Plumber License Requirements in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) |
| License Type | Plumbing Contractor (Commercial / Residential) |
| Experience Required | Commercial: qualifying party must demonstrate at least 4 years of plumbing experience. Residential: must show proof of at least 3 completed plumbing jobs and provide 3 reference letters (1 from a bank, 2 construction-related). No formal degree required — high school diploma or GED is sufficient. |
| Education Substitute | No formal education substitution specified by MSBOC. Apprenticeship programs and trade school training count toward experience at the local level. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Mississippi Business and Law Management Exam + Mississippi Plumbing 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) |
| 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 Organization
Mississippi Plumbing Contractor Trade Exam
70 questions3 hoursPass: 70%
General plumbing regulationsSafetyCleanoutsFixtures and equipmentWater heatersPiping, valves, and controlsWater supplyDrain/waste/vent systemsBackflow preventionTraps and interceptorsPipe calculationsHangers and supports
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Residential Plumbing Contractor
Proof of 3 completed plumbing jobs; projects over $10,000
Exam: Required
Commercial Plumbing Contractor — Specialty
4 years experience; $20,000 minimum net worth; projects over $50,000
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.
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.
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 plumbers (journeyman/master) at the state level — that is handled by local municipalities
- The MSBOC license is a contractor/business license
- Residential plumbing threshold: projects over $10,000
- Commercial plumbing threshold: projects over $50,000
- All exams are open book — tabbed and highlighted references permitted
- Exam eligibility valid for 6 months with unlimited retakes
- 2026 change: renewal notices sent by email only
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires a statewide plumber license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
How much does a plumber license cost in Mississippi?
The estimated initial cost is $520, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSBOC