Mississippi Contractor & Trade License Requirements

Mississippi requires contractors to be licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) for commercial projects exceeding $50,000 and residential projects exceeding $10,000–$50,000 depending on the trade. The state does not license individual electricians or plumbers at the state level — those are handled locally — but electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing contractors must hold an MSBOC license for work above the monetary thresholds. All license types require passing a Business and Law Management exam plus a trade-specific exam administered by PSI. Beginning in 2026, MSBOC sends renewal notices by email only.

Reciprocity Agreements

Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.

Alabama — Trade exam waiver for holders of Alabama General Contractors Board license (except mechanical and plumbing), Alabama Electrical Board license, Alabama Heating and Air license, and Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board license. Must have held license for at least 1 year and passed a state exam. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Arkansas — Trade exam waiver for holders of Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board license (except mechanical and electrical classifications). Must have held license for at least 1 year. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Florida — Trade exam waiver for holders of Florida Construction Industries Licensing Board license for General Building Construction or Residential Building Construction. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Georgia — Trade exam waiver for holders of Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors license, and Georgia HVAC license. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Louisiana — Trade exam waiver for holders of Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors license (except mechanical and plumbing). Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

North Carolina — Trade exam waiver for holders of North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors license, electrical, and HVAC licenses. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Ohio — Trade exam waiver for electrical and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

South Carolina — Trade exam waiver for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Tennessee — Trade exam waiver for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.

Mississippi Contractor & Trade License Requirements

General Contractor

Electrician

Plumber

HVAC Technician

Roofing Contractor

Reciprocity Agreements