Getting your Mississippi license starts here...
Getting a Mississippi contractor license starts with knowing which board regulates your work. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) licenses commercial projects of $50,000 or more, while the Mississippi Residential Builders Commission (MRBC) handles residential builders and remodelers on a separate track. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require licensure from their own boards regardless of project size.
Contractor Licensing Inc. has helped Mississippi contractors navigate both MSBOC and MRBC for years — from choosing the right classification and preparing for the NASCLA or state exam, to putting together the CPA-prepared financial statement each board requires, to securing the right bond for your city or county. Whether you’re a general contractor, specialty trade, or residential builder, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on the job.
Mississippi Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
Mississippi splits contractor licensing between two entirely separate agencies: the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) for commercial work over $50,000, and the Mississippi Residential Builders Commission (MRBC) for residential builders and remodelers. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades are licensed by their own boards regardless of project size.
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps you determine which board and classification apply to your work, then handles exam prep, financial documentation, and bonding.
Quick Answer
- Commercial projects $50,000+ need an MSBOC Certificate of Responsibility.
- New residential construction $50,000+ needs an MRBC Residential Builder license; remodeling/roofing $10,000+ needs a Residential Remodeler license.
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work needs licensure from separate boards, regardless of dollar amount.
- Both MSBOC and MRBC accept the NASCLA exam for eligible classifications.
- Net worth requirements: $50,000 for major classifications, $20,000 for others.
- No blanket reciprocity — every out-of-state applicant is evaluated case by case.
MSBOC vs. MRBC: Which One Do You Need?
MSBOC — Commercial
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors issues a Certificate of Responsibility for commercial, industrial, and public projects of $50,000 or more, covering general contractors, subcontractors, and sub-subcontractors of any tier. Contracts under $50,000 are excluded, as are certain federal-aid highway projects.
MRBC — Residential
The Mississippi Residential Builders Commission licenses residential builders and remodelers separately, with its own applications, fees, and bond requirements. A Residential Builder license covers new construction of $50,000 or more; a Residential Remodeler license covers remodeling or roofing of $10,000 or more.
Certificate of Responsibility Requirements
- Net worth: $50,000 minimum for major classifications; $20,000 for all other classifications
- Financial statement: CPA-prepared, submitted with the application
- Exams: Mississippi Law and Business Management exam for all applicants, plus a trade exam if required for the classification
- Fees: $400 for the first classification, $100 for each additional classification, plus a $200 certificate fee
- Timeline: applications not completed within 180 days are destroyed and must be resubmitted
Fire Sprinkler classification is different: qualifying parties must hold a NICET Level III certification instead of sitting for a standard MSBOC trade exam.
Mississippi Accepts the NASCLA Exam
A general Building Construction applicant may take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building in place of the Mississippi Building Construction trade exam. Electrical applicants have a comparable NASCLA option. Both MSBOC and MRBC accept NASCLA for eligible classifications, which can save contractors already licensed elsewhere from retesting on trade content.
NASCLA substitutes for the trade exam only — Mississippi's own Law and Business Management exam is still required regardless of your NASCLA score.
MSBOC Commercial Classifications
Building Construction
General commercial building work. NASCLA-eligible in place of the state trade exam.
Electrical
Commercial electrical work over $50,000. NASCLA-eligible for this classification too.
Highway, Heavy, Municipal & Public Works
Infrastructure, road, and public-project classifications with their own trade exams.
Fire Sprinkler
Requires NICET Level III certification rather than a standard trade exam.
Limited/Specialty Classifications
Covers scopes of work exceeding $50,000 not defined under any other classification — no exam or credential required. Examples include access flooring, bleachers and grandstands, and chemical cleaning.
Modular Home Contractor
A distinct state-level classification with its own bond product.
Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical — No Dollar Threshold
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors must be licensed by their respective specialty boards regardless of project value — a $500 electrical panel replacement still requires a licensed electrical contractor. This runs separately from the $50,000 MSBOC commercial threshold and the $10,000/$50,000 MRBC residential thresholds.
Mississippi Contractor License Reciprocity
No Blanket Reciprocity
Mississippi does not automatically recognize an out-of-state contractor license. The Board evaluates out-of-state licensees case by case, and applicants without a specific reciprocal arrangement generally must satisfy the full Mississippi examination and financial requirements. Some equivalency exists for contractors who've taken the same PSI or NASCLA exams used in Mississippi — but that reduces exam duplication, not the full licensure process.
Mississippi Contractor License FAQ
Do I need a contractor license in Mississippi?
Yes, above thresholds: $50,000 for commercial (MSBOC), $50,000 for new residential construction, and $10,000 for residential remodeling/roofing (both MRBC). Electrical/plumbing/mechanical need licensure regardless of value.
What's the difference between MSBOC and MRBC?
MSBOC handles commercial licensing; MRBC handles residential builders and remodelers. Entirely separate boards with different applications, fees, and bonds.
Does Mississippi accept the NASCLA exam?
Yes — for Building Construction and Electrical classifications at both MSBOC and MRBC, in place of the state trade exam. The Business and Law exam is still required.
How much does an MSBOC certificate cost?
$400 for the first classification, $100 for each additional one, plus a $200 certificate fee.
What net worth is required?
$50,000 for major classifications, $20,000 for all others, backed by a CPA-prepared financial statement.
Does Mississippi have reciprocity with other states?
No blanket reciprocity — every out-of-state applicant is evaluated case by case and generally must meet Mississippi's full requirements.
MSBOC Contact
Mississippi State Board of Contractors
2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite A, Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 354-6161
Mississippi State Bonds
| Bond | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor's Sales, Use, Income, Franchise, Withholding & Special Fuel Tax | Varies | Apply Now |
| Modular Home Contractor | Varies | Apply Now |
Mississippi cities have some of the most active local contractor licensing in our database — here's every city and county bond on file.
View all 39 Mississippi local & county bonds
| Jurisdiction | Trade | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Amory | Electrical Contractor | $1,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Biloxi | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Brandon | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Brookhaven | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Clinton | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Columbus | Contractor License | $1,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Florence | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Forest | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Horn Lake | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Jackson | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Magee | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of McComb | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Meridian | Contractor License | $10,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Pearl | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Ridgeland | Contractor License | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Southaven | Contractor's License | $10,000 | Apply Now |
| City of Tupelo | Contractor License | Varies | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Electrical Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Fire Suppression Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Foundation Repair Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | General Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Irrigation Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Mechanical Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Plumbing Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Pool Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Roofer Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Cleveland | Sign Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Jackson County | Contractor License | $2,000 | Apply Now |
| Lowndes County | Contractor License | $1,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | Air Conditioning Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | Electrical Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | Gas Fitting Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | General Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | House Moving Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Madison | Plumbing Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| Rankin County | Contractor License | Varies | Apply Now |
| Richland | General Contractor | $5,000 | Apply Now |
| West Point | General Contractor License | Varies | Apply Now |
| West Point | Mechanical Contractor License | Varies | Apply Now |
Ready to Get Your Mississippi Contractor License?
We help you choose between MSBOC and MRBC, prepare your NASCLA or state exam, and handle financial documentation and bonding.
Call 239-394-2300 Email UsRECIPROCAL STATES
Minnesota Contractor License Reciprocity
Minnesota does not advertise broad reciprocity for residential contractor licenses. You must qualify under DLI standards; local recognition varies by city. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
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