Mississippi Electrician License: Requirements & Exam (2026)

Mississippi has no statewide journeyman or master electrician license. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC, msboc.us) licenses commercial and residential contractors, including electrical contractor classifications, while individual electrician licensing is handled at the municipal level, from Jackson and Gulfport to Biloxi and Hattiesburg. See our Mississippi state exam prep page for NEC 2023 practice questions applicable to Mississippi exams.

This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step for 2026.

Disclaimer: Requirements and fees change. Always verify current details directly with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and the local building department where you plan to work before applying.

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Overview: Mississippi Electrical Licensing

Mississippi's electrical licensing works on two levels:

1. MSBOC (Mississippi State Board of Contractors): Licenses commercial and residential contractors, including electrical contractor classifications, for contracting work above statutory dollar thresholds.
2. Municipalities: Individual journeyman and master electrician licensing is handled by city and county building departments, including Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg.

Most exams are based on recent NEC editions, with NEC 2023 common. Mississippi's largest employment centers for licensed electricians include Jackson, Gulfport/Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Tupelo.

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Types of Mississippi Electrician Licenses

Mississippi credentials break down as follows:

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Journeyman Electrician License Requirements

To qualify for a municipal Journeyman Electrician license in Mississippi:

Work Experience: Documented on-the-job electrical training under a licensed electrician. Verify the current OJT hour requirement with the local building department.

Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Application: Submit a completed application with experience documentation and fees to the city or county building department.

Examination: Pass the journeyman electrician exam required by the jurisdiction (typically open book and NEC-based).

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Electrical Contractor License (MSBOC)

To contract for electrical work above the statutory dollar thresholds in Mississippi, you must obtain a contractor license with an electrical classification from the MSBOC. Requirements include:

• A qualifying party who passes the required trade exam
• Passing the required business and law exam
• Meeting financial and insurance requirements
• Application and fees

Verify current requirements at msboc.us.

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The Exam: Format & Preparation

Municipal journeyman exams and MSBOC contractor trade exams are generally:

• Format: Multiple-choice, open book
• Code Reference: NEC (bring a tabbed, highlighted copy of the edition your jurisdiction uses)
• Passing Score: Verify with the applicable board or jurisdiction before scheduling
• Scheduling: Contact the MSBOC or the local building department for exam scheduling information

Preparation Tips:

• Study NEC Articles 100, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 300, 310, 410, and 430
• Practice load calculations under Articles 220 and 430
• Learn Tables 310.16, 250.122, and 220.12
• Tab and highlight your NEC codebook by article
• Take timed practice exams before your test date

Our NEC 2023 practice questions cover the content areas tested on Mississippi's electrical exams.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

For Journeyman (municipal):

1. Accumulate qualifying OJT hours (verify with the local building department)
2. Submit your application with documentation and fees to the city or county
3. Pass the journeyman exam
4. Receive your local license and renew on the jurisdiction's schedule

For Contractor (MSBOC):

1. Identify the electrical classification you need
2. Submit your MSBOC application with documentation, financials, insurance, and fees
3. Pass the required trade and business exams
4. Receive your contractor license, renew annually

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Fees

Verify all fees with the applicable authority before submitting:

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Reciprocity & Endorsement

The MSBOC has reciprocity arrangements for certain contractor trade exams with some states, and municipal journeyman reciprocity is decided city by city. Contact the MSBOC and the local building department to determine eligibility and documentation requirements.

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Mississippi Electrical Market Outlook

Mississippi's electrical market is anchored by several key sectors:

• Jackson metro, state capital, healthcare (University of Mississippi Medical Center), and commercial construction
• Gulfport/Biloxi: Gulf Coast casino and hospitality construction; significant hurricane recovery and rebuilding work
• Hattiesburg, university (University of Southern Mississippi) and healthcare construction
• Tupelo, manufacturing and furniture industry facilities
• Agricultural infrastructure, poultry processing plant and farm facility electrical work throughout the state
• Port facilities: Port of Gulfport electrical infrastructure and expansion

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Official Resources

• MSBOC (Contractor Licensing): msboc.us
• Municipal licensing: Contact the building department in Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, or the city where you plan to work
• NEC 2023 Codebook: Available at NFPA.org or major electrical supply houses

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Ready to Pass the Mississippi Exam?

GetLicenseReady's NEC 2023 practice questions cover the code articles and calculation types tested on Mississippi's electrical exams.

Related reading: How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License? | Journeyman vs. Master Electrician: What's the Difference? | How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try