Contractors in Mississippi must receive licensure from the Mississippi Board of Contractors (MSCOB) for projects exceeding certain costs. Further licenses are required for individual trades, as well as types of jobs.
In Mississippi, plumbing falls under the category of construction trades. As such, individuals looking to obtain a plumbing license in Mississippi must meet certain requirements specific to the construction trade.
Furthermore, Mississippi requires different licenses depending on whether you are performing commercial or residential construction. Each of these fields entails its own application process, exams, and fees. For more information regarding general contracting in Mississippi, refer to the link included.
Mississippi Plumbing License Reciprocity
Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
Reciprocity agreements in Mississippi only cover testing, and contractors from other states must still apply for a license. Those who have held a license for three consecutive years in one of the above states may be eligible to waive their trade exam(s). However, the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam is required regardless.
Mississippi Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
Becoming a licensed contractor in Mississippi entails a few requirements similar to other states. Aspiring journeymen must first fill out the application specific to commercial or residential contracting. Applications must be sent by mail to the following address:
MSBOC
P.O. Box 320279
Jackson, MS 39232-0279.
Applications for licensure include, but are not limited to the following requirements:
- 3 references letters; 1 from the bank, 2 from past co-workers/employers in the construction field.
- A certificate of general liability insurance.
- Tax ID numbers.
- A $50 fee, for residential contracting.
- A $400 fee, for commercial contracting.
- For more information, refer to the commercial and residential contracting links above.
A license is only needed for projects that cost over a specified amount of money. For commercial contractors, licensure is required for jobs exceeding $50,000.00 (including the installation of equipment). For residential contractors, licensure is required for jobs exceeding $10,000.00 –– jobs under that threshold, however, may require licensure as enforced by the local building official.
Plumbing License Exam
Upon sending in your application, the MSBOC will send back a bulletin with all the necessary information regarding exam(s) scheduling and materials. The MSCOB will concurrently send your information to PSI Examination Services, which will provide your exam(s).
A Mississippi Law and Business Management exam is required for all contracting jobs. Further exams depend on the type of trade undertaken. Some specialty classifications require their own exams. Each general application fee submitted covers one specialty exam. Any additional specialty exam requires a $100 fee, per exam.
Some aspiring plumbers may take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building in place of the Mississippi Building Construction exam. This exam allows for licensure in multiple jurisdictions, including the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia. The PSI administers this exam in the same way it does for the traditional MSBOC exams.
A few companies offer preparation courses for PSI contracting exams, including the following:
- American Contractors: 1-800-992-1910
- Mississippi Contractor Licensing Service: 1-800-432-9930
- Builders License Training Institute: 1-800-727-7104
- MyContractorsLicense: 1-877-699-0775
- Contractors Institute: 1-804-556-5518
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
In Mississippi, aspiring plumbers are not required to enroll in an apprenticeship program. However, the trade and vocational schools listed below do offer apprenticeship-like programs that are a good stepping stone into the field.
Mississippi Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Online job boards showcase several Mississippi plumbing apprenticeships and entry-level jobs. Below are a few:
- Indeed: Mississippi Plumbing Jobs
- Indeed: Mississippi Apprenticeships
- Glassdoor: Mississippi Plumbing Apprenticeships
Plumbing Trade Schools in Mississippi
Trade and vocational schools offer aspiring plumbers the opportunity to more easily navigate the field and move up the career ladder. Some programs even coordinate externships for their students. Below are a few plumbing schools in Mississippi:
Hinds Community College in Rankin, MS
- Institution: Public
- Tuition(in-state): $1,600 per semester for full-time students
- Contact Info: (601) 936-5528
- Address: P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154
Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS
- Institution: Public
- Tuition: dependent on the type and duration of classes
- Contact Info: (662) 325-5002
- Address: 365 Barr Avenue, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762
For residential licenses granted after July 1st, 2015, continuing education courses are required.
Mississippi Professional License Search
Utilize the MSCOB’s search directory to find licensed contractors in the state of Mississippi.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Mississippi, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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