MASSACHUSETTS · sheet-metal-worker
Journeyperson Sheet Metal Worker
Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers — Division of Occupational LicensureScope of Work
A Massachusetts Journeyperson Sheet Metal Worker may perform sheet metal work in the Commonwealth while employed by a licensed sheet metal Master or licensed sheet metal business. The Journeyperson does not authorize the holder to contract independently for sheet metal work; that requires a Master license plus a sheet metal business license. Source: Mass.gov — Sheet Metal Workers Licensing (https://www.mass.gov/sheet-metal-workers-licensing).
License Tiers
The Board issues two journeyperson tiers. The unrestricted Journeyperson (J-1) requires documentary proof, within the 10 years preceding application, of 8,000 hours of licensed apprentice training plus 750 hours of Board-approved related classroom instruction over a period of no less than five years. The restricted Journeyperson (J-2) requires 4,800 hours of licensed apprentice training plus 450 hours of Board-approved related classroom instruction over a period of no less than three years; J-2 work is limited to residential dwellings of three stories or less and to commercial projects of 10,000 square feet or less within buildings of two stories or less. Source: Mass.gov — Journeyperson Sheet Metal Worker License Application (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/journeyperson-sheet-metal-worker-license-application).
Apprenticeship Pathway
The standard pathway is enrollment as a licensed Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker employed by a Master, with progressive related-instruction hours documented each year. Apprentice license requirements: at least 16 years of age, employed by a Master licensee, of good moral character. Source: Mass.gov — Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker License Application (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apprentice-sheet-metal-worker-license-application).
Exam
Examination is administered by the Board's contracted exam vendor. Editorial verification required for current exam vendor, fee, and passing score before public launch.
Background Check
Verify with the Board at 617-701-8708 or sheetmetalboard@mass.gov whether a CORI/background screen applies to current applicants.
Reciprocity
Massachusetts does not maintain broad national reciprocity for the sheet metal journeyperson license. Out-of-state applicants are evaluated case-by-case for equivalent experience and training. Editorial verification required before public launch.
Renewal and CE
Editorial verification required for current renewal cycle, fee, and any continuing education requirement. Refer to the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure fee schedule (https://licensing.reg.state.ma.us/public/dpl_fees/dpl_fees_results.asp?board_code=SM) for current renewal fees.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers — Division of Occupational Licensure before acting