Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Mississippi
Contractor, MS
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Mississippi?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Mississippi
What Are the Requirements of a Mississippi Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
Mississippi Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Mississippi Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Mississippi?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Mississippi?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Mississippi employs 1,330 managers and 7,500 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033; laborers and helpers, 8%. In Mississippi, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is more than double at 17%, and for managers it’s also higher at 13%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Mississippi?
Commercial and residential contractors must be licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) to perform construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement.
A commercial building construction license, also called a certificate of responsibility, is required for construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential structures costing more than $50,000. Contractors with a commercial license may also work on residential projects.
A residential building license covers work on residential structures costing more than $50,000 and allows contractors to work on commercial projects of a certain size. Other licenses cover residential remodeling and residential roofing projects costing more than $10,000.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
To get a contractor license in Mississippi, you’ll follow the requirements of the Mississippi Board of State Contractors.
The board sets out the steps on how to apply for a contractor’s license on this page, which includes a step-by-step instructional video. The board also answers frequently asked questions on this page.
The application process for commercial and residential contractor licenses is similar. You’ll need to show work experience and include three reference letters. Contractors with certain business structures need to register their business with the state and be in good standing. If you’re applying for a commercial license, you must submit a financial statement and demonstrate a minimum net worth.
You’ll also need to obtain general liability insurance and meet state workers’ compensation insurance requirements. Many types of licenses require applicants to pass a law and business management exam and a trade exam.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has major and specialty classifications for contractors. Contractors holding a major classification may perform all the specialty classifications within that category. Applicants who do not choose a major classification may choose an unlimited number of specialty classifications.
Commercial classifications
The board has six major classifications for commercial contractor licenses. They include the following.
Building Construction: Involves the construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential structures for work valued at more than $50,000. The scope of work includes additions, alterations, conversions, expansions, reconstruction, renovations, and rehabilitations to an existing structure. It also includes landscaping, earthwork, parking areas, driveways, and sidewalks.
Electrical
Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Heavy Construction
Mechanical
Municipal and Public Works
The categories of fire sprinkler work and solar and wind construction are considered stand-alone classifications, because they do not fall under any of the other major classifications.
All of the major classifications include specialty classifications. The building construction major classification includes 50 specialty classifications. Building construction specialties include:
Acoustical and drywall treatment
Athletic fields and golf courses
Cabinets and millwork
Carpentry and framing
Clearing, grubbing, and snagging
Concrete
Concrete paving
Concrete reinforcing
Construction management
Conveyor systems
Crane construction and repair
Demolition
Elevators and escalators
Excavation, grading, and drainage
Fencing
Fireproofing
Floor covering
Glass, glazing, windows, and skylights
Hazardous materials
Hydroblasting and sandblasting
Installation of linings and coatings
Insulation of walls, attics, and exterior
Interior finishing
Landscaping, grading, and beautification
Lathing, plastering, and stucco
Limited specialty services
Marine construction
Masonry, brick, and stone
Metal buildings
Millwright
Ornamental iron and miscellaneous metal
Painting
Piers, caissons, and pile driving
Refractory work
Remodeling
Residential builder
Residential remodeler
Residential roofer
Rigging, house moving, wrecking, and dismantling
Roofing, sheet metal, and siding
Scaffolding
Sheet metal
Sign erection
Structural steel
Swimming pools
Tanks and vessels
Tile and marble
Towers
Waterproofing
Welding
Licensing requirements differ depending on the specialty. Many specialties require applicants to pass an exam.
Residential classifications
The board has nine residential contractor classifications. They include:
Residential builder: Involves the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of any residential building or structure costing more than $50,000. The structure, to be occupied by 50 or fewer families, must not be more than three floors high. This license also allows contractors to work on commercial structures up to three floors high and 7,500 square feet or less. The scope of work includes remodeling and roofing but does not include industrial or process piping work.
Residential construction manager
Residential electrical
Residential HVAC
Residential mechanical
Residential plumbing
Residential remodeler: Involves the remodeling, repair, or improvement of any residential building or structure not more than three floors high and costing more than $10,000. The scope of work includes roofing.
Residential roofer: Involves the installation, repair or improvement of residential rooftop structures, including roof coverings and roof drainage, costing more than $10,000.
Residential solar
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be licensed in the state of Mississippi to perform commercial or residential construction, additions, remodeling, repair, or improvements that cost a minimum amount. Here’s how you go about getting your commercial contractor license.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS: Contractors must register LLCs, LLPs, or corporations with the Mississippi Secretary of State and provide proof of good standing. The name on the license application must exactly match the name registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
PROVIDE TAX INFORMATION: Applicants must furnish a Mississippi sales tax number or a use tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Applicants also must provide a Mississippi income tax identification number or a federal income tax identification number.
OBTAIN GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE: Applicants must provide a certificate of general liability insurance coverage showing a minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. The MSBOC should be listed as the certificate holder.
OBTAIN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE: If the applicant employs more than five employees, they must provide a certificate of insurance showing workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
INCLUDE REFERENCE LETTERS: Applicants must provide three reference letters. A bank must supply one reference letter, and the other two may be from someone the contractor worked with, or for, on construction projects.
SHOW WORK EXPERIENCE: Applicants must show work experience in the classifications requested by listing at least three completed jobs within the classification.
PROVIDE QUALIFYING PARTY PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT: The applicant must provide proof of employment of the qualifying party, which is the owner, officer, or responsible managing employee who will take the business and law exam and the trade exam.
SUBMIT FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Applicants must provide a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared and signed by a certified public accountant and completed within the last 12 months. Applicants applying for a major classification must demonstrate a net worth of $50,000. All other applicants must demonstrate a net worth of $20,000.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: To apply for a Building Construction License, download the fillable PDF application, complete it, and obtain notarization for signatures. Since a portion of the application must be notarized, the board does not allow online submissions. Mail completed applications, required documentation, and the application fee to: MSBOC, PO Box 320279, Jackson, MS 39232-0279.
