiries? Email for question or media contact. FAQs ### Continuing Education #### How do I apply for a Construction Supervisor License (CSL)? If you are applying for a CSL in Massachusetts for the first time, there are several steps to follow. 1. Determine which [**type of license**](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-different-construction-supervisor-licenses) you are applying for. 2. Verify 3 years of experience in building construction or design. 3. The exam is administered by PSI. Review the [**candidate handbook**](https://www.mass.gov/doc/csl-candidate-handbook/download) Please direct all exam related questions to PSI. 4. [**Apply for and schedule your exam with PSI**](https://test-takers.psiexams.com/macon/test). 5. Take the exam. 6. Mail the score report to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards along with the required item(s) indicated on the score report. Visit [Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-construction-supervisor-license) for more information. #### How do I renew my Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL)? Your renewal date is every two years. Two months prior to your renewal date, the State will send you a renewal application. For renewal you must have completed your continuing education courses then send proof of completion, the $100 renewal fee and the application to the State. Steps: 1. Complete the required continuing education credits 2. Complete and mail in the renewal application 3. Attach payment and certificates of completion [Visit Mass.Gov for More Information →](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-construction-supervisor-license) #### How much continuing education do I need to renew my CSL? A licensed construction supervisor must take continuing education courses every two years based upon license category. - Construction Supervisor License – 12 hours of continuing education credits - Restricted Construction Supervisors (identified as 1 and 2 Family License on the license card) – 10 hours of continuing education credits - Specialty Construction Supervisors – 6 hours of continuing education credits #### I missed my renewal date and my license expired, is there a grace period for renewal? There is a one year grace period to renew licenses after expiration. For an additional fee of $100.00, licenses can be renewed up to two years after expiration. Beyond that it’s necessary to take an exam and apply for a new license. Remember that if your license has expired you are no longer able to exercise the privileges of a Contractor Supervisor. #### Can I take the same continuing education class twice and still receive credit for it? You can’t take the same course in the same licensing cycle and get credit. You can repeat the same class **as long as it is in a different licensing cycle**. #### Does Massachusetts have a General Contractor’s License? No, to work as a contractor you need a Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL). Any contractor doing work on a residential home where the project is over $1000, the contractor is required by law to have their HIC. #### Are there different types of CSL Licenses? Yes, there are two types which pertain to the allowable size of the project **UNRESTRICTED —** According to the Massachusetts Building Code, Section 108.3.5 & Section 116.0, individuals who directly supervise persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition involving any activity regulated by the code for the following must possess an unrestricted construction supervisor license. - Buildings containing less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space; - One- and two-family dwellings or any accessory building thereto irrespective of size; - Buildings used for farm purposes; and - Retaining walls less than 10 feet in height at all points along the wall as measured from the base of the footing to the top of the wall. **RESTRICTED (ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY ONLY) —** Individuals who hold a restricted (one- and two-family only) construction supervisor’s license shall be limited to direct supervision of persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition involving any activity regulated by the code for: any one- and two-family dwellings irrespective of size or any accessory building thereto. #### What are the qualifications to take the state exam? You must have three years of full time construction or design experience. #### Do I have to have worked for a licensed contractor? No. Self-employment is OK. #### How do I go about documenting 3 years of construction experience? You can use a letter from a previous employer or a tax document such as W-2, 1099 or Schedule C if you are self-employed. #### Are there any general requirements to take this course? Yes. You must be able to read and comprehend English. The Massachusetts State Building Code is printed in English only; therefore, the state exam is given in English only. #### Do I need to take a prep course to be able to take the exam? No, there is no requirement to take a prep course but it will likely increase your odds of passing.