Mississippi Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Mississippi’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Mississippi Plumbing Residential or Commercial License
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for approval, then schedule your exam
- Take and pass your exam
- MSBOC will issue your license after receiving your passing exam score and all requested documentation
Mississippi Municipal Requirements
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 the local requirements.
Mississippi Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire every year on date of initial licensure
Continuing Education: There is currently no active continuing education requirement for plumbers in Mississippi
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Mississippi?
A residential contracting license is required for:
- New residential construction over $50,000
- Residential remodeling over $10,000
- Residential roofing over $10,000
A commercial contracting license* is required for:
- Commercial construction over $50,000
- Any work done on public fire protection systems over $5,000
- Any work done on private fire protection systems over $10,000
*This applies to both contractors and subcontractors
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 the local requirements.
Plumbing licenses at the state level are issued as a specialty classification, under the major classification of Mechanical.
Holding a Mechanical major classification will also allow you to perform plumbing work.
Does Mississippi have reciprocal licensing with other states?
MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with various other states. However, reciprocity only applies to testing and you must still apply for an MSBOC license. In order to have your Trades exam waived, you must have been licensed for at least one year in a reciprocal state. You will still be required to take the Mississippi Business & Law exam.
Click here to view the MSBOC Reciprocity Agreements.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Mississippi?
Commercial
- Application: $400
- Additional Classifications (after 1st): $100
- Exam (Must take Business & Law and Plumbing Trade exams):
- One Portion: $120
- Two Portions: $240
- Renewal: $400
Residential
- Application: $50
- Additional Classifications (after 1st): $100
- Exam (Must take Business & Law and Plumbing Trade exams):
- One Portion: $120
- Two Portions: $240
- Renewal: $100
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Mississippi plumbing license?
Licenses expire every year on date of initial licensure.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Mississippi?
MSBOC will mail a renewal application to current licensees approximately 60 days before the expiration date listed on the certificate of licensure. The application for renewal will be mailed to the address of record on file with MSBOC. It is the responsibility of the license holder to renew a license annually and to notify MSBOC of any change in address.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Mississippi?
There is currently no active continuing education requirement for plumbers in Mississippi.
My Mississippi plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
A commercial or residential license can be processed as a late renewal for up to 180 days after the expiration date printed on the certificate of licensure.
A commercial or residential license that has been expired for more than 180 days cannot be renewed, but will require a new application for licensure instead.
How do I get my plumbing license in Mississippi?
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for approval, then schedule your exam
- Take and pass your exam
- MSBOC will issue your license after receiving your passing exam score and all requested documentation
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Mississippi?
Commercial
- Application: $400
- Additional Classifications (after 1st): $100
- Exam (Must take Business & Law and Plumbing Trade exams):
- One Portion: $120
- Two Portions: $240
- Renewal: $400
Residential
- Application: $50
- Additional Classifications (after 1st): $100
- Exam (Must take Business & Law and Plumbing Trade exams):
- One Portion: $120
- Two Portions: $240
- Renewal: $100
What can I expect from the Mississippi plumbing exam?
3 hour time limit
70 Questions – 70% correct to pass
- 4 questions: General Plumbing Regulations
- 4 questions: Safety
- 4 questions: Cleanouts
- 5 questions: Fixtures and Equipment
- 2 questions: Water Heaters
- 3 questions: Piping, Valves, Controls
- 6 questions: Water Supply
- 3 questions: Hangers and Supports
- 15 questions: Drain, Waste, and Vent
- 3 questions: Backflow
- 4 questions: Traps and Interceptors
- 2 questions: Developed Length
- 12 questions: Isometrics
- 3 questions: Joints and Connections
What does your plumber exam prep cover?
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Math
- Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply & Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Appendices
- Hands-On Practical Application
The Unlimited Commercial & Residential Exam Prep also includes
- Mississippi Unlimited Commercial & Residential Exam Prep Course
- Mississippi Law & Business Management Exam Prep Course
- Comprehensive Code Review
- Basic & Advanced Plumbing Math
- Isometric Theory & Plan Review
- Mississippi Exam Bulletin Breakdown
Where can I take the Mississippi plumber exam?
- Jackson, MS
- Baton Rouge, LA
- New Orleans, LA
- Shreveport, LA
- Huntsville, AL
- Birmingham, AL
- Montgomery, AL
- Mobile, AL
How do I know if I passed the Mississippi plumber exam?
You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If you do not pass, you will immediately receive an unsuccessful notification on the screen along with a diagnostic report indicating your strengths and weaknesses by examination type. Registration forms for submittal to PSI to retake the examination will be available at the examination site
What is professional development?
Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.
MS State Board of Contractors
2679 Crane Ridge Dr, Suite C
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 354-6161
info@msboc.us
https://www.msboc.us/
PSI Exams
3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(855) 557-0619
examschedule@psionline.com
https://candidate.psiexams.com/
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.
