MA Construction License Exam Prep
Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License (CSL) Exam Prep (24.5 hours)
Visit the Contractor Success Website for dates and pricing
Each class meets once per week for seven weeks for a total of 24½ hours. Visit the Contractor Success Website for start dates at Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA. Enrollment is through Contractor's Success.
Yes, you CAN pass the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License (CSL) test--guaranteed!
Middlesex Community College has teamed up with Construction Supervisor Training to give you the knowledge that you need to pass the test, and if you don't pass the first time, you can take the course again for free! If you work in construction/contracting and would like to pass the state licensing, this course will help you NAIL IT!
Register: This program will be held at Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA campus. Registration for this program is through https://contractorsuccess.com/csl/. You can also call Construction Supervisor Training at (800) 221-0578 (in MA) or (978) 821-2093 (from other states).
You must have THREE YEARS OF FULL TIME construction or design experience to qualify to take the state exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I go about getting a General Contractor’s License?
A. You don’t. In Massachusetts, there’s no such thing as a General Contractor’s License
Q. So what kind of license do I need to be a contractor?
A. An Unrestricted Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL).
Q. What can I do with an Unrestricted CSL?
A. With the Unrestricted CSL you can pull building permits to do the following work:
- Build buildings containing less than 35,000 sq. feet of enclosed space.
- One and two family dwellings.
- Buildings used for farm purposes.
- Retaining walls less than 10 feet in height.
Q. What if my project does not fall within these limits?
A. You’ll work under the direction of a Registered Professional Architect or Engineer.
This is called construction control.
Q. If all I work on is large projects, either as a contractor or sub-contractor, do
I need a CSL?
A. Yes. Even though the code does not require it, the contract will. The common perception
in the business community and with the general public is, if you’re a contractor,
you must have a “contractor’s” license. The closest thing Massachusetts has to offer
is the CSL.
Q. What are the qualifications to take the state exam?
A. You must have three years of full time construction or design experience.
Q. Do I have to have worked for a licensed contractor?
A. No. Self-employment is OK.
Q. Are there any general requirements to take this course?
A. 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.
Q. I need to better understand building codes, but I don’t qualify to take the state
exam. Can I take this course?
A. Yes. Many people have taken this course that do not take the state exam. If your
profession or business requires you to deal with contracts, contractors, building
inspectors, property managers, etc., you will find this course very helpful.
Q. I’ve been building for 20 years and know everything about construction. Why should
I take this course?
A. The state exam is not about your knowledge of construction but your knowledge of
building codes. Sit down with a blank piece of paper and try to fill both sides with
all you know about code. This book has 805 pages.
Q. Is this course hard?
A. Most people think construction work is hard. You probably enjoy it, so it’s all
relative. Is this course a lot of work? Yes. You will only get out of this course
what you are willing to put into it.
Q. Is there a lot of homework?
A. We recommend 3-4 hours per week of reading. The only way you’re going to grasp
what are code-regulated issues is to read the code book. There is no easy way around
this.
Q. What will we do each week in class?
A. Test-review, test-review, test-review...Each week you will have a reading assignment,
in class you will take a test on that reading, and the following week we will review
the test. This teaching methodology will give you experience in using the code book
plus valuable test taking skills. Test will be taken in small groups to facilitate
learning. This is called cooperative learning (a.k.a. cheating!)
- See more at: https://www.stcc.edu/wdc/descriptions/mass-csl-exam-prep/