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. 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 a hvac technician license in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Mississippi?
The estimated initial cost is $520, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSBOC