Moving to Massachusetts as a residential contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Other. Examination application filed online with PSI, uploading proof of experience (W-2, IRS Schedule C or 1099 forms for the equivalent of three years of full-time work, or a letter of attestation from an engineer, architect, employer, military supervisor or licensed contractor), a copy of any diploma or degree used for experience, a list of duties, and a notarized signature confirming the information is true and that all Massachusetts tax returns have been filed and taxes paid. PSI may take up to two weeks to approve it, and an approved application stays on file for two years..
2. 2Application fee. Pay the application fee ($23). PSI examination application fee; not refundable or transferable..
3. 3Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. Massachusetts Restricted Construction Supervisor examination (PSI): 60 multiple-choice questions, 180 minutes, open book, 70 percent to pass (42 correct). It covers the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), including five questions on Massachusetts administrative responsibilities; there is no separate business-and-law examination..
4. 4Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($65). PSI examination fee, paid when scheduling and again for each retake; not refundable or transferable. Retakes are unlimited..
5. 5License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($150). Initial Restricted Construction Supervisor license fee for a three-year first term (801 CMR 4.02(39)(b)), sent with the license application and passing score report to the Division of Occupational Licensure within one year of passing..
6. 6Background check. Complete a background check (if applicable). There is no fingerprint or criminal record check for the Construction Supervisor License, but the Board may require an applicant to disclose any conviction or any civil finding by a court, a government agency or a licensing board in another jurisdiction (780 CMR 110.R5.2.9.2)..
7. 7License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($150). Home Improvement Contractor registration fee, paid online through the MA Contractor Hub; required to solicit, bid on or perform work on an existing owner-occupied home of one to four units. Supplemental cards for officers, partners or employees cost $10 each..
8. 8Other. Residential Contractor's Guaranty Fund payment made with the Home Improvement Contractor application: $100 for fewer than four employees, $200 for four to ten, $300 for eleven to thirty and $500 for more than thirty (201 CMR 14.19). It is refunded if the registration is denied. ($100).
9. 9Background check. Complete a background check. For the Home Improvement Contractor registration, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation refers each applicant to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, which reports only convictions for gross fraud or cheat (M.G.L. c. 142A, § 9(e))..
10. 10Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). A corporation or LLC formed outside Massachusetts must register as a foreign corporation with the Secretary of the Commonwealth before applying for a Home Improvement Contractor registration, and a business using a trade name files a business certificate with its city or town clerk. A corporation or partnership names one individual responsible for its work..

Published fees on this path total $388, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.