General Contractor / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts General Contractor License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Oversees construction projects. Requirements vary significantly by state.

What the Massachusetts data shows for General Contractors

Becoming a licensed general contractor in Massachusetts means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on State Contractor License Exam, and 4 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Massachusetts regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Experience plus Exam".

Upfront cost is $150, with renewal running $100 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Massachusetts doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Usually not reciprocal — state-by-state basis.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
26/100
General Contractor · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training N/A
N/A
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$345
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$141/yr
$281 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required F
4 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Experience plus Exam
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Contractor License Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$345
Renewal Fee
$281
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years
Compare fees across all states for General Contractor →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for General Contractor All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for General Contractor in Massachusetts? ▼
In Massachusetts, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Contractor License Exam, and a $345 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a General Contractor in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses general contractors who complete its requirements (4 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for general contractors: Usually not reciprocal — state-by-state basis. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Massachusetts licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for General Contractor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for general contractor licensing in Massachusetts. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a General Contractor license in Massachusetts? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Massachusetts is $150. The renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does General Contractor license processing take in Massachusetts? ▼
In Massachusetts, license processing for general contractors typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this general contractor license

General Contractor in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a general contractor-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Massachusetts's general contractor requirements compare to every other state before relocating. General Contractor in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state general contractor license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Massachusetts's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Massachusetts overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.