Any contractor who participates in construction work or demolition (even a crew of one) needs a license.

Home Improvement Contractors

For contractors to work on existing residential structures that are one (1) to four (4)– unit, owner-occupied buildings will require a license.

Electrician's Licenses

Journeyman Electrician License: The applicant must:

• Have 8,000 hours of electrical work experience over at least four (3) years
• Have worked under a master electrician.

Master Electrician: The applicant must:

• Have six (6) years of electrical work experience covering 12,000 hours
• Two (2) years working as a licensed journeyman electrician

Specialty Electricians

• System Contractor
• System Technician

These specialties plan and supervise specialty electrical installation.

Plumber's and Gasfitter's Licenses

Every applicant for a journeyman plumber’s license needs:

• At least three (3) years in Massachusetts as an apprentice
• At least 300 hours plumbing theory.

Every applicant for a journeyman plumber’s license needs:

• At least two years in Massachusetts as an apprentice
• At least 150 hours of gas fitting theory is also required.

Consumers are advised to check for additional local municipal contractor license requirements as contractor laws can differ from county to county. It is also advised to double check with the state’s requirements before hiring a contractor.