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Massachusetts · General Contractors · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Massachusetts General Contractor License

Massachusetts general contractors must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
12 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Massachusetts general contractors holding a license in one of these classes: Unrestricted Construction Supervisor, Continuing Education Online Training Limits, Restricted Construction Supervisor (One- and Two-Family Dwellings), Specialty Construction Supervisor. Requirements are set by Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections. Hours differ by class — 12 hours for Unrestricted Construction Supervisor, Continuing Education Online Training Limits; 10 hours for Restricted Construction Supervisor (One- and Two-Family Dwellings); 6 hours for Specialty Construction Supervisor.

When to renew

Massachusetts general contractors licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/780-CMR-110-R5-4)

The continuing education Massachusetts requires

Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Code Review — at least 4 hours
  • Workplace Safety — at least 1 hour
  • Business Practices / Workers’ Compensation — at least 1 hour
  • Energy — at least 1 hour
  • Lead Safe Practices — at least 1 hour
  • Electives

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Massachusetts sets general contractors requirements by license class (Unrestricted Construction Supervisor, Continuing Education Online Training Limits, Restricted Construction Supervisor (One- and Two-Family Dwellings), Specialty Construction Supervisor). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections requires 12 hours every 2 years, including Code Review, Workplace Safety, Business Practices / Workers’ Compensation, Energy and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Massachusetts general contractors course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Massachusetts, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections

Online courses for Massachusetts general contractors

Massachusetts general contractor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Massachusetts general contractors need?
Massachusetts general contractors must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Massachusetts?
Requirements differ by license class in Massachusetts: 12 hours for Unrestricted Construction Supervisor, Continuing Education Online Training Limits; 10 hours for Restricted Construction Supervisor (One- and Two-Family Dwellings); 6 hours for Specialty Construction Supervisor.
What topics are required for Massachusetts general contractors continuing education?
Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Office of Public Safety and Inspections requires coverage of: Code Review (4 hours); Workplace Safety (1 hour); Business Practices / Workers’ Compensation (1 hour); Energy (1 hour); Lead Safe Practices (1 hour); Electives.
Can Massachusetts general contractors complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Massachusetts requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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