Mississippi Contractor License Classifications

The MSBOC offers the following Mississippi contractor license classifications. However, agencies may have additional criteria. Therefore, MSBOC has tried to indicate Mississippi contractor license classifications that may have additional criteria. It is, however, the contractor’s job to keep up with changes in legislation, as well as requirements from other agencies.

So, a licensee who holds a major classification can carry out the specialty classifications indicated beneath each major classification category. And applicants who do not want to be classified in the main category can choose from an unlimited number of specialty categories. However, the application price covers one selection. And each additional selection costs an extra $100. Also, there are no refunds on fees. And if you have any queries or need more information, please contact a licensing agent.

General contractors in Mississippi can choose between two different types of licenses:

• Residential Remodeling/ Residential Roofing Contractor License;
• Commercial Contractor Certificate of Responsibility.

In short, there are additional limitations on the type and scope of work that a contractor can do.

Please note that in addition to the trade exam, you must pass the Commercial Business and Law Exam. Most importantly, you need to obtain a pre-approval from NASCLA to sit for the examination as of November 1, 2016 and must have at least 2 years of commercial experience within the last 5 years.

Residential Remodeler/Residential Roofing Contractor

Any residential project worth $10,000 or more requires a license. If the contractor should build a new residential structure worth $50,000 or more, he will need a license. So, contractors with a residential license can also work on commercial projects as long as the structure is less than 7500 square feet.

Commercial Contractor

To work on any project worth $50,000 or more, including equipment installation, a certificate of responsibility is necessary. In addition, working on private projects for $10,000 or more, as well as public projects worth $5,000 or more, requires a certificate. Without a certificate, commercial contractors are unable to construct, reconstruct, or repair a fire protection system.

In addition, commercial contractors can additionally select a sub-classification that identifies the type of work they want to do. Mississippi contractor license classifications include:

• Building Construction;
• Heavy Construction;
• Municipal and Public Works Construction;
• Mechanical Work;
• Electrical Work;
• Highway Street and Bridge Construction.

Firstly, every classification in Mississippi requires pre-approval. Most importantly, before testing, all applicants must submit a completed application to the State Licensing Board for approval.

Moreover, there are no minimum experience requirements in Mississippi. Candidates must, however, have prior experience in the field(s) in which they seek licensure and be able to show it on their application. Applicants must also submit a financial statement indicating net worth that is less than a year old and has been reviewed by a CPA. For major classes, a net value of $50,000 is also necessary.

Building Construction (Trade or NASCLA accredited exam allowed)

Commercial, Industrial, and Residential constructions in Mississippi require a Mississippi Building Construction Contractor license. Access flooring, acoustical and drywall treatment, air pollution control, athletic fields and golf courses, bleachers and grandstands require a building construction license.

Also, cabinet building and installation, millwork, and related finish carpentry work are all covered under the Mississippi Cabinets and Millwork license.

Carpentry, formwork and related specialties require to obtain a Mississippi Carpentry license.

Most importantly, commercial projects worth more than $50,000 and public works projects worth more than $50,000 in Mississippi require a Building Construction License. Applicants must take two exams: business and law, as well as a trade exam.

You will need a building construction license for gubbing, snagging, concrete paving, construction cleaning and management.

The Mississippi Conveyor System license includes all types of conveying equipment installation, maintenance, and repair.

Thus, the Mississippi Elevators and Escalators license covers elevator and escalator installation and repair.

What other work can you do with a building construction license?

Excavation, drainage, fencing, fire protection, floor covering, foundations, pile driving, framing.

Hazardous materials abatement, clean up, removal or remediation require a building construction license.

The Mississippi Painting and Wall Covering license allow for limitless surface preparation and wall covering.

Linings and coatings installation, insulation of walls, exterior, interior finishing, landscaping and beautification are also included in this classification.

The Mississippi Landscaping license allows you to do as much landscaping and groundcover as you want, except irrigation.

In addition, the installation of lath, stucco, drywall,  and associated work is covered by the Mississippi Lathing, Stucco, and Plastering license.

Other Mississippi contractor license classifications

Marine construction, metal buildings, millwright,  modular or mobile structures, passenger boarding bridges, pre-cast erection and refractory work are included in the building construction license.

Except for roofing, the Mississippi Remodeling license permits unlimited remodeling and repair work.

Most importantly, the Mississippi Roofing, Siding, Sheet Metal license allows you to install and repair roofing and siding.

Sign wiring and erection, scaffolding is all covered by the Mississippi Sign Erection license.

The Mississippi Structural Steel license includes structural and reinforcing steel placement and installation.

Except for solar pool heating, the Mississippi Swimming Pools license covers limitless pool and spa installation, maintenance, and servicing.

The Mississippi Welding license allows you to do as much welding as you like.

Electrical (Trade or NASCLA accredited exam accepted)

Most importantly, the Mississippi Electrician license allows you to do whatever type of commercial electrical work you choose. In addition, residential work does not require a state license; you need only city or county licenses.

The Mississippi Alarm Systems and Equipment license covers fire,  intrusion detection, heat and alerting systems installation and maintenance.

Except for alarms, the Mississippi Communication Systems license includes low voltage electrical systems.

In Mississippi, anyone interested in becoming a Master Electrician contractor must pass two exams: business and law and trade exam. So, highlighting guides, practice tests, theory, calculations, instructor support, and exam-taking tips/strategies are all included in the course.

Most importantly, underground and overhead electrical transmission lines are covered by the Mississippi Transmission/Distribution Lines license.

Turbine generator maintenance and repair, underground cable installation and traffic control (electrical) are included in the electrician license classification.

Highway street and bridge construction

Roads, grading and excavation, highways, and bridges are all covered under the Mississippi Highway license. What other work can you do with a highway street construction license?

Asphalt milling, recycling and paving, athletic fields and golf courses, tunneling, bridge painting, chemical cleaning, crack sealing, crane construction and repair, culverts and demolition.

Thus, clearing, grading, and excavation are all covered under the Mississippi Excavation and Grading license.

Herbicide application, hydroblasting and sandblasting, mowing, road sweeping, seal coating and soil drainage wicks are all included in the highway license.

Heavy Construction

Sewer, water and gas pipelines, grading and excavation, paving and plant building are all covered by the Mississippi Heavy Construction license.

For dams, reservoirs,  flood control work, dredging, elevated storage tanks, erosion control are included in heavy construction license classification.

In addition, the installation of fuel dispensing systems and storage facilities is covered by the Mississippi Fueling Systems license. What else is covered by this license?

Linings and coatings installation, irrigation systems, levees, oil field construction and refineries, pipeline and railroad construction, slurry construction, waterproofing and welding are the classifications of heavy construction license in Mississippi.

Mechanical

To clarify, all areas of heating, cooling, refrigeration, and associated equipment, as well as pipes, ducting, and plumbing are covered by the Mississippi Mechanical license.

The Mississippi Boiler Installation and Repair license enables the installation and repair of unlimited boilers, as well as associated gas and steam piping in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Also, the Mississippi Ductwork license allows you to do as much ductwork as you want for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Most importantly, a Mississippi HVAC license covers all aspects of heating and cooling, including fuel gas systems and appliances, as well as associated equipment and ductwork.

In Mississippi, anyone interested in becoming an HVAC contractor must pass two exams: business and law and the trade. The application walks you through each of the reference books used in the exam, highlighting what you should pay attention to. After you’ve finished highlighting each book, you can take an online practice test to reinforce the principles you’ve learned. There is also a substantial math analysis section.

Furthermore, the Mississippi Insulation license covers mechanical and duct insulation work. The Mississippi Irrigation Systems license – irrigation systems and related components.

Plumbing license

Most importantly, the Mississippi Plumbing license includes all aspects of commercial and residential plumbing, except for fuel gas and boiler systems.

In Mississippi, anyone interested in becoming a plumbing contractor must pass two exams: business and law and the trade.

Most importantly, the Mississippi Process Pipe license covers the installation and maintenance of specialized and industrial piping, as well as components.

Also, commercial and industrial refrigeration is covered by the Mississippi Refrigeration license.

Further, water, sewer, and gas pipelines and excavation, grading, and paving are all covered by the Mississippi Underground Utilities license.

Municipal and public works

Thus, water and sewer pipelines and plants, as well as associated excavation, grading, and paving, are all covered by the Mississippi Municipal license.

