Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in Massachusetts
Yes — most Massachusetts roofing work needs two different state credentials: a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for jobs over $1,000 on an owner-occupied 1-4 unit home, and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — often the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty — for whoever is the supervisor of record, especially on structural roof work.
The short answer
Yes — most Massachusetts roofing work needs two different state credentials: a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for jobs over $1,000 on an owner-occupied 1-4 unit home, and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — often the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty — for whoever is the supervisor of record, especially on structural roof work.
Do you need a license to roof in Massachusetts?
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), required for residential repair/renovation work over $1,000 on 1-4 unit owner-occupied homes; and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — Unrestricted, Restricted, or the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty — from the Division of Occupational Licensure, required for the person supervising the work, particularly when the job touches roof structure (sheathing, rafters, trusses).
Who issues it: Division of Occupational Licensure (Construction Supervisor Licensing) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Home Improvement Contractor Program).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Massachusetts roofing license at a glance
Every figure here is a plain-English starting point read from the official state board — always confirm the current requirements at the source before you rely on them.
License type / class
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), required for residential repair/renovation work over $1,000 on 1-4 unit owner-occupied homes; and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — Unrestricted, Restricted, or the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty — from the Division of Occupational Licensure, required for the person supervising the work, particularly when the job touches roof structure (sheathing, rafters, trusses).
Issuing board
Division of Occupational Licensure (Construction Supervisor Licensing) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Home Improvement Contractor Program) — mass.gov/construction-supervisor-licensing
Exam required
Varies by locality
Experience / qualification
3 years of full-time construction/roofing experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role, to sit for the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty CSL exam. HIC registration itself has no experience requirement.
Bond
No state-required surety bond for either HIC registration or CSL.
Insurance minimum
No single statewide-mandated minimum liability limit is published for HIC/CSL; contractors commonly carry $500,000 to $1,000,000 in general liability to satisfy municipal permitting and homeowner contracts.
Application fee
HIC registration: $150, plus a Guaranty Fund fee of $100 to $500 depending on how many people you employ. CSL: application and exam fees through the state's testing vendor run roughly $100 to $150 per license/specialty.
Renewal
HIC registration renews every 2 years ($150 plus the Guaranty Fund fee). CSL also renews every 2 years, with continuing education (6 hours for specialty license holders) required each cycle.
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — out-of-state contractors must register for HIC and, where a CSL is required, pass the Massachusetts exam.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), required for residential repair/renovation work over $1,000 on 1-4 unit owner-occupied homes; and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — Unrestricted, Restricted, or the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty — from the Division of Occupational Licensure, required for the person supervising the work, particularly when the job touches roof structure (sheathing, rafters, trusses). |
| Issuing board | Division of Occupational Licensure (Construction Supervisor Licensing) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Home Improvement Contractor Program) — mass.gov/construction-supervisor-licensing |
| Exam required | Varies by locality |
| Experience / qualification | 3 years of full-time construction/roofing experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role, to sit for the Roofing/Cladding/Siding specialty CSL exam. HIC registration itself has no experience requirement. |
| Bond | No state-required surety bond for either HIC registration or CSL. |
| Insurance minimum | No single statewide-mandated minimum liability limit is published for HIC/CSL; contractors commonly carry $500,000 to $1,000,000 in general liability to satisfy municipal permitting and homeowner contracts. |
| Application fee | HIC registration: $150, plus a Guaranty Fund fee of $100 to $500 depending on how many people you employ. CSL: application and exam fees through the state's testing vendor run roughly $100 to $150 per license/specialty. |
| Renewal | HIC registration renews every 2 years ($150 plus the Guaranty Fund fee). CSL also renews every 2 years, with continuing education (6 hours for specialty license holders) required each cycle. |
| Reciprocity | No formal reciprocity — out-of-state contractors must register for HIC and, where a CSL is required, pass the Massachusetts exam. |
How to get a roofing license in Massachusetts
- Figure out which license(s) your job needs: HIC registration alone usually covers simple re-roofing/roof-covering work on an owner-occupied 1-4 unit home; a Roofing/Cladding CSL is needed if you're the supervisor of record or the job touches roof structure.
- If you need a CSL, document at least 3 years of full-time roofing/construction experience (including 1 year supervisory) and register for the state exam through the Division of Occupational Licensure's testing vendor.
- Pass the CSL exam, then apply for your license with proof of experience and exam results.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor with OCABR ($150 fee plus the Guaranty Fund assessment) before contracting on any owner-occupied 1-4 unit residential job over $1,000.
- Carry adequate general liability insurance — most municipalities and homeowners expect proof before you can pull a permit.
- Renew both HIC and CSL every 2 years, and complete the required continuing education for your CSL specialty.
Working without a license in Massachusetts
Operating without a required HIC registration or CSL is punishable under M.G.L. c. 142A: up to a $5,000 fine and/or 2 years in jail for knowingly operating without registration or after revocation/suspension, plus administrative penalties up to $2,000 per violation and exposure under the state's consumer-protection law (c. 93A).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Roofing license rules change and often vary by city and county. This page is a plain-English starting point, not legal advice — always confirm the current requirements with the state board linked below before you rely on them.
Verify at the source: mass.gov/construction-supervisor-licensing
More official sources: Home Improvement Contractor Registration and Renewal · Learn about different Construction Supervisor Licenses · M.G.L. c. 142A — Regulation of Home Improvement Contractors
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