How to get a handyman license in Massachusetts
While there is no formal application for a handyman license in Massachusetts, you must register as a Home Improvement Contractor. There is a $150 registration fee and a mandatory payment to the Guaranty Fund based on the size of your company:
- 0 to 3 employees: $100
- 4 to 10 employees: $200
- 11 to 30 employees: $300
- More than 30 employees: $500
You can register through the state’s HIC registration portal or by filling out the HIC registration form and mailing it with a check or money order to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation in Boston.
How to get a Massachusetts contractor license
To work as a general contractor in Massachusetts, you need a Construction Supervisor license. Massachusetts contractor license requirements dictate that you must have at least three years of work experience in building construction or equivalent education in the field you are applying for licensure in. There are five steps to getting your CSL:
- Complete the CSL registration form. You can mail it to Prometric, the examination service.
- Schedule your exam appointment. Contact Prometric to schedule an appointment to take your exam ten days after submitting your registration form.
- Prepare for the CSL exam. Study for your exam using the provided content outlines.
- Take your CSL exam.
- Get your license. After passing the CSL exam, your score report will include instructions for obtaining your license through the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
How long does it take to get your contractor registration?
After submitting your documents and paying the necessary fees, it takes one to two weeks to receive your Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor registration card by mail.
Receiving your CSL takes a bit longer. After 10 days of processing, you can schedule your exam. Then, after mailing in your score report, it takes another 30 days for the Board to issue your card.
Massachusetts contractor registration renewal
You must renew your Massachusetts HIC registration every two years and pay a $100 renewal fee. You can complete your HIC renewal through the state’s Home Improvement Contractor Registration Portal. Registrations that have expired for more than 30 days are not eligible for renewal, and you must submit a reapplication.
Massachusetts CSLs also expire every two years, and renewals cost $100. You must complete approved continuing education courses to renew your CSL. Required course hours vary depending on the type of license you have:
- Unrestricted CSL: 12 hours
- Restricted CSL: 10 hours
- Specialty CSL: 6 hours
Local Massachusetts handyman business license requirements
Fulfilling handyman business license and insurance requirements is the first step, but make sure to check the local requirements as well.
Boston
Boston doesn’t have additional requirements for issuing a handyman’s license. The registration for Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) should go through the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Like all the other businesses, handyperson businesses in Boston should obtain a business certificate through the City Clerk’s office. To do so, they need to submit the business name and address, the names and addresses of interested parties, and a lease agreement or a notarized letter from the landlord.
As for the insurance, Boston doesn’t mandate any city-specific business insurance other than the state-required workers’ compensation insurance for handymen who have employees.
Worcester
Anyone conducting business in Worcester under a company name must file a business certificate with the city clerk.
If you have a tradesperson license and work in electrical, gas fitting, mechanical, plumbing or welding, you will need to obtain a city permit, showing proof of workers comp.
What kind of insurance does a handyman need in Massachusetts?
Handyperson work can be a risky business, even if you’re running a one-person operation. Luckily, handyman insurance can help protect you and your company so you can focus on the job at hand.
The following types of business insurance are advised for handypersons in Massachusetts.
General Liability insurance
The most important insurance you need as a handyman is general liability insurance, and many clients will ask for proof before you start work. Many clients will ask for proof before you start work. General liability insurance helps cover costs if your business activities harm someone other than yourself or cause damage to someone else’s property.
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance helps cover costs and pay for wages if you or an employee gets hurt on the job. In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for every company with employees, regardless of how many hours they work.
Tools and Equipment insurance
Handyperson tools and equipment can be expensive yet necessary to do your job. Protect your work gear with tools and equipment insurance. This insurance can protect against damage or theft by helping cover the cost of replacing or repairing gear.
Commercial Auto insurance
All commercial vehicles in Massachusetts are required to have commercial auto insurance. This insurance helps cover costs related to accidents, including repairs, towing and medical expenses.
Commercial Property insurance
Whether you rent or own, you can get protection for the property you use for your handyperson business with commercial property insurance. This insurance can help cover damage to the property itself and inventory or equipment stored inside.
How NEXT supports Massachusetts handypeople
If you’re looking for convenient and affordable handyman insurance for your small business, NEXT Insurance can help. We’ll ensure you get the correct coverage to protect your business.
Get the coverage you need in minutes by starting a quote from any computer or mobile device. You’ll receive a certificate of insurance immediately after payment. We even include the option to download and share unlimited COIs, making it easy to satisfy your clients who request proof of coverage.
Get an instant quote online today.
Do you want to work as a handyman somewhere besides Massachusetts? Learn about each U.S. state’s licensing and registration requirements in our summary of handyman license requirements.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
