General Contractor License Requirements in Mississippi

Licensing Authority	Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
License Type	Commercial Building Construction / Residential Builder
Experience Required	Commercial: qualifying party must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed jobs in the requested classification. A CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement within the past 12 months is required for commercial applicants.
Exam Required	Yes — Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam + General Contractor Trade Exam
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; commercial licenses exempt)
Processing Time	7–10 business days after complete application received

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee	$400
Exam Fee	$120
Residential application fee	$50
Residential renewal fee	$100
Additional trade classification	$100
Exam fee per section (Business & Law or Trade)	$120
Est. Initial Total	$890

Renewal: $400 every 1 year

Exam Requirements

Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam

50 questions2 hoursPass: 70%

LicensingEstimating and BiddingLien LawFinancial ManagementTax LawsLabor LawsProject ManagementContractsBusiness OrganizationRisk ManagementEnvironmental and Safety

General Contractor Trade Exam

80 questions3 hoursPass: 70%

General building constructionProject managementSafetyCode compliance

Exam provider: PSI

License Tiers

Residential Builder

Proof of 3 completed jobs in classification; no minimum net worth

Exam: Required

Residential Remodeler

Proof of 3 completed jobs in classification; projects over $10,000

Exam: Required

Commercial — Specialty

4 years experience; $20,000 minimum net worth; projects over $50,000

Exam: Required

Commercial — Major (Building)

4 years experience; $50,000 minimum net worth; includes specialty classifications within category

Exam: Required

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 6 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.

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.

ArkansasTrade 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.

FloridaTrade 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.

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

LouisianaTrade exam waiver for holders of Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors license (except mechanical and plumbing). 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.

Notes

Commercial license threshold: projects over $50,000
Residential Builder threshold: new construction over $50,000
Residential Remodeler threshold: improvements over $10,000
3 reference letters required (1 from a bank, 2 from construction-related references)
Commercial applicants must submit CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement (compilation not accepted)
Major classifications: Building, Highway/Street/Bridges, Heavy Construction, Electrical, Mechanical, Municipal/Public Works
2026 change: MSBOC now sends renewal notices by email only
Exam eligibility valid for 6 months; unlimited retakes within that period
All exams are open book

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide general contractor license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Mississippi?

The estimated initial cost is $520, including application, exam, and license fees.

What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Mississippi?

Commercial: qualifying party must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed jobs in the requested classification. A CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement within the past 12 months is required for commercial applicants.

What exams are required for a general contractor license in Mississippi?

You must pass the Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam and General Contractor Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

Does Mississippi have general contractor license reciprocity?

Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 6 states that may apply to general contractors. 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 a general contractor license in Mississippi?

Processing time is typically 7–10 business days after complete application received after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for general contractors in Mississippi?

Yes, 2 hours per every year (residential licenses issued on or after July 1, 2015 only; commercial licenses exempt) is required for license renewal.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSBOC