How Do I?
How do I obtain a license?
The first thing you will need to do is complete an application. You can download an application from our website at msboc.us or we can mail an application to you. All the requirements are on the instruction page. Return the completed application and we will forward a candidate information bulletin to you that contains all the testing information. The bulletin tells you how to schedule an exam, which books are allowed in the exam, and where to get the books. The tests are open book. MSBOC will also send the qualifier’s info to PSI, the testing agency. No candidate will be allowed to schedule the exam unless MSBOC has sent his or her info to PSI. Once PSI receives the qualifiers info, PSI will email you and let you know that you are in their system and can now schedule the exam. This is why you must provide a valid email. Once we receive all documentation requested on the application and the passing exam scores, the information will be submitted to the Board for review and approval. MSBOC processes completed applications on a weekly basis. It usually takes about a week to 10 days for the application to go through the Board process and the license to be issued. A license is good for one (1) year and it is the contractor’s responsibility to renew the license each year.
Is a Certificate of Responsibility the same as a commercial license?
Yes, a Certificate of Responsibility is the official name for a commercial license.
How do I add a classification to my license?
You have to fill out an additional class form and pay $100.00 for each additional class you add to your license. Use the FORMS tab to the left to access the Additional Classification form. MSBOC will provide testing information, if testing is required.
How do I know if I need a commercial license?
If you are performing work over $50,000.00 on a commercial job you need a commercial contractor’s license. For anything that falls below that amount you need to contact the city or county where the job is located to inquire about the local requirements.
When do I need a Residential license?
If you are performing Residential Remodeling or Roofing over $10,000 you will need a Residential Remodeling or Roofing license from MSBOC. If you are performing Residential Building over $50,000 you will need a Residential Builder license from MSBOC. If you are performing residential electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work less than $10,000, a state license is not required, but you must contact the local building official or permit office regarding their requirements.
Do I have to have a Mississippi Sales Tax #?
If you are applying for a commercial license, you must have a Mississippi Sales Tax number or Use Tax number in order to get a commercial license. If you are applying for a residential license, you must furnish a Mississippi Income Tax I.D. Number or Federal Tax I.D. Number or a Social Security Number. To obtain a number you may contact the MS Department of Revenue at 601-923-7000 or visit www.dor.ms.gov.
How do I change the name of my company?
If the entity is not changing (for example Johnson Inc. changes to JMR Inc.) you can get an amended certificate of authority from the Secretary of State’s office. Attach proof of this amendment to our name change form and send it in with the $50 name change fee. If the entity is changing (for example an LLC changes to a corporation or an individual to a corporation) a new application is required. If the qualifier (the person who took the exam) is still with the company no new test is required. You simply complete the new application with everything in the new entity name (insurance, financial, tax numbers, etc.) and attach a letter explaining the change, listing your old license number and state that the qualifier is the same. We will pull your test scores from your old file.
Are there any exam prep courses offered?
The following companies offer prep courses for contractors taking the PSI exams:
American Contractors 800-992-1910
Mississippi Contractor Licensing Service 800-432-9930
Builders License Training Institute 800-727-7104
MyContractorsLicense 877-699-0775
Contractors Institute 804-556-5518
If I have a Residential Builders license can I do commercial work?
Residential Builders license holders are allowed to work on commercial projects provided the job does not exceed 7500 square feet and three (3) floors in height.
Who can take the exam for the company? Can there be more than one qualifier?
Any officer or managing employee can take the exam. You can have more than one qualifier and different qualifiers for different classifications. A qualifying party may serve no more than three (3) separate entities as the qualifying party without first appearing before the board and being granted special permission.
What states do you reciprocate with and what exams can be waived?
If you have held a license for 3 consecutive years in one of our reciprocating states we will waive the TRADE exam only. You will still be required to take the Mississippi Business and Law exam.
Alabama General Board- waive everything but Mechanical & Plumbing (CAN GIVE HVAC)
Alabama Electrical Board
Alabama Heating and Air (MUST HAVE TAKEN THE ALABAMA EXAM)
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board-waive all but any type of Mechanical (i.e. Plumbing, Boilers, Process Piping, HVAC) and Electrical Work
Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors (MUST HAVE TAKEN THE GEORGIA EXAM)
Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors- waives all but Mechanical or Electrical (CAN WAIVE HVAC BUT NOT MECHANICAL OR PLUMBING. CAN ONLY WAIVE ELECTRICAL EXAM IF TAKEN IN LOUISIANA.)
North Carolina Electrical Contractors Board- Electrical & Alarm Systems Only. Must have taken the NC exam.
North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors– Building Construction, Residential Building, Concrete, Grading and Excavating, Roofing, Swimming Pools, Water Lines and Sewer – Must have taken the NC exam.
South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board-waive Building and Electrical only and they must have passed an exam given by either PSI, Experior, Block or NAI.
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission– Residential Builder – Must have taken the SC exam.
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors