Licensing Guides
Mississippi Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Mississippi
Electrical, MS
May 11th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Mississippi
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Mississippi?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Mississippi?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Mississippi?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Mississippi?
Does My Mississippi Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Mississippi?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Mississippi?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Mississippi?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Mississippi?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Mississippi.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 5,650 in Mississippi.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In Mississippi, that growth rate is projected at 23%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Mississippi in July 2025 totaled 51,800, an increase of 1,200 (2.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 6,700 (15%) from February 2020. So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Mississippi
Is a license required for electricians in Mississippi? Yes.
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) issues commercial and residential electrical contractor licenses. In Mississippi, a commercial contractor license is officially referred to as a “Certificate of Responsibility.”
The state requires contractors and subcontractors performing commercial work costing more than $50,000 to hold a state license. Electrical contractors or subcontractors performing residential electrical work of any amount also must hold a license at the state level.
In addition, Mississippi cities and counties may have their own licensing requirements. It’s important to contact the local jurisdictions where you plan to work to ensure you meet all of the licensing requirements.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Mississippi
To get an electrical contractor license in Mississippi, follow these steps:
Be at least 18 years old.
To become a contractor, register your business with the appropriate agencies.
Obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable.
Pay fees.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
How to Become an Electrician in Mississippi
To become a licensed electrical contractor in Mississippi, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the experience requirements.
Pay all applicable fees.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
Below are the specifics for each license.
COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: The qualifying party for the contractor license must show proof of employment, proof of at least three completed jobs within the requested classification, and submit reference letters. The qualifying party must be the business owner, officer, member of the executive staff, or a responsible managing employee.
Apply for license: Complete the commercial contractor application. The MSBOC forms page lists additional forms. The board also provides an instructional video about how to apply for a license.
Submit business documents: Depending on the business structure, provide proof of good standing from the Mississippi Secretary of State. Businesses must also submit a state sales tax or use tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Proof of insurance: Submit a certificate of general liability insurance showing a minimum insurance coverage of $300,000 and $600,000 aggregate. Businesses with five or more employees must show proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Submit financial statement: Submit a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant within the last 12 months. Applicants must show a net worth of $50,000 for the major electrical classification. Specialty classification applicants must show a net worth of $20,000.
Pay fees: Pay the $400 application fee for one trade classification. Additional trade classifications cost $100 each.
Pass exam: The qualifying party must pass the Mississippi business and law exam and a trade exam. For the trade portion, the state accepts either the Mississippi master electrician exam or the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) accredited electrical exam. Of the nine specialty classifications, alarm systems, low-voltage electrical communication systems, traffic control, and transmission and distribution lines classifications require testing. PSI also administers the electrical specialty exams. Cost is $120 for one exam or $240 for two exams.
Increased authority: The major electrical classification permits the contractor to perform any type of electrical work, including the specialty categories (listed below).
Limitations: Those with only a specialty classification may perform work only for the specific specialty.
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: The qualifying party for the contractor license must show proof of employment, proof of at least three completed jobs within the requested classification, and submit reference letters.
Apply for license: Complete the residential contractor application, which requires notarization. The MSBOC forms page lists additional forms. The board also provides an instructional video about how to apply for a license.
Submit business documents: Depending on the business structure, provide proof of good standing from the Mississippi Secretary of State. Applicants must also submit a Social Security number, or state or federal income tax number.
Proof of insurance: Show proof of general liability insurance coverage. Businesses with five or more employees must show proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Pay fees: Pay the $50 application fee for one trade classification. Additional classifications cost $100.
Pass exam: Pass the residential electrician exam administered by PSI. The exam costs $120.
Limitations: This license permits the licensee to perform only residential electrical work.
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors also provides a FAQ page for frequently asked questions about contractor licensing and a “How Do I?” page with additional licensing information.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Mississippi
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Mississippi? The two types of state-issued electrical contractor licenses are commercial and residential. The commercial category includes several specialty classifications. Electrical licenses also may be required at the local level, depending on city or county regulations.
Commercial Electrical Contractor License
A commercial Electrical Contractor license permits the installation, repair, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit which generates, transmits, transforms, or utilizes electrical energy. This includes electrical installations and systems within plants and substations. This major classification permits the licensee to perform work in all of the electrical specialty classifications.
The nine electrical specialty classifications include:
Alarm systems, access systems, and security equipment (requires testing)
Low-voltage electrical communication systems (requires testing)
Automated meter reading equipment installation
Electrical instrumentation
Telecommunications
Traffic control (requires testing)
Transmission and distribution lines (requires testing)
Turbine generator maintenance and repair
Underground cable installation
Residential Electrical Contractor License
A residential license classification permits the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential electrical systems.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Mississippi
There are many benefits to obtaining your electrical contractor license in Mississippi.
First and most importantly, Mississippi requires Electrical Contractors to obtain a license to legally perform electrical work. In addition, some cities and counties may also require Journeyman Electrician licenses and Master Electrician licenses.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Mississippi?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Mississippi is $54,810 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience.
An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Mississippi those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $65,100
Senior (4-7 years): $70,100
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Mississippi?
