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Exam Review

Key Facts: MA General Contractor Exam

70%

Passing Score

BBRS

75 Q

Unrestricted Exam Questions

PSI/BBRS

4 hrs

Exam Time

PSI/BBRS

Open Book

Exam Format

PSI/BBRS

Not Accepted

NASCLA

BBRS

3 years

Experience Required

BBRS

Massachusetts general contractors are licensed through the Construction Supervisor License (CSL), an open-book, 75-question exam administered by PSI on behalf of the BBRS. Candidates bring their own code books and are tested on navigating the Massachusetts building code (780 CMR), not on memorizing it.

Sample MA General Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MA General Contractor exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 167+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary license required for general contractors in Massachusetts?
A.General Contractor License
B.Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
C.Building Trades License
D.Master Builder License
Explanation: Massachusetts does not have a traditional 'General Contractor License.' Instead, contractors must obtain a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). The CSL allows supervision of construction activities on residential and small commercial buildings.
2Which state agency administers the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) exam in Massachusetts?
A.Massachusetts Department of Labor
B.Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
C.Massachusetts Division of Insurance
D.Massachusetts Department of Public Works
Explanation: The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), now under the Division of Occupational Licensure, administers the CSL program. The actual exams are conducted through Prometric testing centers on behalf of the BBRS.
3What types of buildings require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) in Massachusetts?
A.All commercial buildings regardless of size
B.One- and two-family dwellings and buildings under 35,000 cubic feet
C.Only buildings over 50,000 square feet
D.Only government buildings
Explanation: A CSL is required for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of one- and two-family dwellings (of any size), accessory buildings, and buildings containing less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space. Larger buildings require oversight by a Registered Design Professional.
4What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts CSL exam?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: A score of 70% or above is required to pass the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) exam. The exam is open book and multiple choice, covering building codes and construction knowledge.
5Is the Massachusetts CSL exam open book or closed book?
A.Closed book with no reference materials allowed
B.Open book with approved reference materials
C.Partially open book for code sections only
D.Computer-based with built-in references
Explanation: The Massachusetts CSL exam is open book. Candidates are permitted to bring approved reference materials, including the Massachusetts State Building Code and reference standards identified in the content outlines. Candidates must bring their own copies to the test center.
6How many years of construction experience are required to be eligible for the Massachusetts CSL exam?
A.1 year
B.2 years
C.3 years
D.5 years
Explanation: To be eligible for the Massachusetts CSL exam, candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in building construction or design in the field in which they wish to be licensed. The experience need not be consecutive but must total at least 36 months of full-time work.
7What is the minimum age requirement to take the Massachusetts CSL exam?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.21 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of the exam to take the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License exam. This is one of the basic eligibility requirements set by the BBRS.
8What is the difference between an Unrestricted CSL and a Restricted CSL in Massachusetts?
A.There is no difference
B.The Unrestricted CSL covers buildings up to 35,000 cubic feet; the Restricted CSL covers only one- and two-family dwellings
C.The Unrestricted CSL is for commercial work only
D.The Restricted CSL allows larger projects than the Unrestricted
Explanation: The Unrestricted CSL allows supervision of one- and two-family dwellings (any size), accessory buildings, and buildings under 35,000 cubic feet. The Restricted CSL limits the holder to supervising only one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory buildings.
9What is a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration in Massachusetts?
A.The same as a Construction Supervisor License
B.A registration required for contractors performing home improvement work on existing owner-occupied 1-4 family residential properties
C.A federal license for home builders
D.An optional certification for marketing purposes
Explanation: Massachusetts requires contractors performing home improvement work on existing owner-occupied one-to-four family residential properties to register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. This is separate from and in addition to the CSL requirement.
10What is the registration fee for a Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)?
A.$100
B.$150 plus a mandatory fee based on company size
C.$250
D.$500
Explanation: The HIC registration requires a $150 registration fee plus a mandatory additional fee based on the size of the company. This registration covers home improvement work on existing owner-occupied 1-4 family residential properties.

