Electrician License Requirements in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) |
| License Type | Electrical Contractor (Commercial Major or Specialty / Residential) |
| Experience Required | Commercial: qualifying party must have at least 4 years of experience in the electrical trade. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed electrical jobs. Mississippi does not license individual journeyman/master electricians at the state level — local municipalities handle individual electrician licensing. The MSBOC license is for the contracting business. |
| Education Substitute | No formal education substitution specified by MSBOC. Completion of an apprenticeship program (e.g., through IBEW, NECA, IEC, or the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation) counts toward experience hours at the local level. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam + Mississippi Master Electrician Trade Exam + NASCLA Commercial Electrical Exam (alternative for commercial) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 2 hours every year (residential licenses issued on or after July 1, 2015 only) |
| Processing Time | 7–10 business days |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $400 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Residential application fee | $50 |
| Residential renewal fee | $100 |
| Additional trade classification | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $770 |
Renewal: $400 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam
Mississippi Master Electrician Trade Exam
NASCLA Commercial Electrical Exam (alternative for commercial)
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Residential Electrical Contractor
Proof of 3 completed electrical jobs; projects over $10,000
Exam: Required
Commercial Electrical Contractor — Specialty
4 years experience; $20,000 minimum net worth; projects over $50,000
Exam: Required
Commercial Electrical Contractor — Major
4 years experience; $50,000 minimum net worth; includes all electrical specialty classifications
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 5 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Mississippi does NOT license individual electricians (journeyman/master) at the state level — that is handled by local municipalities
- The MSBOC license is a contractor/business license, not an individual tradesperson license
- Local jurisdictions typically require 4,000–8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training for individual electrician licenses
- Electrical is a 'Major' commercial classification — holding it entitles you to perform all electrical specialty work
- NASCLA accredited exam available as alternative to state-specific trade exam (higher passing score of 75%)
- Reference: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management — Mississippi, 6th Edition (open book exam)
- 2026 change: renewal notices sent by email only
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide electrician license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
How much does an electrician license cost in Mississippi?
The estimated initial cost is $520, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Mississippi?
Commercial: qualifying party must have at least 4 years of experience in the electrical trade. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed electrical jobs. Mississippi does not license individual journeyman/master electricians at the state level — local municipalities handle individual electrician licensing. The MSBOC license is for the contracting business. Education substitute: No formal education substitution specified by MSBOC. Completion of an apprenticeship program (e.g., through IBEW, NECA, IEC, or the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation) counts toward experience hours at the local level.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Mississippi?
You must pass the Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam and Mississippi Master Electrician Trade Exam and NASCLA Commercial Electrical Exam (alternative for commercial) exams. A passing score of 70% on state exam; 75% on NASCLA accredited exam is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Mississippi have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 5 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Mississippi?
Processing time is typically 7–10 business days after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Mississippi?
Yes, 2 hours per every year (residential licenses issued on or after July 1, 2015 only) is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSBOC