Apply For A License

Video Transcript: 

[Soft instrumental music plays. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) logo appears centered on screen against a clean background.]
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors was established in 1952 to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons dealing with those engaged in the vocation of contracting.
[The logo fades into a branded slide with simple text and a neutral background.]
MSBOC regulates commercial and residential contractors who bid on or perform work in Mississippi.
[Title text appears on screen: “Contractor Licensing Overview.”]
This overview is offered to provide contractors with the necessary information and resources to help you obtain a license to work in Mississippi.
[Visual shows a stack of paperwork or application forms. Subtle animation suggests volume.]
MSBOC receives thousands of applications each year, but numerous applications are returned or rejected due to incomplete or incorrect information.
[On-screen text highlights “Avoid Common Mistakes.”]
We don’t want this to happen to you. This video is designed to help you with the application process and point out common mistakes and oversights to avoid so your application won’t be rejected or delayed.

Key Definitions

[Slide changes to a heading reading “Key Definitions.” Text appears in bullet format.]
[The term “Qualifying Party” appears in bold.]
A Qualifying Party is the individual responsible for taking any required exams. The Qualifying Party must be an owner, officer or responsible managing employee.
[Icons representing different construction categories appear alongside text.]
Classification is the type of trade to be performed by the applicant. The major classifications are Building Construction; Heavy Construction; Highway, Street and Bridge Work; Mechanical Work; Electrical Work; or Municipal and Public Works Construction.
[Images or icons of specific trades such as roofing or drywall appear.]
A Specialty Classification is a division under a major classification for which a contractor may be licensed for a more specific trade, such as Drywall, Roofing or Process Piping.
[A map graphic appears, highlighting multiple states connected visually.]
Reciprocity refers to agreements Mississippi has made with several states that allows a Qualifying Party to receive credit for an exam previously taken and successfully passed. Even though an exam may be waived, applicants must still complete the application process to obtain a contractor’s license.

Three Steps to Licensing

[A slide appears with the heading “3 Steps to Obtaining a License.” Each step appears sequentially as numbered text.]
Step 1. The Application Process
Step 2. Testing
Step 3. Board Review and Approval

Application Process Overview

[Camera view shows pages of an application being turned or displayed.]
While the application may look intimidating, it really shouldn’t. There are only 5 sections to be completed.
[A checklist graphic appears with items being highlighted one at a time.]
We suggest you look through the application before you begin filling it out.
Read through the instructions and gather the specified documents so you will have them to refer to while completing the application. The required documents must be included with the application before it is presented to the board for review and approval.
[A warning icon appears next to text about identification requirements.]
A U.S. social security number is required for each qualifying party included on the license. Other forms of identification are not acceptable.
[Example text “N/A” appears in a blank form field.]
If you get to a certain section of the application that doesn’t apply to you, write the letters “N/A” for not applicable. Don’t leave any space blank or ignore any of the sections.
[A close-up visual shows someone writing with a blue or black pen.]
Please type or clearly print your answers in blue or black ink only. When MSBOC receives your application, it is scanned into a computer system and anything other than blue or black ink cannot be read.
[A calendar or countdown graphic appears showing 180 days.]
Applicants have 180 days to complete the application process. After 180 days, incomplete applications are destroyed.

Fees

[Dollar amounts appear prominently on screen.]
New license applicants must include the required, non-refundable fee when submitting an application. For commercial applications the fee is $400.00. Residential applications require a $50.00 fee.
[A warning message appears in bold text.]
MSBOC can accept checks and money orders made payable to MSBOC, but DO NOT SEND CASH.

Section 1: Identifying Information

[Form fields are highlighted one at a time as they are discussed.]
You must conduct business under the exact name as shown on the application. That is the name that will be printed upon the certificate of licensure.
[Mailing and physical address fields are shown side by side.]
The mailing address is the address where you want your license and any other communications from MSBOC mailed. If your physical address differs from your mailing address, you must also list the physical address. If it is the same, write “Same as Mailing Address.”
[Icons representing tax identification appear.]
You must provide the appropriate tax identification numbers depending on your business structure.

Section 2: Qualifying Party Information

[A labeled figure or icon appears representing a “Qualifying Party.”]
In this section, you will be filling out information on the qualifying party.
[Visual shows a construction worker or professional in the field.]
The qualifier is the person who sits for the exams and is responsible for the construction operations.
[Multiple person icons appear.]
MSBOC allows multiple qualifying parties to be associated with a license.

Section 3: Background Information

[A checklist or document graphic appears.]
It is important to provide honest and complete answers to each question asked.
[Warning icon appears.]
Misrepresentation of information shall be deemed sufficient cause to deny an application.

Section 4: Classification and Experience

[Split screen shows “Residential” and “Commercial” options.]
Applicants must select the classification that matches the type of work they will perform.
[Icons for trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical appear.]
Provide detailed information about projects demonstrating experience in the selected classification.

Final Steps and Submission

[A notary stamp graphic appears.]
The application must be signed, dated, and notarized. Applications without notarization will be returned.
[A checklist labeled “Required Items” appears.]
Applicants should review all materials and ensure that all required documents are included.
[An envelope graphic appears with a mailing address.]
Mail your completed application, required documents, and fee to MSBOC.

Testing

[An informational booklet appears labeled “Candidate Information Bulletin.”]
Once the application is received, MSBOC will mail a Candidate Information Bulletin.
[A computer or scheduling interface is shown.]
Applicants must contact the testing provider to schedule their exam.

Approval and Licensing

[A stamp labeled “Approved” appears on screen.]
After passing required exams, the application is submitted for board review.
[A certificate or license document appears.]
Once approved, it takes approximately five working days for the license to be issued.
[Text reminder appears.]
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Closing

[Closing slide displays website and phone number. Soft music continues.]
We hope you found this video helpful. You can watch this video as many times as needed.
[Contact information remains on screen.]
Visit the MSBOC website or call their office for assistance. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
[The MSBOC logo reappears and fades out as the music ends.]
Best wishes as a Mississippi licensed contractor!