About the MA General Contractor Exam

Massachusetts does not issue a literal 'general contractor license.' The state credential is the Construction Supervisor License (CSL), an open-book exam on the Massachusetts building code (780 CMR), covering administrative responsibilities, general construction knowledge, sitework, framing, building envelope systems, energy and accessibility codes, and OSHA safety.

Exam sponsor: Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), tested via PSI. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

75 questions (Unrestricted), 60 questions (Restricted/One- and Two-Family), or 30-50 questions (Specialty, varies by trade); open-book

Time Limit

4 hours (240 minutes) for Unrestricted/Restricted; 2-3 hours for Specialty

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$75 PSI exam fee (Unrestricted/Restricted) or $65 (Specialty) + $23 application fee + $150 initial license fee

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Administrative Responsibilities

BBRS/780 CMR code administration, licensing law, permits, inspections, and business practices

Not published

General Building Construction Knowledge

Core building science, materials, and construction methods referenced throughout 780 CMR

Not published

Sitework, Foundations, Concrete & Masonry

Excavation, drainage, foundation systems, concrete, and masonry construction

Not published

Structural Framing & Building Envelope

Wood and steel framing, roofing, exterior walls, windows, doors, and moisture protection

Not published

Interior Systems, Energy & Accessibility

Interior environment, mechanical ventilation, fire protection, energy code, and accessibility requirements

Not published

Safety

OSHA construction safety requirements and Massachusetts lead-safe renovation rules

Preparing for the MA General Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 75 questions (Unrestricted), 60 questions (Restricted/One- and Two-Family), or 30-50 questions (Specialty, varies by trade); open-book
  • Time limit: 4 hours (240 minutes) for Unrestricted/Restricted; 2-3 hours for Specialty
  • Exam / certification fees: $75 PSI exam fee (Unrestricted/Restricted) or $65 (Specialty) + $23 application fee + $150 initial license fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 167 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MA General Contractor: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice navigating your code books before exam day — this is an open-book exam, so speed and tab organization matter more than memorization
2Know the difference between the Unrestricted CSL, the Restricted (One- and Two-Family Dwellings) CSL, and the Specialty CSL categories
3Study 780 CMR administrative provisions (permits, inspections, licensing law) — this is consistently one of the largest tested areas
4Review OSHA 1926 construction safety requirements and Massachusetts lead-safe renovation rules
5Build a tabbed reference system for the IBC, IRC, and Massachusetts amendments before test day

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Massachusetts have a 'general contractor license'?

Not by that name. Massachusetts licenses general contracting work through the Construction Supervisor License (CSL), issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). This is the credential covered by this exam prep.

What does the Massachusetts CSL exam cover?

The CSL exam covers the Massachusetts building code (780 CMR, based on the 2021 IBC/IRC with the 10th edition state amendments), administrative and licensing responsibilities, sitework, framing, building envelope systems, energy and accessibility codes, and OSHA safety.

What is the passing score for the MA CSL exam?

A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License exam.

Is the Massachusetts CSL exam open book?

Yes. Candidates bring their own copies of the referenced code books to the PSI test center. The exam tests your ability to find and apply the correct code section quickly, not memorization.

Does Massachusetts accept the NASCLA exam?

No. Massachusetts does not accept the NASCLA accredited exam. You must take the Massachusetts-specific CSL exam through PSI.

What experience is needed for a Massachusetts CSL?

Candidates need 3 years of full-time (40 hours/week) building construction or design experience within the past 10 years. A qualifying vocational program or a bachelor's degree can each count toward part of that experience.

How much does the Massachusetts CSL cost?

The PSI exam fee is $75 for the Unrestricted or Restricted (One- and Two-Family) exam, or $65 for a Specialty exam, plus a $23 application fee. The initial BBRS/DOL license fee is $150 once you pass. Renewal every two years costs $100 plus required continuing education.