The cost of an electrician license varies depending on the license. The MSBOC provides a current fee schedule on its website:
Commercial contractor application fee: $400
Residential contractor application fee: $50
Additional license classification fee: $100 each classification
Master electrician exam fee: $240
Residential electrician exam fee: $120
Electrical specialty classification exams: $120 for one exam or $240 for two exams
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Mississippi?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get an electrical contractor license for those who choose to complete an electrical apprenticeship typically is four to five years.
On the commercial and residential contractor application, the MSBOC requires the qualifying party to show proof of completing at least three electrical jobs in the requested classification and to pass an exam.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Mississippi Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Mississippi. The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program connects applicants with registered apprenticeships throughout the state. In addition, there are a number of training programs offering electrical apprenticeships for hands-on training. These include:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 903 in Gulfport
IBEW Local 480 in Jackson
A number of colleges offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical Technology. These include:
East Central Community College in Decatur
East Mississippi Community College in Columbus
Hinds Community College in Rankin, Raymond, and Vicksburg
Itawamba Community College in Belden
Jones College in Ellisville
Pearl River Community College in Poplarville
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport and Lucedale
Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville
Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. A Mississippi state resident can expect to pay about $2,457 per year in tuition at a community college.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, perform troubleshooting, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Mississippi, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Mississippi: The Ultimate Guide.
Mississippi Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Mississippi requires the qualifying party for commercial and residential electrical contractor licenses to pass an exam. Some specialty electrical classifications also require an exam.
All applicants must first submit an application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to receive approval to take the exam administered by PSI. The MSBOC provides information about the process on its testing information page. Exams cost $120 for one exam or $240 for two exams.
Commercial contractors must pass the Mississippi law and business management exam and a trade exam. These exams are open book. The law and business management exam consists of 50 questions and has a two-hour time limit. Topics include estimating, bidding, contracts, financial management, project management, and lien, labor, and tax laws.
The master electrician exam has 80 questions and a three-hour time limit. Topics include service, feeders, and branch circuits; grounding and bonding; conductors and cables; raceways and boxes; and safety. A passing score is 70% or higher.
Instead of the master electrician exam, applicants may choose to take the NASCLA electrical contractor exam. This is an open-book exam. It has 100 questions and a 270-minute time limit. A passing score is 75% or higher. Exam topics include electrical theory and principles, general code requirements, wiring methods and materials, and safety.
The residential electrician exam is open book. It has 60 questions and a three-hour time limit. A passing score is 70% or higher. Topics include general electrical knowledge, grounding and bonding, conductors and cables, and safety.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Mississippi?
The MSBOC sends testing information to applicants after their application is approved. PSI also provides a candidate information bulletin with complete testing information, including approved reference materials.
Approved references vary by exam, but the master and residential electrician exams include the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
PSI provides practice exams to help applicants prepare for the contractor exam. The MSBOC also lists companies that offer exam prep for PSI contractor exams on its “How Do I?” page.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) issues commercial and residential electrical contractor licenses. The MSBOC may be reached by email at info@msboc.us or by phone at (601) 354-6161 or (800) 880-6161. The office is at 2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216.
In addition, local jurisdictions in Mississippi may also issue electrician licenses, depending on city or county regulations.
Does My Mississippi Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your Mississippi electrical license may help you obtain a license in another state without taking a trade exam. Reciprocity agreement information is listed below. Applicants will still need to apply for the license in that state and meet all other licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Mississippi?
Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with several states. This means if you hold a specific type of license from these states and meet the requirements, you are eligible for a trade exam waiver.
Those seeking a Mississippi electrical license will still need to apply for the license from the MSBOC and pass the state’s law and business management exam. Applicants pay a $50 fee for the trade exam waiver.
The MSBOC has reciprocity agreements for electrical licenses with the following:
Alabama Electrical Board
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
North Carolina Electrical Contractors Board
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Note: The Louisiana State Licensing Board also accepts contractor exams from any state.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Mississippi?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Mississippi. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade schools, trade organizations, and colleges.
The Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) grant and the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant provides financial assistance to eligible students at many two-year and four-year colleges and universities.
Other scholarship opportunities include:
Hinds Community College — Unite Mississippi Foundation Scholarship
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College — Lowe’s Foundation Scholarship Program and the MGCCC Foundation
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Mississippi?
Potential clients or employees may verify your electrical contractor license through the contractor search page on the MSBOC website. Search licenses by license number or name.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Mississippi?
Suspending an electrical license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the reasons an electrical license can be suspended or revoked in Mississippi include:
Violating any board rules or regulations.
Fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
Gross negligence or misconduct.
Engaging in work with an expired license.
Failing to maintain workers' compensation insurance, if applicable.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to Mississippi laws and rules for commercial licenses and residential licenses, or the code and regulations of the local jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Mississippi?
Those who work as a commercial contractor without the required state license may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to Mississippi laws and rules for commercial licenses and residential licenses, or the code and regulations of the local jurisdiction.
Continuing Education
In Mississippi, only those with residential licensure must complete continuing education. The qualifying party for a residential license must complete two credit hours of continuing education each year from a board-approved provider or instructor. The MSBOC provides a directory of approved providers.
Commercial and residential licenses must be renewed annually. The MSBOC sends renewal notices by email. Contractors may renew online or submit a commercial license renewal form or residential license renewal form. The commercial license renewal fee is $400; the residential license renewal fee is $100. The MSBOC provides a renewal video with additional information.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
