Licensing Guides
Mississippi HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Mississippi
HVAC, MS
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Mississippi?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Mississippi?
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Mississippi?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Mississippi
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Mississippi?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Mississippi employs 2,960 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Mississippi, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 20% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR 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 or 15% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Mississippi handles licensing both at the state and local levels.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Mississippi
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Mississippi? In most cases, yes.
The state requires a Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) residential license for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work related to remodels of $10,000 or more. New residential construction or any commercial work requires a MSBOC license once you hit the $50,000 threshold. Anything less than those amounts falls to local jurisdictions.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Mississippi
What are the types of HVAC contractor licenses in Mississippi?
The state of Mississippi has major and specialty classifications for commercial 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.
The Commercial classifications relevant to HVAC include:
Major Classification: Mechanical — Qualifies an individual to perform all aspects of heating, cooling, refrigeration and associated equipment piping and ductwork, as well as plumbing work.
Specialty Classification: Boiler Installation and Repair — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance and repair of boilers and associated gas and steam piping for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
Specialty Classification: Ductwork for Heating, A/C, and Ventilation — Qualifies an individual to perform unlimited ductwork for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.
Specialty Classification: Heat, Ventilation, Air Conditioning — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, and extension of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Specialty Classification: Refrigeration — Qualifies an individual to perform commercial and industrial refrigeration work.
The Residential classifications relevant to HVAC work include:
Residential Mechanical — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of residential HVAC and residential plumbing systems.
Residential HVAC — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of residential HVAC systems.
Each license has specific requirements.
Major Classification: Mechanical and Specialty Classifications
Corporations and LLCs require registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and proof of good standing.
Obtain a Mississippi sales tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Obtain general liability insurance coverage with $300,000 minimum per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you employ five or more people.
Requires three reference letters, one of which must be from the bank.
Need to provide proof of experience (three jobs in requested classification).
Provide a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared and signed by a certified public accountant completed within the past 12 months. Applicants for a major classification must demonstrate a net worth of at least $50,000. All other applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000.
Pass required exams.
Fill out an application and pay the application fee.
Residential Classifications
Corporations and LLCs require registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and proof of good standing.
Obtain general liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
Requires three reference letters, one of which must be from the bank.
Need to provide proof of experience (three jobs in requested classification).
Pass required exams.
Fill out an application and pay the application fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Mississippi
Typically you must be at least 18 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent to meet employer requirements, although some employers will hire entry-level workers as young as 16 years old.
You must get the proper training. Either attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months) to prepare for certification exams and be a good candidate for hire; or
Be accepted into an apprentice program offered through unions, trade organizations, or a company; or
Find entry-level work with an HVAC company and get on-the-job training. Most employers will place you with a licensed HVAC contractor in the local jurisdiction to learn from and may also require classroom instruction until you are capable of passing the examination.
You can earn additional certifications to improve your marketability and pay.
If you want to work on residential remodel projects valued at $10,000 or more or commercial or new residential construction projects valued $50,000 or more, you need a license from MSCOB.
If you’re applying as a corporation or LLC, you must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State and provide proof of good standing.
Furnish a Mississippi sales tax number or a Mississippi use tax number and a Mississippi Income Tax ID Number or Federal Income Tax ID number.
You must obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $300,000 coverage for each incident and $600,000 in total.
You must provide a certificate of insurance showing current workers’ compensation coverage if you have five or more employees.
You must provide three reference letters. One must be from the bank; the other two can be from anyone you’ve worked with or for on construction-related projects.
You must show experience in the classification(s) of work requested. List at least three jobs completed in the requested classification.
Commercial applicants must provide a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared and signed by a certified public accountant completed within the past 12 months. Applicants for a major classification must demonstrate a net worth of at least $50,000. All other applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000.
Commercial contractors: Pay the application fee of $400, which includes one classification. Add $100 for each additional classification requested. Residential contractors: Pay the application fee of $50, which includes one classification. Add $100 for each additional classification requested.
Follow the contractor license application process by submitting a completed and notarized application.
Once approved, take and pass the required exams.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Mississippi
There are many benefits to getting your Mississippi HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Mississippi to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work valued higher than $10,000 for residential remodeling and $50,000 for residential new construction or commercial projects.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Mississippi?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Mississippi is $50,210, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Mississippi, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $60,200
Senior (4-7 years): $70,700
Supervisor (>7 years): $83,100
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
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 HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC 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 HVAC License in Mississippi?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. The cost associated with the training to be an HVAC technician or contractor varies widely. If you start as an entry-level employee, you can earn while you learn and have no upfront costs, but you will likely make a lower wage. However, HVAC, plumbing and electrical companies are looking for people interested in learning those skills and often are willing to pay for your schooling.
