HVAC Technician License Requirements in Mississippi

Licensing Authority	Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
License Type	Mechanical Contractor (Commercial Major / Specialty / Residential)
Experience Required	Commercial: qualifying party must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience in the HVAC field as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed HVAC jobs. CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement required for commercial applicants.
Education Substitute	No formal education substitution specified by MSBOC. Trade school and apprenticeship programs count toward experience.
Exam Required	Yes — Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam + Mississippi Mechanical Contractor (HVAC) 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)
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%

LicensingEstimating and BiddingLien LawContractsBusiness OrganizationRisk Management

Mississippi Mechanical Contractor (HVAC) Trade Exam

80 questions4 hoursPass: 70%

HVAC systemsInternational Mechanical CodeOSHA regulationsRefrigerationDuctworkControlsSafety

Exam provider: PSI

License Tiers

Residential HVAC Contractor

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

Exam: Required

Commercial HVAC Contractor — Specialty

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

Exam: Required

Commercial Mechanical Contractor — Major

4 years experience; $50,000 minimum net worth; includes all mechanical specialty classifications

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.

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.

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

EPA Section 608 certification required for anyone handling refrigerants (separate from MSBOC license)
Mechanical is a 'Major' commercial classification — holding it covers all mechanical specialty classifications
HVAC exams are open book — International Mechanical Code and OSHA references permitted
Commercial HVAC threshold: projects $10,000 or more (lower than the $50,000 general commercial threshold)
2026 change: renewal notices sent by email only
Exam eligibility valid for 6 months with unlimited retakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an hvac technician license in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

How much does an hvac technician license cost in Mississippi?

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

What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Mississippi?

Commercial: qualifying party must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience in the HVAC field as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed HVAC jobs. CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement required for commercial applicants. Education substitute: No formal education substitution specified by MSBOC. Trade school and apprenticeship programs count toward experience.

What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Mississippi?

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

Does Mississippi have hvac technician license reciprocity?

Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 6 states that may apply to hvac technicians. 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 hvac technician license in Mississippi?

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

Is continuing education required for hvac technicians 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