Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
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Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Exam – 250 MCQ Questions with Answers and
Rationales
Exam Coverage Overview (10 Key Areas)
1. Licensing & Administrative Responsibilities – 780 CMR governs the CSL program;
administered by BBRS via PSI; Unrestricted (any building ≤35,000 cu ft) and Restricted (1-
2 family dwellings) licenses . Minimum 18 years old; 3 years (36 months) full-time
experience required .
2. Building Code (780 CMR & IBC/IRC) – Massachusetts amendments to 2021 IBC/IRC;
occupancy classifications (I-4 for 24-hour daycare, A-2 for nightclubs) ; construction
types; fire-resistance ratings .
3. Construction Systems & Structural Requirements – Foundations (minimum depth below
grade, 1,000 psf soil bearing capacity) ; footings; foundation insulation extending 6"
below grade ; load-bearing walls; framing inspections .
4. Fire Protection & Egress – Fire partitions between sleeping units ; fire-rated walls; exit
signs (6" letters) ; egress window requirements (5.7 sq ft net clear opening) ; maximum
hallway length (300' in sprinklered office) .
5. Accessibility (AAB) – Architectural Access Board (AAB) requires ramp width ≥30" with
1:12 slope ; churches/mosques/temples require full compliance .
6. Energy Code & Insulation – 2021 IECC with MA amendments; Residential Stretch Code;
building thermal envelope; R-value requirements; recessed lighting max 2.0 cfm air
leakage .
7. Masonry & Chimneys – Masonry ties embedded 1-1/2" in grout ; mortar types: Type N
or S for veneer ; chimney cleanout openings within 6" of flue base ; sedimentary
bedrock bearing capacity: 20 TSF .
8. OSHA Safety (29 CFR 1926) – Competent person conducts regular safety inspections ;
trenching >5 ft requires benching at 1:3 slope ; scaffold inspections before each shift ;
hearing protection at 90 dB (8-hour TWA) .
9. Permits & Inspections – Building permits expire if work not commenced within 180
days ; detached sheds <120 sq ft exempt ; building official issues permits ; work-stop
orders for safety hazards .
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10. Specialty Licenses – Insulation, Masonry, Roofing, Demolition, Solid Fuel,
Windows/Doors/Siding, Fire Suppression, and others .
1. Which Massachusetts code primarily governs construction supervisor licensing and building
construction standards?
A) 521 CMR (Architectural Access Board)
B) 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code)
C) 527 CMR (Fire Code)
D) 310 CMR (Environmental Code)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Massachusetts State Building Code is codified under 780 CMR, which governs
construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of structures. It forms the regulatory basis for
construction practices in Massachusetts .
2. Which agency administers the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) exams in
Massachusetts?
A) Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS)
B) The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) via PSI
C) The Massachusetts Home Builder's Association
D) The Architectural Access Board (AAB)
Correct Answer: B
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Rationale: The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) administers the CSL licensing
program and partners with PSI to deliver the exams .
3. What is the minimum age requirement for a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor
License applicant?
A) 16 years old
B) 18 years old
C) 21 years old
D) 25 years old
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CSL applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for licensure in
Massachusetts .
4. How many years of full-time construction experience are required for the CSL?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years (36 months)
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Applicants must complete three years (36 months) of full-time experience in building
construction or design within the past ten years .
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5. How often must a CSL license be renewed in Massachusetts?
A) Every year
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CSL licenses must be renewed every two years. Unrestricted CSL requires 12 hours of
approved continuing education per two-year renewal cycle; Restricted (1- & 2-family) requires
10 hours .
6. How many hours of continuing education are required for an Unrestricted Construction
Supervisor License holder every two years?
A) 6 hours
B) 10 hours
C) 12 hours
D) 18 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unrestricted CSL requires 12 hours of approved continuing education per two-year
renewal cycle. Restricted CSL (1- & 2-family) requires 10 hours .
7. Which mandatory subject areas are required for CSL continuing education?
A) Code Review (4 hours) and Workplace Safety (1 hour)