You could also choose to enroll in an apprenticeship program where you will be earning a percentage of a journeyman wage while you train. Or you can attend classes at a community or technical college to prepare for eventual licensing, which of course means paying tuition.
The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination, which is required under federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam. If you start with a program, that may be included.
There are also application and testing fees. The application fee for a commercial contractor is $400; for a residential contractor, it’s $50. Holding a major classification entitles the commercial license holder to perform the specialty classifications noted beneath each major classification category. Applicants who do not want a major classification may choose an unlimited number of specialty classifications. One selection is included with the application fee, but each additional selection requires an additional $100 fee. Each portion of the exam costs $120, so both the trade and law and business exam will cost $240.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Mississippi
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Mississippi, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional is fairly straightforward.
EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS: Because there is no statewide licensing for HVAC technicians in Mississippi, there is no state-mandated minimum age to get started on your HVAC career path. However, most employers seem to expect job candidates to be at least 18 years old and have earned either a high school diploma or GED and often prefer some post-secondary education in the field.
EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE: Either attend community college and earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science or complete a shorter certificate program at a technical college to get the foundational knowledge you need to get started. Employers often state a preference for HVAC technicians who have graduated from a relevant trade school or technical college because they have been educated in key skills needed for the job. Alternatively, you can opt for on-the-job training to prepare for the EPA and other certifications. You would need to become an apprentice or entry-level worker for an HVAC company to begin learning on the job and complete the requisite classroom instruction your employer prefers. Certification tests are rigorous and thorough, so some kind of formal education at a college or trade school may be a more helpful first step in your training to be an HVAC technician.
The other way to get the training you need is through a formal apprenticeship, which is sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. The United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders & Service Techs operates in three Mississippi locations, including Local 568 in Gulfport, Local 436 in Pascagoula, and Local 619 in Vicksburg. Apprenticeships through UA nationally are highly competitive programs that typically last about five years. Apprentices get on-the-job training and must attend classes too.
GET CERTIFIED/LICENSED: As part of your training on any of those paths, you will need to prepare for and pass the EPA Section 608 certification exam to be allowed to work with refrigerants of any kind. Details on the EPA certification are below. You can also acquire other certifications from professional HVAC organizations to demonstrate your value as an employee and justify higher pay.
If you want to work on industrial, commercial, or larger home projects of more than $50,000 you will need a commercial license in either the major classification of Mechanical Contractor or in one of the HVAC-related specialty licenses from the licensing board. Residential Contractors need a Residential Mechanical or Residential HVAC license. There is a helpful video on the state website explaining “How to Apply for a Contractor’s License.” It offers detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to apply. There’s also a Frequently Asked Questions page that may help.
The Commercial Contractor application and Residential Contractor application must be filled out exactly as described. For instance, do not leave any questions blank, even if you don’t think they apply to you. You must write N/A where not applicable. The application forms can be found at this link.
You will need to apply online or submit the completed, notarized application, fee, and required documentation to:
MSBOC P.O. Box 320279 Jackson, MS 39232-0279
EXAMINATION: All applicants are required to take a law and business management exam, and all HVAC licenses also require a trade exam. Exams are administered by PSI Testing Services. The MSBOC will notify PSI of your eligibility after receiving your completed application, and PSI will email you a confirmation notice. The Candidate Information Bulletin explains how to schedule the exam. Once you pass, your license will be approved and mailed to you.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Mississippi?
There are no years of experience or education requirement to become an HVAC contractor in Mississippi. The application simply requires you show proof of three completed jobs in the classification requested and submit three reference letters. You’ll also need to pass a trade exam.
The time it takes ultimately depends on the path you choose: advanced education, apprenticeship, or an entry-level job.
As an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Mississippi HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Mississippi, and they are located all over the state. Most HVAC technicians hold some kind of postsecondary degree or certificate.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
There is one program in Mississippi that is accredited by HVAC Excellence.
Delta Technical College in Horn Lake
PAHRA has also accredited one program.
Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia
Here's a list of the best HVAC schools in Mississippi:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Mississippi
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Mississippi community colleges is approximately $2,427 per year for in-state students and $4,463 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program maintains a list of registered apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you.
You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Local 619 out of Vicksburg. You also could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Mississippi. Or, you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Mississippi, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Mississippi.
