3/12/25 – How to Obtain and Maintain Your Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL)

How to Obtain and Maintain Your Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL)

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If you’re working in construction in Massachusetts, obtaining your Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is a critical step in advancing your career. This license not only demonstrates your knowledge and expertise but also ensures you’re legally qualified to oversee specific types of building projects. In this guide, we’ll break down what the CSL is, how to get it, what’s required to maintain it, and how you can stay up to date with continuing education.

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What is a Construction Supervisor License (CSL)?

A Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is a certification issued by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). It authorizes individuals to supervise certain types of construction projects in the state. The CSL is required for anyone overseeing work on structures such as single-family homes, multi-family dwellings up to 35,000 cubic feet, and certain commercial projects.

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Types of CSL Licenses
Massachusetts offers several types of CSL licenses based on the scope of work you intend to supervise:

• Unrestricted CSL: Covers one- and two-family dwellings and other structures up to 35,000 cubic feet.

• Restricted CSL (One- and Two-Family Dwellings Only): Focuses solely on residential construction.

• Specialty CSL Licenses: These include Masonry, Roofing, Demolition, and others for specific trades.

How to Obtain Your Construction Supervisor LicenseTo obtain your CSL, follow these steps:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements: You must have at least three years of construction experience in building, supervision, or design.

2. Complete an Application: Submit your application to the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI).

3. Prepare for the Exam: The CSL exam covers Massachusetts building codes, regulations, and safety standards. Studying resources such as the International Building Code (IBC) and Residential Code is crucial.

4. Pass the CSL Exam: The exam is closed-book and requires a passing score of 70% or higher.

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How to Maintain Your CSL License
Maintaining your CSL is just as important as earning it. Massachusetts requires CSL holders to complete Continuing Education (CEU) hours every two years before renewing their license:

• Unrestricted CSL: 12 CEU hours

• Restricted CSL: 10 CEU hours

• Specialty CSL Licenses: 6 CEU hours

These CEU hours must include courses on building codes, workplace safety, and energy efficiency, among other topics.

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Join Our CSL Continuing Education Class
To help you meet your CEU requirements, Gould Construction Institute (GCI) is offering a CSL Continuing Education Class on April 3 & 10 from 5-8 PM at our Woburn office. This class will provide valuable insights, updates on Massachusetts building codes, and tips to ensure you stay compliant.

📅 Register now at: gwgci.org/events

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Obtaining and maintaining your Construction Supervisor License is essential for building a successful career in Massachusetts’ construction industry. By staying informed and completing your required CEU hours, you can ensure your skills and knowledge remain up to date. Don’t miss our upcoming CSL Continuing Education class — secure your spot today and keep building your future with confidence!