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
50 questions2 hoursPass: 70% on state exam; 75% on NASCLA accredited exam
LicensingEstimating and BiddingLien LawContractsBusiness OrganizationRisk Management
Mississippi Master Electrician Trade Exam
80 questions3 hoursPass: 70% on state exam; 75% on NASCLA accredited exam
National Electrical Code (NEC)General Code RequirementsWiring & ProtectionWiring Methods & MaterialsSafety
NASCLA Commercial Electrical Exam (alternative for commercial)
100 questions270 minutes (4.5 hours)Pass: 70% on state exam; 75% on NASCLA accredited exam
General Code RequirementsProject Design & ManagementSafetyElectrical Theory & PrinciplesSpecial OccupanciesCommunication Systems
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. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
AlabamaTrade 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.
North CarolinaTrade 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.
OhioTrade exam waiver for electrical and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.
South CarolinaTrade exam waiver for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.
TennesseeTrade exam waiver for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing classifications. Mississippi Business and Law exam still required.
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 a electrician license in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide electrician license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
How much does a electrician license cost in Mississippi?
The estimated initial cost is $520, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSBOC