At a Glance: Mississippi Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | $50,000 for commercial; $10,000 for residential |
| Application Fee | $150–$400 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $100–$150 |
| Experience Required | 2 years experience |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual; $150–$400 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Mississippi Contractor License
- Determine commercial vs residential classification
- Document 2 years experience
- Pass Business & Law and trade exams via PSI
- Obtain insurance
- Apply to MSBOC
- License issued within 30 days
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $100–$150
Topics covered: Business & Law, Trade Knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Mississippi requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Mississippi has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Mississippi licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Mississippi
Mississippi has active reciprocity agreements with neighboring states. The $50,000 commercial threshold means most commercial work requires a state license.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Mississippi?Yes. In Mississippi, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at $50,000 for commercial; $10,000 for residential. The licensing is managed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
-
How much does a Mississippi contractor license cost?The application fee for a Mississippi contractor license is $150–$400. An exam fee of $100–$150 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Annual; $150–$400.
-
Is an exam required for a Mississippi contractor license?Yes. Mississippi requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $100–$150) covering Business & Law and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
-
What insurance is required for a Mississippi contractor license?Mississippi requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
-
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Mississippi?Getting a Mississippi contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (2 years experience), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.