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. 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.

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.

What experience do I need for a plumber license in Mississippi?

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.

What exams are required for a plumber license in Mississippi?

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

Does Mississippi have plumber license reciprocity?

Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 5 states that may apply to plumbers. 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 plumber license in Mississippi?

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

Is continuing education required for plumbers 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