Mississippi HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Both the trade and law and business examinations are administered by PSI Testing Services. To prepare, PSI suggests that you start with a current copy of the Candidate Information Bulletin and use the examination content outline as the basis of your study.
The Bulletin describes each of the exams in detail, including the number of questions, time limit, and which reference materials you may use.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Mississippi?
The law and business management exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit. It covers:
Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Lien Law
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Labor Laws
Project Management
Contracts
Business Organization
Risk Management
Environmental and Safety
The Boiler Installation and Repair exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit. It covers:
Boilers
Valves and Controls
Pumps
Safety
Piping and Traps
Other Components and Accessories
Fuels
General Knowledge and Code Requirements
The Ductwork for AC, Heating, and Ventilation exam consists of 60 questions, and has a two-hour time limit. It covers:
Ducts
Hoods and Ventilation Equipment and Devices
General Knowledge
Safety
The HVAC exam consists of 80 questions, and has a four-hour time limit. Question topics include:
Piping
Insulation
Hangers and Supports
Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control
Heating and Cooling Principles
Refrigerants and Refrigeration
Load Calculations
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Controls
A/C and Heat Pump Equipment
Furnaces and Heaters
Chimneys, Flues, and Vents
Combustion Air
Fuel Gas Systems
LP Gas Systems
Ducts
Boilers and Hydronics
Machine Room
Evaporative Cooling
Safety
The Mechanical Contractor exam consists of 100 questions, and has a four-hour time limit. Topics include:
Boilers and Hydronics
Gas Systems
Cleanouts
Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment
Water Heaters
Piping, Valves, and Controls
Sheet Metal and Ducts
Water Supply
Hangers and Supports
Drain, Waste, and Vent
Backflow
Traps and Interceptors
Developed Length Isometric Analysis
Safety
Joints and Connections
General Plumbing Regulations
Fire Sprinklers
Refrigerants and Refrigeration
Heating and Cooling Principles
Load Calculations
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
HVAC Equipment
The Refrigeration exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit. Topics covered are:
Refrigeration and Refrigerants
Piping and Tubing
Components
Controls, Valves, and Wiring
Tests, Inspections, and Maintenance
Safety
The Residential HVAC exam consists of 80 questions, and has a six-hour time limit. Question topics include:
Insulation
Hangars and Supports
Sound, Vibration and Seismic Control
Heating and Cooling Principles
Refrigerants
Load Calculations
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
Controls
A/C and Heat Pump Equipment
Furnaces and Heaters
Chimneys, Flues, and Vents
Combustion Air
Ducts
Ventilation and Exhausts
Safety
Fuel Gas
LP Gas
Fuel Oil
Piping
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) oversees Mississippi contractor licensing, including mechanical contractor licenses. Local jurisdictions may have required HVAC licenses as well.
Does My Mississippi HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Mississippi has HVAC license reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. While this doesn’t mean your Mississippi license automatically works in these states, they’ll have a streamlined path to licensure.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Mississippi?
Mississippi has HVAC reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This allows out-of-state applicants to waive the trade exam. All other licensing requirements must be met, including taking the business and law exam.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Mississippi, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Mississippi
Since statewide HVAC licenses are only required once you reach $10,000 for residential remodeling projects and $50,000 for commercial projects and residential new construction projects, many local jurisdictions step in to regulate the industry. For example, the city of Gulfport issues a Mechanical/HVAC license through its Building Code Services office.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Mississippi?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarship programs available in Mississippi. Options include:
Building Officials Association of Mississippi (BOAM) Scholarship: $1,000 available to Mississippi students in a building-related course of study, including HVAC.
Building Construction Science Scholarship: Awarded to Mississippi State University students studying building construction.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry, too. The application period runs from January until May 1, and then the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Mississippi?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Mississippi through the MSBOC online search. Users can search by company name, qualifying party name, DBA name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Mississippi?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Mississippi HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Gross negligence or misconduct
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Failure to maintain required insurance
Failure to pay for goods or services for which the builder is contractually bound
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Mississippi HVAC license regulations, refer to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law and the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Contractors.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Mississippi?
Performing HVAC work in Mississippi without a license is considered a misdemeanor, and incurs a fine between $100 to $5,000 dollars, jail time of 30 to 60 days, or both.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Mississippi HVAC license regulations, refer to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law and the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Contractors.
Continuing Education
The qualifying party on a residential license must complete two hours of continuing education each year. The MSBOC maintains a list of approved educators. There’s no continuing education requirement for commercial licenses.
Licenses must be renewed annually. Residential license renewal costs $100, and commercial license renewal costs $400.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC 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.
