Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
QUESTION 1
Which Massachusetts code primarily governs building construction standards for one- and two-
family dwellings?
A. 521 CMR – Architectural Access Board
B. 310 CMR – Environmental Code
C. 780 CMR – State Building Code
D. 527 CMR – Fire Code
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: The Massachusetts State Building Code is codified under 780 CMR, which governs
construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of structures, including residential dwellings. The
other codes address accessibility, environmental health, and fire safety respectively.
QUESTION 2
For a full Construction Supervisor License (CSL), which of the following structures can a license
holder supervise?
A. Only single-family residences under 3,000 sq. ft.
B. One- and two-family dwellings plus any building up to 35,000 cubic feet.
C. Any building not requiring a registered design professional.
D. All buildings regardless of size or occupancy classification.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: The unrestricted CSL allows supervision for one- and two-family dwellings and any
structures up to 35,000 cubic feet, while larger or specialized occupancies require oversight by
licensed design professionals.
QUESTION 3
What is the minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms in Massachusetts residential
buildings per 780 CMR?
A. 6 feet 4 inches
B. 7 feet
,C. 7 feet 6 inches
D. 8 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Most habitable rooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet under the
Massachusetts State Building Code, aligning with the International Residential Code (IRC)
standard.
QUESTION 4
True or False: A building permit in Massachusetts must be posted in a visible location at the
construction site prior to commencing work.
CORRECT ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The code requires posting of the permit to ensure inspection officials and the public
can verify legal authorization to build.
QUESTION 5
Which organization administers and enforces the CSL testing and licensing in Massachusetts?
A. Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
B. Department of Fire Services
C. Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
D. Architectural Access Board (AAB)
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: The BBRS, under the Office of Public Safety and Inspections, oversees licensing and
examination of construction supervisors.
QUESTION 6
Which document must always be maintained on-site for inspection during construction?
A. Contractor employment records
B. Construction drawings and permit
C. Insurance policy copies
D. Project bidding sheets
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Approved plans and building permits must be available on-site for all scheduled
inspections.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum rise and run permitted for residential stair treads and risers under 780
CMR?
A. Riser ≤ 8 ¼ in; Tread ≥ 9 in
B. Riser ≤ 7 ¾ in; Tread ≥ 10 in
C. Riser ≤ 8 in; Tread ≥ 11 in
D. Riser ≤ 7 in; Tread ≥ 9 in
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Residential stairs must not exceed a riser height of 7 ¾ inches and must have a
tread depth of at least 10 inches.
QUESTION 8
Which of the following best defines a “Load-Bearing Wall”?
A. A wall that supports only its own weight.
B. A wall constructed of masonry.
C. A wall supporting structural loads other than its own weight.
D. A partition separating two spaces.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: A load-bearing wall carries roof, floor, or other structural loads beyond its own
weight.
QUESTION 9
When must rough framing inspections occur?
A. After drywall installation is complete
B. Before insulation installation
C. Immediately after painting
D. After finish flooring is installed
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Rough inspections must be performed before concealment of framing materials by
insulation or interior finishes.
QUESTION 10
Which of these best describes the frost line depth consideration in Massachusetts foundation
design?
A. Roughly 12 inches deep
B. Determined by site slope only
C. Approximately 48 inches below grade
D. Not applicable to heated structures
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: In Massachusetts, the frost depth is generally taken as 48 inches to prevent frost
heave damage.
QUESTION 11
What is the primary purpose of the energy code component of 780 CMR?
A. To ensure building accessibility
B. To promote energy efficiency in construction
C. To standardize local zoning regulations
D. To reduce structural loads in design
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: This code ensures compliance with energy conservation standards to reduce energy
consumption in new construction and major renovation.
QUESTION 12
Which material typically serves as a vapor barrier under concrete slabs?
A. Polyethylene sheeting
B. Gypsum board
C. Tyvek house wrap
D. Rigid insulation panels only
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
QUESTION 1
Which Massachusetts code primarily governs building construction standards for one- and two-
family dwellings?
