Mississippi Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Mississippi electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Mississippi.
Quick Answer
Mississippi does not issue a single statewide electrician license. Requirements and exam format are set locally by each city or county, so verify the details with the jurisdiction where you plan to work. Mississippi electricians earn about $43,080 per year ($20.71 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Mississippi Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Varies by municipality
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$65
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Mississippi Electrician License Overview
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 by cities such as Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. Mississippi's construction market is anchored by Jackson, Gulfport/Biloxi, and Hattiesburg, with the Gulf Coast casino and tourism industry, agricultural processing facilities, and port infrastructure creating diverse electrical employment opportunities.
Mississippi Electrician License Types
Municipal Journeyman Electrician
City-issued license for electrical work within that jurisdiction, under supervision.
Requirements: Documented OJT experience under a licensed electrician. Pass the exam required by the city (typically open book, NEC-based). Apply through the local building department in Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, or the city where you plan to work.
Municipal Master Electrician
City-issued license to supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work within that jurisdiction.
Requirements: Set by the jurisdiction. Typically requires holding a local journeyman license plus additional experience and a local exam.
Electrical Contractor (MSBOC)
Contractor license with an electrical classification, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for commercial and residential contracting above statutory dollar thresholds.
Requirements: Qualifying party must pass the required trade exam and a business and law exam. Meet financial and insurance requirements. Verify current requirements at msboc.us.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Documented on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. Verify the current OJT hour requirement with the local building department where you plan to work.
Master Requirements
Set by each municipality; typically requires holding a local journeyman license plus additional experience and a local exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Mississippi has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Jackson (IBEW Local 480) and other markets. ABC of Mississippi also operates programs.
License Reciprocity
There is no statewide individual license, so individual reciprocity is decided city by city. The MSBOC has reciprocity arrangements for certain contractor trade exams with some states. Contact the MSBOC (msboc.us) and the local building department to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
MSBOC contractor licenses: 1 year (annual). Municipal licenses: varies by city.
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements with the MSBOC and the local jurisdiction
Renewal Fee
Verify current fees with the MSBOC (msboc.us) and the local jurisdiction
Important Notes
Mississippi has separate renewal processes for the MSBOC contractor license and municipal individual licenses. Make sure you renew both if applicable.
MississippiElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$43,080/year
$20.71/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $28,310 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $60,790 (90th percentile)
Mississippi employs approximately 8,000 electricians. The Gulf Coast (Gulfport/Biloxi) casino and tourism sector, Port of Gulfport expansion, Jackson healthcare construction, and agricultural processing facilities across the state all contribute to electrical employment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Varies by municipality
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Mississippi-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Mississippi Electrician License FAQ
Does Mississippi have a statewide journeyman or master license?
No. 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 classifications, while individual journeyman and master licensing is handled by municipalities such as Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg.
Is the Mississippi electrician exam open book?
Most municipal exams and MSBOC trade exams are open book and NEC-based. Confirm the format and code edition with the local building department or the MSBOC before scheduling.
How much do electricians make in Mississippi?
The statewide average is about $43,080/year, one of the lower averages nationally. Gulf Coast and Jackson metro electricians earn more, especially on large commercial projects.
Does Mississippi have reciprocity with neighboring states?
The MSBOC has reciprocity arrangements for certain contractor trade exams with some states, and municipal reciprocity is decided city by city. Contact the MSBOC (msboc.us) and the local building department to confirm current terms.
Which NEC edition does Mississippi use?
Most Mississippi jurisdictions base their codes and exams on recent NEC editions, with NEC 2023 common. Confirm the edition with the local jurisdiction.
Common Questions About the Mississippi Electrician License
How much does the Mississippi electrician license exam cost?
Exam fees in Mississippi are set by each local jurisdiction. Check with the city or county building department where you plan to work.
Who administers the Mississippi electrician license exam?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) oversees electrician licensing in Mississippi, and exams are administered locally by each jurisdiction.
How much do electricians make in Mississippi?
Mississippi electricians earn about $43,080 per year ($20.71 per hour). Entry level pay is around $28,310 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $60,790 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Mississippi?
Documented on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. Verify the current OJT hour requirement with the local building department where you plan to work.
Does Mississippi have electrician license reciprocity?
There is no statewide individual license, so individual reciprocity is decided city by city. The MSBOC has reciprocity arrangements for certain contractor trade exams with some states. Contact the MSBOC (msboc.us) and the local building department to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Mississippi's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Mississippi Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
MSBCC contractor and MSBEC journeyman license requirements and exam.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Mississippi exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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