TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce contractor licensing requirements. No prominent sound effects.]
All contractors and subcontractors performing work on commercial jobs over $50,000, including equipment installation, are required to have a commercial license issued by MSBOC.
[On-screen text reinforces the $50,000 threshold. Simple construction-related icons may appear.]
A commercial license is also required for any contract involving the construction, reconstruction, repair, or maintenance of fire sprinkler systems on public projects over $5,000 and private projects over $10,000.
[Icons or graphics representing fire sprinkler systems appear. Dollar thresholds are highlighted on screen.]
[Scene transitions to residential construction. Visuals shift to homes and residential project imagery.]
All contractors performing new residential construction over $50,000, residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, or residential roofing over $10,000, are required to have a license issued by MSBOC.
[On-screen visuals include homes, roofing, or renovation imagery. Key dollar amounts are emphasized.]
Subcontractors performing residential electrical, mechanical, HVAC, or plumbing work on a residential construction or residential improvement project are required to be licensed by MSBOC.
[Icons representing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical trades appear alongside the text.]
A state license is also required for construction managers and residential solar contractors.
[Graphics or icons representing construction management and solar panels appear.]
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce the application process for contractor licensing.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“How do I apply for a license? The first thing you will need to do is complete an application.”
[On-screen text references the application process. Visual may show a form or document.]
You can download an application from the website or request one to be mailed to you. All requirements are listed on the instruction page.
[Visual transitions to testing information. Graphics may include documents or instructional materials.]
Return the completed application and MSBOC will send a Candidate Information Bulletin containing testing details.
The bulletin explains how to schedule an exam, which books are allowed, and where to obtain them. The exams are open book.
All applicants must take a Law and Business Management exam. Depending on the classification, a trade exam may also be required.
[Visual shifts to testing coordination. Icons or graphics may represent communication or systems.]
MSBOC will send the qualifier’s information to PSI, the testing agency.
No candidate may schedule an exam until MSBOC submits this information. Once PSI receives it, MSBOC will notify you by email that you may schedule your exam.
[On-screen emphasis highlights the importance of providing a valid email address.]
[Transition to application review and approval process.]
Once all required documentation and passing exam scores are received, the application is submitted to the Board for review and approval.
MSBOC processes completed applications weekly. The review process takes approximately seven working days for approval and license issuance.
A license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by the contractor.
[Visual transitions to legal notices. Text appears in a clear, readable format.]
Under the Military Family Freedom Act, Mississippi recognizes occupational licenses from other states for military members and their families. Trade exams may be waived for qualified applicants.
Under the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act, Mississippi also recognizes licenses from other states. Trade exams may be waived for qualified applicants.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce license renewal requirements.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“How do I renew a license?”
[On-screen text references license renewal. Visuals may include a certificate or calendar.]
MSBOC emails annual renewal notices to current licensees approximately 60 days before the license expiration date.
It is important to maintain a valid email address with the Board and regularly check your email, including spam or junk folders, to avoid missing important communications.
[Visual transitions to responsibility and requirements. Graphics may include notification or reminder icons.]
Although MSBOC provides courtesy reminders, each license holder is responsible for renewing their license by the required deadline each year.
License holders must also notify the Board of any changes to contact information, including mailing and email addresses.
[Scene shifts to late renewal policy. Visuals may include a calendar or timeline.]
A commercial or residential license may be renewed up to 180 days after the expiration date.
Licenses expired for more than 180 days cannot be renewed and require submission of a new application.
[Visual transitions to renewal methods. Graphics may include forms or a website interface.]
Applicants may download, complete, and mail a renewal form, or renew online through the website.
If renewing online, applicants must both submit payment and upload all required documents.
[On-screen emphasis highlights instructions.]
Do not mail documents separately after completing an online payment, as this may cause delays.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce general liability insurance requirements.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“Do I have to carry general liability insurance in order to get a license?”
[On-screen text references insurance requirements. Visuals may include policy or document icons.]
Yes. All applicants for a license or renewal must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage.
MSBOC must be listed on the policy to receive notification in the event of cancellation.
[Visual transitions to coverage requirements. Graphics may include documents or financial icons.]
There is no minimum coverage requirement for residential license holders.
Commercial applicants must provide a certificate of insurance showing minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
[Scene shifts to active license requirements.]
All active license holders must maintain proof of general liability insurance to remain in good standing.
[Visual transitions to inactive status. Graphics may include status labels or document forms.]
If a license holder is not actively building, they may request “INACTIVE” status.
To do so, the license holder must return their license, submit a written request, and pay a $25 processing fee. A new license will be issued reflecting inactive status.
[On-screen text appears with emphasis.]
License holders on inactive status must still pay annual renewal fees, but are not eligible to submit bids, enter contracts, pull permits, or perform work.
[Visual transitions to reactivation process.]
To return to “ACTIVE” status, the license holder must submit a written request, pay a $25 processing fee, and provide proof of general liability insurance.
Commercial license holders must also submit required financial information.
Upon approval, a new license will be issued reflecting active status.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce licensing reciprocity.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“Does MSBOC reciprocate with other licensing agencies?”
[On-screen text references reciprocity. Visuals may include a map or connected states.]
MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with various other states.
Applicants should refer to the Reciprocity section on the website for a current list of participating states.
[On-screen text emphasizes key limitation.]
Reciprocity applies to trade exams only.
Contractors must still submit an application and meet all other MSBOC licensing requirements.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
In order to add a classification to your license, you must complete an ADDITIONAL CLASSIFICATION FORM and pay $100.00 for each additional class you add to your license. Upon receipt, MSBOC will send you information about testing, if testing is required.
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce exam requirements for contractor licensing.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“Is an exam required in order to get a license?”
[On-screen text references exam requirements. Visuals may include documents or testing icons.]
All applicants are required to take a Mississippi Law and Business Management exam.
Applicants must also take a trade exam if one is required for their classification.
For a complete list of classifications and required exams, refer to the Classifications page on the website.
[Visual transitions to alternative exam options. Graphics may include multi-state or certification icons.]
A general building contractor may choose to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building instead of the Mississippi Building Construction exam.
This exam is used by multiple state licensing agencies and is designed to reduce redundant licensing requirements for contractors working in multiple states.
For a list of participating states, refer to NASCLA’s website.
[Visual shifts to electrical licensing.]
A Master Electrical contractor may choose to take the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination instead of the Mississippi Master Electrical exam.
This program is designed to improve exam consistency and allow electricians to work across multiple states without taking additional exams.
For current information and participating states, refer to NASCLA’s website.
[Scene transitions to testing logistics.]
All exams are administered by PSI and are open book.
[On-screen text highlights “PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.”]
Applicants should review the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for scheduling details.
The bulletin includes instructions for registering and scheduling the exam, required reference materials and where to obtain them, exam content outlines, and testing locations.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce information about qualifying parties and exam eligibility.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“Who can take the exam for the company and can there be more than one qualifier?”
[On-screen text references qualifying party requirements. Visuals may include icons representing individuals or team members.]
Any owner, officer, or responsible managing employee may take the exam on behalf of the company.
[Visual transitions to multiple qualifiers. Graphics may show multiple people or roles.]
A company may have more than one qualifying party, and different qualifiers may be assigned to different classifications.
[On-screen text emphasizes limitation.]
A qualifying party may serve no more than three separate entities without first appearing before the Board and receiving special permission.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
Exam Prep (Optional)
Trade exam prep courses do not teach a trade. Instead, they're designed to help you understand testing formats, improve test-taking skills and reduce exam anxiety. The companies below offer exam preparation courses. This information is offered for informational purposes only.
- 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 Training Center – 1-804-556-5518
- RocketCert, LLC – 1-800-495-6612
NASCLA offers a book and online visual learning aid to assist applicants in preparing for the Mississippi Business and Law exam – NASCLA Study Aid.
All active license holders must show proof of general liability insurance in order to remain in good standing. However, a license holder can request to be placed on “INACTIVE” status. In order to do so, the license holder must complete the APPLICATION TO CHANGE STATUS OF CERTIFICATE LICENSURE FORM along with a $25.00 processing fee. A new license will be issued reflecting the INACTIVE status. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LICENSE HOLDER IS STILL REQUIRED TO PAY ANNUAL RENEWAL FEES DURING THE INACTIVE STATUS PERIOD DESPITE BEING INELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT A BID, ENTER INTO A CONTRACT, PULL PERMITS OR PERFORM WORK. In order to return to “ACTIVE” status, the license holder must submit a written request to be returned to ACTIVE status along with a $25.00 processing fee and proof of general liability insurance. Commercial license holders will also have to produce required financial information before returning to active status. Upon receipt, a new license will be issued reflecting reinstatement of ACTIVE status.
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce the complaint process.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“How does the complaint process work?”
[On-screen text references complaint procedures. Visuals may include documents or checklist icons.]
Complaints are processed based on severity and the date they are received.
Each complaint is reviewed to determine whether it falls within the jurisdiction of the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
[Visual transitions to investigation process. Graphics may include an investigator or inspection imagery.]
If further investigation is required, the complaint is assigned to an investigator.
A copy of the complaint is mailed to the contractor, notifying them of the complaint and requesting a response.
The investigator may contact both parties, schedule meetings, visit the jobsite, and interview others who may provide relevant information.
[Scene shifts to evaluation process.]
The investigator reviews all gathered information, including jobsite observations, building codes, plans and specifications, industry standards, and materials provided by both parties.
Formal disciplinary proceedings may be initiated after the investigation is complete.
[On-screen text emphasizes limitations.]
An MSBOC investigation does not guarantee restitution or require specific performance.
If restitution or enforcement is the primary goal, the complainant should pursue the matter through the court system or consult an attorney.
[Visual transitions to resolution outcomes.]
If the investigator determines the allegations have no merit, both the complainant and the contractor are notified in writing.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
The Notice of Hearing and Complaint is the formal document that starts the hearing process. The notice tells the contractor (“Respondent”) the specific laws it is alleged to have violated and describes the conduct the contractor allegedly engaged in that violates the law. The Notice of Hearing and Complaint also advises the contractor of the specific date, time and place the administrative hearing will take place. The administrative hearing is an action between the Board and the contractor. However, the complainant is encouraged to appear at the hearing to testify to the facts of the case as they relate to the complaint against the contractor. Any documents, photographs, or other exhibits you wish to have entered into evidence and considered by the Board at a hearing, should be submitted to MSBOC at least ten (10) days prior to a scheduled hearing. Otherwise, a party desiring to submit evidence will be required to submit a minimum of thirteen (13) copies on the day of the scheduled hearing.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board will make a decision regarding the alleged violations and violations of the law may result in disciplinary action against the contractor. Discipline may include fines or penalties, suspension, revocation, letter of reprimand, probation, or other discipline. The findings of fact, conclusions of law and order of the Board will be mailed to the contractor and complainant.
The contractor has ten (10) days from the date of the Board’s decision to appeal pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. §73-59-13(11) or Miss. Code Ann. §31-3-23.
TRANSCRIPT:
[Clean title screen appears with a neutral background. Minimal graphics introduce tax identification requirements for licensing.]
Speaker (Voiceover):
“Do I have to have a Mississippi Sales Tax number?”
[On-screen text references tax requirements. Visuals may include document or identification icons.]
Yes. To obtain a commercial license, applicants must have a Mississippi Sales Tax number or Use Tax number.
[Visual transitions to residential requirements.]
For a residential license, applicants must provide one of the following: a Mississippi Income Tax Identification Number, a Federal Tax Identification Number, or a Social Security Number.
[On-screen text displays contact information.]
To obtain these required numbers, applicants should contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue by phone or visit their website.
[Visual transitions to additional support information.]
For questions, applicants may call the provided phone number and inform the representative that they are inquiring about Sales or Use Tax requirements for a Mississippi State Board of Contractors license.
[Closing screen appears with a clean layout, possibly including MSBOC branding or logo. No abrupt audio changes.]
Residential license holders with the classification of RESIDENTIAL BUILDER are allowed to work on commercial projects provided the job does not exceed 7500 square feet.
A change of name is allowed if the name style does not indicate you are qualified to perform work in a classification other than the classification(s) in which you are licensed.
A corporation or limited liability company (LLC) that changes its name must attach an amended Certificate of Authority from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office to the Name Change Form and submit it with the required $50 fee.
If the business ID number issued by the Secretary of State changes, the Name Change Form cannot be used. In that case, a new application must be submitted.
A name change cannot be used to change the business’s legal structure. For example, converting from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company (LLC), or from an LLC to a corporation, requires submission of a new application. New application forms can be found at www.msboc.us/forms
No new exam is required if the qualifying party (the individual who passed the test) is part of the new entity and meets the eligibility requirements. The qualifying party must be an owner, officer, or managing employee, and proof of that status must be provided.
Click here for Fee Schedule (Effective JAN 1. 2016)