PAY APPLICATION FEE: The commercial contractor license application fee is $400. This fee includes one trade classification. Additional trade classifications cost $100 each. Applicants may pay by check or money order, payable to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
PASS EXAMS: All applicants must pass a law and business management exam. A general building contractor may choose to take the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building instead of the Mississippi Building Construction exam. Once the board receives the completed application, it sends the applicant a PSI exam candidate information bulletin and exam registration instructions. The board notifies PSI of the applicant’s eligibility, and PSI emails applicants a confirmation notice. Applicants may not schedule an exam until they receive PSI’s confirmation notice. More information and a list of exam prep courses can be found on the board’s testing information page.
Getting a residential or specialty license
Getting a residential contractor license is a similar process to the commercial contractor application process above.
You’ll fill out a residential contractor PDF application, which follows most of the above requirements. The residential contractor application does not list a specific amount of general liability insurance coverage, although the MSBOC is still listed as the certificate holder. The application also does not require a financial statement.
The residential contractor application fee is $50, which includes one trade classification. Additional trade classifications cost $100 each. Once an application is approved, a residential builder, remodeler, or roofer also needs to pass a Mississippi residential trade exam and a business and law exam.
Applicants indicate specialty classifications within the application. Applicants fill out an application for additional classification PDF for each classification requested. The fee is $100 for each classification. Applicants may pay by money order, personal check, certified check, or cashier’s check made payable to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
For more information, you can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrician license in Mississippi.
What Are the Requirements of a Mississippi Contractor License?
The requirements for licensure as a contractor in Mississippi are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. To that end, there are knowledge/experience, and financial prerequisites.
Register with the Mississippi Secretary of State if your business is an LLC, LLP, or a corporation.
Commercial applicants must have a Mississippi sales tax number or a use tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. They also must also have a state income tax identification number or a federal income tax identification number.
Residential license applicants must have a state income tax identification number, a federal tax identification number, or a Social Security number.
Commercial applicants must submit a financial statement and show a minimum net worth.
You must have work experience in the classification requested and submit three references.
Obtain general liability insurance.
Meet state workers’ compensation insurance coverage requirements.
Apply for a contractor license.
Pay application fee.
Pass a business and law exam and a trade exam.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
It takes about a week to 10 days for the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to process an application and issue a license. The board reviews an application after receiving the completed application, documentation, and passing exam scores. The board processes completed applications on a weekly basis, according to board information.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Mississippi?
The amount it costs to get a contractor license depends on the type of license. Commercial contractor licenses cost $400. Residential contractor licenses cost $50. Additional trade classifications cost $100 each. In addition, many licenses require applicants to pass two exams, which would incur additional costs.
Mississippi Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
There are no specific educational or course requirements to get a contractor license in Mississippi. However, many training programs throughout the state can help you prepare for a career in construction.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the state offering these types of programs.
The following schools offer a Construction Management or Building Construction Science Bachelor of Science degrees.
The state’s community college system provides many locations throughout the state to pursue a degree or diploma in the areas of construction and the trades.
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program lists apprenticeship information and opportunities throughout the state.
Other resources for finding Mississippi apprenticeships in the skilled trades include:
Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Does Mississippi Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Mississippi holds reciprocity agreements with several states for a trade exam waiver only. Contractors must still pass the Mississippi business and law exam and apply for a contractor’s license from the MSBOC.
Applicants who have held a license for one year and passed a state contractor exam from the following reciprocating states may be eligible for a Mississippi trade exam waiver:
Alabama General Contractors Board (except mechanical and plumbing), Alabama Electrical Board, Alabama Heating and Air, and the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (except mechanical and electrical)
Florida Construction Industries Licensing Board for general building construction or residential building construction
Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors (except mechanical and plumbing)
North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors for building construction, residential building, concrete, grading and excavating, roofing, swimming pools, water lines and sewer; and the North Carolina Electrical Contractors Board for electrical and alarm systems
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or refrigeration
South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board for building and electrical and exam given by PSI, Experior, Block, or NAI; South Carolina Residential Builders Commission for residential building, residential electrical, residential HVAC, or residential plumbing
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Pursuant to the Military Family Freedom Act, Mississippi recognizes occupational licenses obtained from other states by active duty military members and their families. Pursuant to the provisions of the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act, the state also recognizes occupational licenses obtained from other states for those who establish Mississippi residence after July 1, 2021. Both of these require the completion of an additional form. The board lists all PDF forms on this page. It costs $25 for reciprocity or license verification.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Mississippi?
Yes. Commercial and residential contractor licenses must be renewed annually in Mississippi. Download commercial or residential renewal forms or renew your license online. A commercial license costs $400 to renew and a residential license costs $100 to renew.
The board processes commercial and residential licenses as late renewals for up to 180 days after the expiration date printed on the licensure certificate. Licenses that have been expired for more than 180 days will require a new licensure application, according to renewal information. The board provides a video with renewal information on this page.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Mississippi?
Yes. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor and will be subject to a monetary penalty and/or jail time, according to state law.
The MSBOC’s statewide investigative team works to eliminate unlicensed contractors working in the state through routine jobsite visits to verify contractor and subcontractor licenses.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
The state requires two hours of board-approved continuing education for the qualifying parties of residential license holders. The continuing education requirement for license renewal applies to those with residential licenses issued on or after July 1, 2015. The board does not mandate specific types of courses. Continuing education provider information is provided on this PDF.
Although there aren’t continuing education requirements for commercial contractors, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards, and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option to stay in the know is continuing education courses with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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