The Mississippi Concrete license allows you to do as much concrete work as you like.

The Municipal license allows you to work with culverts and drainage structures, elevated storage tanks, landfill construction, masonry, brick, and stone, swimming pools, waste disposal.

Mississippi Contractor License Classifications : FIRE SPRINKLER WORK

The classification of Fire Sprinkler Work became a stand-alone classification on July 10, 2014. Moreover, it is not covered by any other major classification. In addition, contractors seeking the Fire Sprinkler Work classification must show NICET Level III or higher certification proof. Also, you should check with the MS State Fire Marshall to see if there are any extra requirements.

SOLAR AND WIND CONSTRUCTION

As of September 14, 2016, solar and wind construction is a separate classification that is not covered by any other major classification.

Who doesn’t need a contractor’s license?

In short, you don’t need a state license if you work on smaller jobs, such as handyman assignments. Moreover, you don’t need a license unless the work you’re doing is worth more than $10,000 in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.

However, many Mississippi cities and towns require you to obtain a local license. Thus, contact your local municipal department.

Furthermore,  you should choose whether you want to apply for a commercial or a residential license. So, keep in mind that the two licenses allow you to work on various kinds of projects. Thus, you’ll need the following to apply for either license:

• A commercial or residential application notarized form.
• Most importantly, proof of your company’s registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office (for LLCs and corporations).
• The Mississippi Department of Revenue’s sales tax number.
• General liability insurance with a minimum limit of $300,000 per event and $600,000 aggregate.
• If you have five or more employees, you must have proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
• Three letters of recommendation, one from the bank.
• A synopsis of your professional background and abilities.
• A certified public accountant’s reviewed or audited financial statement.
• A charge of $400 for business licenses and $50 for residential licenses.

What are the main steps to obtaining a Mississippi general contractor’s license?

The following are the three main processes for obtaining a Mississippi general contractor license:

1. Filling out an application;
2. The testing procedure;
3. The approval and review process by the board.

How can I get a Mississippi General Contractor’s License?

Fill out an application for either a business or a residential property. Also, you can either download one or have one mailed to you. Most importantly, at least 30 days prior to the usual Board meeting dates, the application must be received (the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October).

Moreover, you’ll be given instructions on how to schedule an examination. Because the exam is open-book, the information will guide you on which books you can bring and where you can get them.

Thus, the BOC will assess your completed application, exam scores, and all relevant attachments after the exam. In most cases, you will receive your license within 7-10 days.

Most importantly, a license is valid for a year. Thus, each year, you must renew your license.

What is the process for renewing my Mississippi contractor’s license?

Firstly, around 60 days before your license expires, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) will mail you a renewal application. So, if your mailing address has changed, please notify MSBOC. In addition, the Commercial License Renewal Form and the Residential License Renewal Form are both available online.

If your commercial or residential license’s expiration date has passed, you can apply for a late renewal for up to 180 days. In summary, if your license has been expired for more than 180 days, you must submit a new licensing application.

What tests or exams must I take?

Firstly, you will need to take a Mississippi Law and Business Management exam. Also, if a trade exam is necessary, you will need to take it as well. For a complete list, go to the MSBOC Classifications page on their website.

To clarify, a PSI Candidate Information Bulletin will be provided by the MSBOC, which will contain all of the information you need to register for and schedule a test. Thus, you won’t be able to book the exam until PSI sends you a confirmation notice.

Is it necessary to have insurance in order to obtain a license?

Yes! Firstly, you must present proof of general liability insurance coverage when applying for a license or renewing an existing one. In addition, MSBOC must be listed on the insurance in order to be contacted if the coverage is canceled.

Moreover, for those with a residential license, there is no requirement for a minimum policy amount. Most importantly, you should have a certificate of insurance with current minimum coverage of $300,000 per event and $600,000 aggregate for commercial applicants as well.

Is there any reciprocity between Mississippi and other states?

Reciprocity agreements exist between MSBOC and other states, although it only applies to testing. So, contractors must still apply for a license and meet all of the MSBOC’s other licensing requirements.

How do I pass the Mississippi Contractor Exam?

To sum up, preparing for the course is a distinct advantage.  Therefore, residential and commercial home study courses, as well as online residential and commercial courses, are available through Contractor Exam Seminars.