Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License (CSL) Exam Prep

Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License (CSL) Exam Prep (24.5 hours)
Visit  the Contractor Success Website for dates and pricing

Classes begin four times a year in January, April, July or October. Each class meets one day a week for seven weeks for a total of 24½ hours.  Visit the Contractor Success Website for start dates
 

Yes, you CAN pass the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's  License (CSL) test--guaranteed!  cs-hometop

The Center for Business and Technology 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!

 

This program will be held on the STCC campus but all registration for this program is through www.ContractorSuccess.com.  Complete details and online registration information are at www.contractorssuccess.com or you can call Construction Supervisor Training at (800) 221-0578 (in MA) or (978) 821-2093 (from other states).

Course consists of 7 evening classes, for more information visit the website.

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!)

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