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