A. 521 CMR – Architectural Access Board
B. 310 CMR – Environmental Code
C. 780 CMR – State Building Code
D. 527 CMR – Fire Code
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: The Massachusetts State Building Code is codified under 780 CMR, which governs
construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of structures, including residential dwellings. The
other codes address accessibility, environmental health, and fire safety respectively.
QUESTION 2
For a full Construction Supervisor License (CSL), which of the following structures can a license
holder supervise?
A. Only single-family residences under 3,000 sq. ft.
B. One- and two-family dwellings plus any building up to 35,000 cubic feet.
C. Any building not requiring a registered design professional.
D. All buildings regardless of size or occupancy classification.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: The unrestricted CSL allows supervision for one- and two-family dwellings and any
structures up to 35,000 cubic feet, while larger or specialized occupancies require oversight by
licensed design professionals.
QUESTION 3
What is the minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms in Massachusetts residential
buildings per 780 CMR?
A. 6 feet 4 inches
B. 7 feet
,C. 7 feet 6 inches
D. 8 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Most habitable rooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet under the
Massachusetts State Building Code, aligning with the International Residential Code (IRC)
standard.
QUESTION 4
True or False: A building permit in Massachusetts must be posted in a visible location at the
construction site prior to commencing work.
CORRECT ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The code requires posting of the permit to ensure inspection officials and the public
can verify legal authorization to build.
QUESTION 5
Which organization administers and enforces the CSL testing and licensing in Massachusetts?
A. Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
B. Department of Fire Services
C. Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
D. Architectural Access Board (AAB)
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: The BBRS, under the Office of Public Safety and Inspections, oversees licensing and
examination of construction supervisors.
QUESTION 6
Which document must always be maintained on-site for inspection during construction?
A. Contractor employment records
B. Construction drawings and permit
C. Insurance policy copies
D. Project bidding sheets
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Approved plans and building permits must be available on-site for all scheduled
inspections.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum rise and run permitted for residential stair treads and risers under 780
CMR?
A. Riser ≤ 8 ¼ in; Tread ≥ 9 in
B. Riser ≤ 7 ¾ in; Tread ≥ 10 in
C. Riser ≤ 8 in; Tread ≥ 11 in
D. Riser ≤ 7 in; Tread ≥ 9 in
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Residential stairs must not exceed a riser height of 7 ¾ inches and must have a
tread depth of at least 10 inches.
QUESTION 8
Which of the following best defines a “Load-Bearing Wall”?
A. A wall that supports only its own weight.
B. A wall constructed of masonry.
C. A wall supporting structural loads other than its own weight.
D. A partition separating two spaces.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: A load-bearing wall carries roof, floor, or other structural loads beyond its own
weight.
QUESTION 9
When must rough framing inspections occur?
A. After drywall installation is complete
B. Before insulation installation
C. Immediately after painting
D. After finish flooring is installed
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Rough inspections must be performed before concealment of framing materials by
insulation or interior finishes.
QUESTION 10
Which of these best describes the frost line depth consideration in Massachusetts foundation
design?
A. Roughly 12 inches deep
B. Determined by site slope only
C. Approximately 48 inches below grade
D. Not applicable to heated structures
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: In Massachusetts, the frost depth is generally taken as 48 inches to prevent frost
heave damage.
QUESTION 11
What is the primary purpose of the energy code component of 780 CMR?
A. To ensure building accessibility
B. To promote energy efficiency in construction
C. To standardize local zoning regulations
D. To reduce structural loads in design
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: This code ensures compliance with energy conservation standards to reduce energy
consumption in new construction and major renovation.
QUESTION 12
Which material typically serves as a vapor barrier under concrete slabs?
A. Polyethylene sheeting
B. Gypsum board
C. Tyvek house wrap
D. Rigid insulation panels only
