Unlike other states, Mississippi does not offer structured state guidelines for electrical licensing. The only electrical license offered by the state is for electrical contractors, who then hire other electricians to work under them. These other electricians often complete an apprenticeship and a state or local electrical exam. If you’re interested in becoming an electrician in Mississippi, below we’ll discuss:
- Electrical contractor licensing in MS
- Journeyman electrician exams in MS
- Master electrician exams in MS
Do You Need an Electrical License in Mississippi?
You do not need an electrical license in Mississippi to conduct electrical work on your own single-family dwelling. Licensure is only required by the state for large projects worth over $10,000.
Individual cities and municipalities will determine their registration or licensing procedures for day-to-day electricians. Generally speaking, you’ll want to pass a journeyman or master electrical exam in Mississippi to expand your job prospects in the state.
Electrical Examinations Offered in MS
Completing a recognized electrical examination is a great way to solidify your knowledge and demonstrate to both cities and employers that you are ready to perform electrical work. These exams are often taken after a person has completed a 4-year electrical apprenticeship.
Journeyman exams are usually issued by the cities themselves, so you should contact your local Electrical Board for more information.
Master electrician exams are typically given by nationally-recognized testing agencies. Since Mississippi – as well as many other states – works with PSI exams for their contractors, you may also use PSI to take your Master Electrician Exam.
Electrical Contractor Licensing in MS
Electrical contractors oversee large projects, working on private projects valued at over $10,000 and public projects valued at over $50,000. Contractors can have other electricians working under them. They have passed a master electrician trade exam, so they may or may not conduct electrical work themselves.
The Mississippi State Board of Contactors (MSBOC) offers two types of contractor licenses: residential and commercial. While these are general licenses, you will specify that your classification is electrical work during the application process.
Residential Electrical Contractor Licensing
You’ll need to check off a few things before applying for your Residential Electrical Contractor License in MS.
- If applying on behalf of an LLC or corporation, you must be registered and in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State
- You must provide a Mississippi Income Tax ID Number, Federal Tax ID Number, or Social Security Number
- For one of the first two numbers, contact the MD Department of Revenue
- You must prove that you hold general liability insurance
- You must have Worker’s Comp Insurance if employing 5 or more people
- You must be able to pay the $50 application fee
Commercial Electrical Contractor Licensing
Before applying to be a commercial electrical contractor in MS, ensure you complete the following requirements:
- If applying on behalf of an LLC or corporation, you must be registered and in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State
- You must provide a Mississippi Income Tax ID Number, Federal Tax ID Number, or Social Security Number
- For the first two numbers, contact the MD Department of Revenue
- You must prove that you hold general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate
- You must have Worker’s Comp Insurance if employing 5 or more people
- You must have a net worth of at least $50,000
- Provide a reviewed or audited financial statement showing your net worth. This must be prepared and signed by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) within the last year.
- You must be able to pay the $400 application
Applying for an Electrical Contractor License
Before applying for your license, review the MSBOC Instructional Video to make sure you understand the license and application procedure.
Then, download your residential or commercial contractor application.
- Complete the application in ink or via computer
- Do not leave questions blank. Write “N/A” if the space does not apply to you
- Sign and notarize your application where instructed
- Provide 3 reference letters
- 1 from the bank
- 2 from those you have worked with or for
- List at least 3 electrical job experiences
- Provide proof of employment of the qualifying party
Submit your exam and all supporting documentation to:
MSBOC
P.O. Box 320279
Jackson, MS 39232-0279
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive your approval or denial notification. If approved, you will need to take a Law and Business Management exam offered by PSI. Electrical contractors must also take a trade exam, which is typically the master electrical exam offered by PSI.
The MSBOC will send you information on how to register and schedule your exam. After paying the exam fee and scheduling your exam date, you’ll be able to sit for both exams. You must pass both exams to move on and receive your Electrical Contractor License from the state. You may be waived from taking the exam if you meet the reciprocity requirements below.
Reciprocity for Electrical Contractors
If you hold a comparable license in another state, you may be able to skip the trade exam. You will still need to fill out the application, pay application fees, take the Law and Business Management exam, and complete the Reciprocity Verification Form.
Mississippi has reciprocity agreements for electrical contractors with the:
- AL General Contractors Board
- AL Electrical Board
- AL Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors
- AL Home Builders Licensure Board
- AR Contractor Licensing Board
- GA Board of Residential and General Contractors
- LA Licensing Board for Contractors
- NC Electrical Contractors Board
- NC State Licensing Board for General Contractors
- SC Board for Licensing Contractors
- SC Residential Builders Commission
- TN Board for Licensing General Contractors
Renewing Your Mississippi License
Read up on renewal information for all electrical contractors and access the commercial renewal application and residential renewal application online.
Electrician Salaries in MS
General electricians, such as city-certified journeyman electricians, make an average of $48,700 per year in Mississippi. Master electricians gain an increase over journeyman electricians, averaging $59,500 per year. Finally, electrical contractors average in the $52,000 range.
Don’t forget that electricians often make a hefty sum in annual overtime, which bumps all of these salaries up a few thousand dollars per year.
