Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License type | Plumbing contractor (Mechanical major or Plumbing specialty, Certificate of Responsibility) |
Regulating agency | Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors (MSBOC) |
Experience required | Proof of experience, projects, references required; years not specified |
Exams required | Law and Business Management exam; Plumbing trade exam (PSI administered) |
Renewal | Annually |
Continuing education | Not required (no official listing as of June 2024) |
Fees | $400 application (major classification) + $100 per specialty (as of June 2024; verify at https://www.procore.com/library/mississippi-contractors-license). Renewal and exam fees: not specified. |
Bond/insurance | GL insurance: $300,000/occurrence and $600,000 aggregate required; surety bond required, amount not specified (as of June 2024) |
Board homepage | |
Exam provider info | PSI Exams guide (PDF) |
Application portal | Not published; verify current forms at MSBOC |
Lookup tool |
Who Needs a License in Mississippi?
Most importantly, you need to meet plumbing license requirements in Mississippi if you plan to contract for plumbing work that meets or exceeds specific project values. For commercial or new residential construction, a license is necessary for contracts of $50,000 or more. For residential remodeling, repairs, additions, or roofing, the threshold is $10,000.
If you subcontract plumbing work as part of a larger project above the relevant threshold, you also need your own plumbing license, even if the general contractor already holds a general or mechanical license. The license requirement applies to both contractors and specialty subcontractors bidding directly or indirectly for jobs.
Meanwhile, property owners (owner-builders) do not need a plumbing license if they are building, remodeling, or repairing their own single-family personal residence, unless the property is built for sale, lease, or public use. Projects valued below the $10,000 (residential remodel) or $50,000 (commercial/new construction) thresholds are also exempt from state plumbing licensing. However, always check for local city or county plumbing permit rules, which may be stricter.
Note that employees of licensed contractors do not need their own state license when performing work directly for that employer (under W-2 status). In contrast, independent subcontractors (1099 or separate business entities) must be licensed individually for plumbing work as a specialty or under the mechanical classification.
Plumbing License Types
There are two main plumbing license types in the state, Mechanical (major classification) and Plumbing specialty. Both are regulated by MSBOC. This section reviews each classification and what work each allows.
Mechanical Major Classification
The Mechanical classification covers a broad range of work, including plumbing and HVAC services. If you plan to bid on large or diverse mechanical jobs, or you want the flexibility to offer both plumbing and heating/cooling services, this is the major classification to pursue. It also typically requires more documentation and a higher net worth standard.
Plumbing Specialty Classification
If your business is focused exclusively on plumbing, you may apply for a plumbing specialty license under the Mechanical classification. This specialty license narrows your scope but may reduce some requirements (for example, the net worth threshold is lower). Specialty licenses can be added to a major classification upon payment of a $100 fee (as of June 2024). See the Procore guide for MSBOC fees for more on classification structure.
Comparing scope: the Mechanical major license allows both plumbing and HVAC, while plumbing specialty restricts you to only plumbing work. You may hold both at once if you pay the extra specialty fee. Always verify your business model and choose the appropriate combination for your planned projects.
How to Meet Plumbing License Requirements in Mississippi
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
To satisfy plumbing license requirements in Mississippi, complete the following steps. Every step is grounded in state board procedure as of June 2024.
Determine the required classification and threshold. Identify if you need the Mechanical major classification, plumbing specialty, or both, based on project values and type.
Collect official application forms. Obtain the current MSBOC application packet. To verify form URL or request via the board homepage.
Notarize your application. Complete the form fully and have it notarized. Mississippi requires most contractor applications to be submitted in original, signed, and notarized paper form.
Register your business entity. If operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, register with the Secretary of State of Mississippi.
Provide your MS sales tax or use tax number. This is required for all contractor applicants transacting business in Mississippi.
Obtain insurance and bond coverage.
General liability insurance: Minimum $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate (as of June 2024).
Surety bond: Required, but board has not published the bond amount for plumbing in official resources; verify with MSBOC directly.
Provide workers’ compensation insurance certificate. If you employ five or more employees, you must purchase workers’ compensation insurance and submit the certificate with your application.
Document experience, references, and project history. List notable projects, provide industry references, and name the qualifying party responsible for license compliance.
Prepare a financial statement. Submit a reviewed or audited financial statement showing your business’s net worth:
Mechanical major: minimum $50,000 net worth
Specialty: minimum $20,000 net worth
Submit the fee and complete application. As of June 2024, pay $400 (major classification) and $100 per specialty (e.g., plumbing). Keep a copy and mail all materials to MSBOC.
Obtain exam approval from MSBOC. Once your application is reviewed, MSBOC will authorize you to schedule exams with PSI.
Schedule and pass both exams. You must take the Law and Business Management exam (50 questions, 120 minutes) and the Plumbing trade exam (70 questions, 180 minutes).
Receive your license. After passing both tests and final application review, most licenses are issued within 7 to 10 days (as of June 2024).
Tips for a Smooth Application
At each step, check directly with the MSBOC to confirm forms, processing timelines, and fee schedules. Online forms may not be available for the plumbing trade as of June 2024, so be prepared for a paper-based process.
Application Requirements
To meet plumbing license requirements in Mississippi, applicants must supply a range of documents supporting their legal, financial, and professional standing. The following requirements are current as of June 2024.
Experience, References, and Project History
You must provide verifiable proof of your plumbing experience and job history. This includes:
Written references from past clients, employers, or industry peers
A listing of completed projects relevant to the scope of license
Documentation of your designated qualifying party (the responsible individual for code and contract compliance)
Financial Statement and Net Worth
Applicants need to supply a reviewed or audited financial statement, not just internally prepared. The net worth requirements are:
Major Mechanical classification: at least $50,000
Specialty Plumbing classification: at least $20,000
Statements must be no older than 12 months before the application filing date.
Insurance and Bond Requirements
General liability insurance must be purchased with at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate limits. If you have five or more employees, workers’ compensation insurance is also required. A surety bond is required for state-licensed contractors, but the specific amount for plumbing is not listed in available MSBOC rules. Contractors should verify current bond requirements with the board.
Tax Registration and Entity Formation
You need an active sales tax or use tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. If your business operates as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, register your entity with the Secretary of State as a prerequisite to MSBOC licensing.
Background Checks and Additional Certifications
For plumbing license requirements in Mississippi, background checks and fingerprinting are not listed as a requirement by MSBOC. There is no mandate for federal EPA certifications for plumbing contractors.
Exams
Every contractor applying for state licensure must pass both a business law exam and a trade-specific exam, meeting plumbing license requirements in Mississippi. As of June 2024, both tests are administered through PSI with MSBOC approval.
Law and Business Management Exam
50 questions
120 minutes (2 hours)
Covers state contracting laws, business management, bidding, payments, and legal obligations
Provider: PSI; approval required via MSBOC
Official exam details (PSI)
Plumbing Trade Exam
70 questions
180 minutes (3 hours)
Covers plumbing codes, safety, installation, repairs, and related trade topics
Provider: PSI
The MSBOC has not published a required minimum passing score as of June 2024. Retake policies and specific waiting periods are not documented in official board materials. For latest exam scheduling and policies, check PSI/MSBOC exam instructions.
Fees
Plumbing license requirements in Mississippi include mandatory application and classification fees. Below are the known fees as of June 2024, with official sources linked. Always check the board’s most current fee schedule before applying.
Application fee, major classification (Mechanical): $400 (as of June 2024; verify at Procore guide). Covers one classification.
Additional specialty (e.g. plumbing): $100 per specialty (as of June 2024, same source).
Renewal fee: Not published specifically for plumbing. General contractor renewal seen at $100 (as of June 2024), but confirm with MSBOC for plumbing rates.
Exam fee: Amount not listed in official guidance; candidates must verify current fee with PSI/MSBOC.
Bond amount: Required, amount not specified on official plumbing pages (as of June 2024, verify at MSBOC).
Late fees: No details available as of June 2024.
If you cannot find a fee in these official sources, always contact MSBOC directly to verify the current fee schedule for plumbing contractors.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Your plumbing license must be renewed every year to remain compliant with plumbing license requirements in Mississippi. As of June 2024, the annual renewal cycle applies to both Mechanical major and plumbing specialty contractors.
Renewal Application and Deadline
MSBOC requires plumbing contractors to submit a renewal application annually. However, the board has not published a specific deadline date or grace period in recent materials. Keep your business and insurance documentation up to date for every renewal, and always apply at least several weeks ahead of expiration to avoid lapses in license status.
Continuing Education
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for plumbing contractors in Mississippi, according to MSBOC and the latest publicly available regulations (as of June 2024). This means license holders do not need to complete or report CE hours as part of their annual renewal. Nonetheless, keep informed about local code changes and safety standards to stay competitive and compliant in your work.
Lapsed or Expired License
Consequences for an expired license are not described in available board sources. Contractors should assume that acting without an active license, or performing work while expired, could expose them to fines and loss of bidding eligibility. Always consult MSBOC directly if you miss a renewal deadline to confirm required steps for reinstatement.
Reciprocity
Mississippi does offer certain forms of license reciprocity or exam waiver pathways for contractors licensed in some other states, but these are not automatic and do not guarantee trade license issuance without board review. As of June 2024, the MSBOC may grant license recognition via examination systems like PSI or NASCLA, provided the trade exam aligns with Mississippi’s standards.
No formal, automatic reciprocity agreements specific to the plumbing trade were found in official sources. If you are licensed in another state and hope to obtain a Mississippi plumbing contractor license, you must apply and request approval for reciprocity or exam waiver. The MSBOC will review your credentials and determine if you need to take Mississippi’s plumbing exam, the law/business exam, or both. The board reserves authority to require any candidate to meet full state requirements regardless of any out-of-state license.
For the most up-to-date information on reciprocal license applications or endorsements, contact MSBOC directly and ask about current reciprocity policies for plumbing.
Official Links
Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors (MSBOC) homepage
PSI exam instructions for Mississippi contractors (PDF)
Step-by-step Mississippi contractor licensing guide (industry summary)
If you need current application forms, renewal instructions, or a fee schedule for plumbing, verify availability using the MSBOC homepage.
