Folks, you might have been barking up the wrong tree on renewing your CSL. There are a lot of myths out there about renewing your Construction Supervisor’s License. Hopefully this will clear some of them up and give you the leg up!
Question: I heard my CSL renewal form had to be in to the state 60 days before my license expires.
Truth: You have a one-year “grace” period to renew after your expiration date without penalty.
However, you will not have a valid license when your license does expire. The grace period mentioned only provides relief should you have missed or forgotten to renew it.
Question: So is it 2 years or 3 years to renew?
Truth: You have 2 years to renew your license to maintain a current status and be able to apply for building permits and stand inspections. If you are into the “grace” period you cannot submit building permit applications or stand inspections.
Question: Can I take the continuing education course while my license is expiring?
Truth: Sure! You will receive your certificate from LeadSMART on the second day of class and you will make a copy of the cert and attach it to your renewal application you send into the state. There is a 4-6 week turnaround with the state. You can bid on jobs in the interim, but you cannot pull permits once your license expires.
Question: If I let my CSL expire can I work?
Truth: You can always perform your work but it will be needed for a site to be inspected by a building official. The inspection will not happen without a permit in place. If you were working for a CSL, then he/she would be the responsible party to the permit inspection.
Question: I just renewed my license. Can I carry over extra CEU points for my next renewal?
Truth: Yes, but only if you didn’t use any part of them towards the prior renewal. Meaning, if you have a certificate with 8 CEUs and you used only 2, then you CANNOT use a portion of a certificate for future use. HOWEVER, if you have a certificate for 8 CEUs and did not need to use them at all for this renewal, then YES you can use this entire CEU certificate towards your next renewal.
Question: My license has been expired for a year. Do I have to retake the test?
Truth: No. After one year the fine is $100 to renew. After two years, you will need to re-test and pay the additional fine.
Question: Can I use any class I take to fulfill CEU points?
Truth: No. Only BBRS approved courses, like those at LeadSMART, will be accepted by the Dept. of Public Safety for license renewal.
Question: How do I know if my class is approved?
Truth: There should be a CS# on your certification. Go to the BBRS website and confirm the number is approved.
Question: How do I get the application to renew?
Truth: You should receive one from the state approximately 60 days prior to its expiration. However, there are many reasons why you may not receive one (you have moved and failed to notify BBRS, you changed your email and failed to notify BBRS, etc). It is up to you to be proactive and contact the state:
Kim Spencer
Dept. of Public Safety
617-826-5236
Remember to provide: 1) CSL Number, 2) Current Address and 3) Current email address (if available)
Question: Should I just mail my application and proof of class in to the state?
Truth: No. This is your livelihood. Make copies and pay the extra few bucks to send it certified mail, return receipt requested. And sleep well knowing you are all set!
Question: Are CEU classes a waste of time?
Truth: Absolutely not! Our LeadSMART students consistently tell us that they are pleasantly surprised at how interesting and engaging our trainers are – like this one:
By David G. – Attended class on October 2, 2013
After over 25 years of having a license, I felt it was going to be just an exercise in meeting my requirements to maintain a license. I quickly realized I had been missing something all these years, that this program definitely offered. A change in thinking, how to motivate, engage and care for employees and yes your customers. In addition, the benefits that can be derived from using all the standards as a selling point. The instructor, engaged and clearly understood what many in the class went thru in their daily businesses. His knowledge base came from many years having done the same mistakes we all make. I would highly recommend this program and this instructor and no contractor could leave without intending to make significant improvements in their own operations.
Thanks David, we really do try to make these hours you spend away from your sites a positive experience. 25 years?? I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.
Stay Healthy, Safe and Profitable.