Licensing Guides
Mississippi Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Mississippi
Electrical, MS
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost for Electrician Licensing in Mississippi?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License in Mississippi?
Does My Mississippi Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Being an electrician isn’t just a job, it’s a solid career path. Electrical contractors enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities and earn a respectable income. There’s also job security—customers will always need skilled trade professionals to install and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses.
The process of becoming an electrician takes time, but you get paid while you learn and gain experience!
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Electrical Contractor License Requirements for Mississippi
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Mississippi? Yes.
A license is required to perform electrical work in the state of Mississippi. Most Mississippi electrician licenses, similar to journeyman electrician licenses in other states, are issued on a local level and allow you to work in a specific jurisdiction. However, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) issues state electrical contractor licenses.
Steps to Get an Electrician License in Mississippi
Gain the necessary work experience and classroom training.
Earn a primary electrician license in your local municipality.
Consider obtaining an electrical contractor license.
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: In Mississippi, most applicants complete an apprenticeship program (either union or non-union) to earn a primary electrician license in their local municipality. This license is often similar to a journeyman electrician license in other states.
State-approved apprenticeship programs require 8,000 hours (about five years) of full-time work experience, along with 1,000 hours of classroom-based training. Some jurisdictions require you to register as an electrical apprentice.
Other common apprenticeship requirements include providing copies of your Social Security card, driver’s license, and birth certificate, as well as your high school diploma or GED. Some applicants may need to pass an aptitude test and provide proof of a passing algebra grade.
Some apprenticeship opportunities (including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing) are available through the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation, as well as the Mid-South Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors.
EARN A PRIMARY LICENSE IN YOUR LOCAL JURISDICTION: Once you've completed the required work experience and classroom hours, contact your local electrical board or licensing board to take the primary electrician licensing exam for your jurisdiction.
Licensing application fees vary by city and county. In the city of Southaven, for example, the journeyman electrician licensing application fee is $50. The issuing municipality maintains jurisdiction over how often a primary license needs to be renewed.
CONSIDER BECOMING AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: Licensed contractors must earn either a four-year electrical degree and perform one year of full-time work experience under the supervision of a master electrician, or four years of supervised work experience under a master electrician, along with electrical trade school certification.
Electrical contractors can obtain licenses in two categories: residential or commercial. Additional classification can be added to your contractor license by filling out the appropriate application. Electrical contractors can bid on jobs and hire other licensed electricians to work for their company.
Businesses, corporations, and LLCs must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office. Information on tax ID numbers can be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Electrical contractors must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage and workers' compensation insurance. Other required documents to apply for an electrical contractor’s license include: reference letters from previous construction jobs and your bank, as well as proof of employment.
Electrical contractors must pass two license exams: the master electrician exam and the Mississippi law/business management exam.
Types of Electrical Licensure in Mississippi
Mississippi offers several different types of electrician licenses. Primary electrician licenses are issued on a local level by individual cities/counties. Electrical contractor licenses are issued by the state for either residential contractors or commercial contractors. Becoming an electrical contractor involves passing a master electrician exam.
Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Electrician in Mississippi
The average electrician in Mississippi earns $22.23 per hour, or $46,238.40 per year.
There are many benefits you’ll see from pursuing a Mississippi electrician license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Mississippi to be licensed through the state or by local municipalities to legally perform electrical work. Properly trained electricians throughout the United States are well-versed in fire prevention measures, as well as electrical distribution systems.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed electricians can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Securing a license protects your company and customers.
An electrician license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost for Electrician Licensing in Mississippi?
To study electrical trade coursework or earn an electrical associate degree in Mississippi, most community colleges or trade schools typically cost about $3,000 per year, plus books and other study materials. Some specialty technical schools can cost upwards of $16,000 per academic year.
Licensing fees for primary electrician licenses vary by municipality. The cost to take the two-part statewide electrical contractor exam is $240. After that, electrical contractor licensing fees vary, depending on commercial or residential status. A list of fees is available on the Mississippi State Board of Contractors website.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License in Mississippi?
Earning a primary electrician license in your local jurisdiction usually takes about five years of full-time electrical trade work experience, as well as 1,000 hours of classroom-based instruction. After that, you can pursue a state-level electrical contractor license in either a residential or commercial capacity.
Mississippi Electrician Training Programs and Schools
Many community colleges, trade schools, technical and vocational schools offer the type of training you need to become an electrical professional in Mississippi. They are located all over the state, including in bigger cities and smaller communities.
Courses typically offered at an electrical trade school include:
Commercial Wiring
Residential Wiring
Industrial Wiring
AC and DC Circuits
Branch Circuit and Service Entrance Calculations
Electrical Drawings and Schematics
Motor Control Systems
Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Solid State Motor Control
Programmable Logic Controllers
Some Mississippi electrical schools include:
Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit offers an associate program in electrical technology.
Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville offers an associate program in electrical technology.
Pearl River Community College in Poplarville offers an electrical technology certificate program, as well as an associate degree program in electronics engineering technology.
Program Prerequisites: Program prerequisites vary. Most programs, however, require you to be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a passing Algebra grade.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you'll gain an understanding of electrical standards, as well as math and scientific principles. Electricians need keen eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, as well as proper time management skills. They also need to have good customer service skills, be able to work independently, have good physical endurance, and use logical problem-solving techniques. Electricians also learn how to read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
Mississippi Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Primary electrician trade exams are administered by individual cities and counties. Generally speaking, exams are open book and a passing score ranges from 70-75%. Most tests are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), and cover the following topics:
General Electrical Knowledge
Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Electrical Power
Motors
Low Voltage
Lighting
Illuminated Signs
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Safety Information
Overcurrent Protection
The electrical contractor exam contains two parts: master electrician and Mississippi law/business management. Taking both parts of the test costs $240.
The master electrician portion of the exam contains 80 questions you must answer within three hours. A passing score is at least 70%. Exam topics are similar to those in primary electrician exams. The master electrician exam is open book and applicants can use the National Electrical Code (NEC), Ugly’s Electrical References, and OSHA’s federal regulations for reference.
The law and business management portion of the exam contains 50 questions you must answer within two hours. A passing score is at least 70%.
Exam topics include:
Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Lien Law
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Labor Laws
Project Management
Contracts
Business Organization
Risk Management
Environmental and Safety
Mississippi serves as an administering state agency for the accredited electrical examination program offered by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). A candidate information bulletin pertaining to the state of Mississippi contractor exam is available through PSI, a testing administrator. A master electrical contractor can take the NASCLA accredited electrical examination in lieu of the Mississippi master electrical exam.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Mississippi?
Most Mississippi electrician licenses, including those like journeyman electrician licenses in other states, are issued on a local level and allow you to work in a specific jurisdiction. However, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors issues state electrical contractor licenses.
Does My Mississippi Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Yes! The Mississippi State Board of Contractors offers reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
National Electrician Certifications
While optional, national certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency in certain aspects of the electrical trade to potential employers and clients, which often translates into more job opportunities and higher pay.
These include the Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) distinction, certification through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among dozens of additional electrician certifications available.
Electrician Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
