Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Massachusetts
Roofing, MA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Massachusetts
Types of Roofing Licenses in Massachusetts
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Massachusetts
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Massachusetts?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts?
How to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Massachusetts Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Massachusetts?
Do I Need to Renew My Massachusetts Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Massachusetts Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Massachusetts Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Massachusetts
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Massachusetts employs 2,450 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Massachusetts is 7% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Massachusetts.
Roofing License Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires any contractor who performs roofing work to obtain a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration and a Construction Supervisor License (CSL).
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation approves Home Improvement Contractor Registrations, while the Office of Public Safety and Inspections issues Construction Supervisor Licenses.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation issues one type of Home Improvement Contractor Registration. According to the agency, “all contractors, partnerships, and corporations that solicit, bid on, or perform residential contracting as a contractor or subcontractor on an existing one- to four-unit owner occupied residential property in Massachusetts must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor.”
Massachusetts offers several types of Construction Supervisor Licenses. Candidates can pursue the Unrestricted CSL and Restricted CSL, as well as multiple specialty licenses.
Roofers need to obtain the Specialty CSL Roof Covering license from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections. The license is required for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or removal of roof covering on buildings of any use containing less than 35,000 cubic feet and one- and two-family dwellings with any additional accessory.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts
Complete the following steps to obtain the Home Improvement Contractor Registration:
Complete the HIC registration application.
Register as an individual, proprietorship, partnership, or corporation with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
Pay the $150 registration fee.
Contribute to the Guaranty Fund based on company size:
0 to 3 employees: $100
4 to 10 employees: $200
11 to 30 employees: $300
More than 30 employees: $500
If operating a corporation or partnership, designate a “Responsible Individual.”
Complete the following steps to obtain the Construction Supervisor License:
Determine the type of license.
Provide verification of three years of full-time work on construction projects over the previous 10 years.
Download and submit the exam registration form to Prometric .
Call Prometric to schedule an exam date following the submission of your application .
Pay the $100 exam fee.
Upon passing the exam, submit your scores to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
Pay the $150 CSL fee.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Massachusetts
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Massachusetts.
First, and most important, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires registration as a home improvement contractor and a construction supervisor license to legally perform roofing services.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Massachusetts?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $72,390 for those in Massachusetts. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in Massachusetts is $25.14 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $57,761.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the years of experience you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts?
Getting started in the roofing field in Massachusetts is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.
Costs associated with the HIC license include the $150 licensing fee and Guaranty Fund payment (depends on company size). For the CSL license, costs include a $100 exam fee and $150 license fee.
Additional costs potentially include:
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts is $.065 per $100 of payroll.
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.
Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.
How to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires roofers to acquire both a Home Improvement Contractor Registration and a Construction Supervisor License — specifically the Specialty CSL Roof Covering license. To get the Home Improvement Contractor Registration you must complete the HIC registration application and register as an individual, proprietorship, partnership, or corporation with the Massachusetts Secretary of State. You will need to pay the $150 registration fee.
Applicants will also need to contribute to the Guaranty Fund based on the company size:
0 to 3 employees: $100
4 to 10 employees: $200
11 to 30 employees: $300
More than 30 employees: $500
If the business is registered as a corporation or partnership, there will need to be a designated “Responsible Individual.” To obtain the Construction Supervisor License you will need to apply for the Specialty CSL Roof Covering license. As part of the application you must provide verification of three years of full-time work on construction projects over the previous 10 years. You will then download and submit the exam registration form to Prometric. About ten days after mailing the registration form you must call Prometric to schedule an exam date and pay the $100 exam fee. After passing the exam you need to submit your scores to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards and pay the $150 CSL fee.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Massachusetts?
Applicants for a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License must provide proof of at least three years of full-time work experience in building construction or design within the previous 10 years. Candidates typically earn the experience by working under a licensed contractor or attending a trade school or university.
Massachusetts Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options, including earning a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, throughout Massachusetts.
Here are a few options:
Merrimack College | North Andover BS in Construction Management — Four years
Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston BS in Construction Management — Four years MS in Construction Management — Two years
Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg BS in Construction Management — Four years MS in Construction Management — Two years
Springfield Technical College | Springfield AAS in Architecture and Building Technology — Two years
Massachusetts Roofing Licensing Exam Details
In Massachusetts, Prometric administers the construction supervisor’s exam. Candidates must demonstrate three years of construction work experience before becoming eligible for the exam. Candidates will receive their scores immediately after taking the exam via computer.
The exam is open book and covers topics including OSHA, the Massachusetts State Building Code, state building regulations and standards, ethical business practices, and more.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation issues the Home Improvement Contractor Registration.
The Office of Public Safety and Inspections offers an Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License, Restricted Construction Supervisor License, as well as several specialty licenses, including the Specialty CSL Roof Covering license.
Do I Need to Renew My Massachusetts Roofing License?
Licensed construction supervisors must review their licenses every two years and pay a $100 fee. Renewal reminders will be sent out 60 days before the renewal deadline.
Home improvement contractors must also renew their licenses every two years and pay a $100 fee. The HIL cannot be renewed if more than 30 days lapse after the renewal date.
Continuing Education
Renewing the Construction Supervisor Specialty License requires six hours of continuing education every two years. View a list of approved centers for completing continuing education here.
Does Massachusetts Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Massachusetts doesn’t allow reciprocity for the Construction Supervisor License or Home Improvement Contractor Registration.
Does My Massachusetts Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you have a roofing license in Massachusetts, you will be prepared for any licensing requirements in the new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out that state’s requirements and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Massachusetts through one of the industry associations in the state.
They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Massachusetts
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. In Massachusetts asphaltic and cementitious roofing and siding materials are considered to be “Suspect Asbestos-Containing Material” and must be thoroughly inspected by a Department of Labor Standards (DLS)-licensed asbestos inspector before a roofing project starts. Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
