Construction / HVAC Contractor License / Mississippi
- Mississippi
- HVAC Contractor
- Mechanical Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Mississippi HVAC Contractor License
Mississippi licenses HVAC contractors under its Mechanical Contractor classification. This page covers what the license allows, what you need to apply, the two exams and how reciprocity works.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Mississippi State Board of Contractors requirements
Application fee
$400
Includes one classification; plus $120 per PSI exam
Exam time
6 hrs
Mechanical (4 hrs) + Law & Business (2 hrs)
Time to get license
Varies
No minimum experience stated by our sources
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE currently required to renew
Overview
Do you need a Mississippi HVAC contractor license?
In Mississippi, HVAC contracting falls under the Mechanical Contractor license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. It covers heating, cooling and refrigeration work, plus plumbing. Confirm the job size that triggers licensing with the Board before you bid.
License required when
- You contract to install heating, cooling or refrigeration systems
- You install the piping and ductwork tied to that equipment
- You contract for plumbing work under the mechanical classification
- You want to bid as a mechanical contractor on Mississippi projects
Common exceptions
- Thresholds and exemptions are set by the Board, so confirm whether your job size needs a license
- Work done as an employee of a licensed contractor rather than as the contracting business
Penalties for unlicensed work
Specific penalty amounts aren’t covered here. In general, the Board can refuse, suspend or revoke licenses and take action against anyone contracting without the required license, so get licensed before you bid.
Your fast-track Mississippi HVAC contractor license checklist
The Mississippi application, one page
- Three reference letters, one from a bank
- List of projects from the last 3 years
- General liability certificate naming MSBOC
- Workers’ comp certificate if 5+ employees
- Secretary of State good standing (entities)
- Passing scores for Mechanical and Law & Business
Types
Mississippi HVAC contractor license types and classifications
Mississippi doesn’t issue a separate HVAC-only contractor license. HVAC contractors qualify under the Mechanical Contractor classification, which also includes plumbing.
MECH
HVAC + plumbing
Mechanical Contractor
All aspects of heating, cooling, refrigeration and associated equipment piping and ductwork, as well as plumbing work.
Exam
Law & Business + Mechanical
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Mississippi HVAC contractor license requirements, class by class
There is one classification for HVAC work, so every applicant meets the same list.
| Requirement | Mechanical Contractor |
|---|---|
| References | 3 letters, 1 from a bank or financial institution |
| Project history | All completed and incomplete projects, last 3 years |
| General liability | Certificate required, MSBOC listed as certificate holder |
| Workers’ comp | Required with 5 or more employees |
| Good standing | Secretary of State certificate for corporations, LLCs and LLPs |
| Exams | Law & Business + Mechanical Contractor (pre-approval required) |
| Experience | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Mississippi HVAC contractor license, step by step
- Gather your referencesBefore you apply
Line up three reference letters. One must come from a bank or financial institution, and the others from people or companies you’ve worked with on construction projects. - Pull together your paperworkBefore you apply
List every completed and incomplete project from the last three years. Get a general liability certificate naming MSBOC as certificate holder, workers’ comp if you have 5 or more employees, and a Secretary of State good standing certificate if you’re an entity. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore the exam
The Mechanical Contractor exam requires pre-approval from the testing agency before you can schedule it. - Pass both exams with PSIExam day
Schedule through PSI or call 855-557-0619. You’ll take the 4-hour Mechanical exam and the 2-hour Law & Business exam at a test center in one of the state’s larger cities. - Board reviewAfter the exams
PSI notifies the Board once you pass. The Board then processes and approves your application. - Receive your licenseBoard notice
The Board lets you know when your license is active.
Exam
What to expect on the Mississippi HVAC contractor exam
You need to pass two exams: Mississippi Law & Business Management, and the Mechanical Contractor trade exam. The exams are open book, and approved references can be tabbed and highlighted.
Format
Open book, test center
Questions
100 + 50
Passing score
70 of 100; 35 of 50
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Mechanical: 100 questions, 4 hours, 70 correct to pass
- Law & Business: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass
- Trade topics include boilers and hydronics, gas systems, refrigeration, load calculations, ducts, plumbing and fire sprinklers
- Business topics include licensing, lien law, contracts, tax and labor laws, and risk management
- Approved references can be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Retake fee: $120 per exam, the same PSI fee as your first attempt; waiting period not stated
- Pre-approval is required before scheduling the Mechanical exam
- Contact PSI at 855-557-0619 for scheduling and retakes
Exam references · Open book
Mississippi’s exams are open book. You can tab and highlight the approved references and use them during the test, but online course material isn’t allowed in the room. The list covers the Mechanical Contractor exam and the Business & Law exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Construction Industry Regulations — Mechanical exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Mechanical exam | 22nd edition | Allowed in exam |
| SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards: Metal and Flexible — Mechanical exam | 4th edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual N: Commercial Load Calculation — Mechanical exam | 5th edition | Allowed in exam |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Mechanical exam | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) — Mechanical exam | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — Mechanical exam | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code — Mechanical exam | 2020 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems — Mechanical exam | 2019 | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual D: Residential Duct Systems — Mechanical exam | 3rd edition | Allowed in exam |
| Pipefitters Handbook — Mechanical exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (Mississippi edition) — Business & Law exam | 6th edition | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best Mississippi HVAC contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Mississippi HVAC contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $400 |
| Mechanical Contractor exam | Fixed | $120 |
| Law & Business exam | Fixed | $120 |
| Reference books for the open-book exams | Variable | Varies |
| General liability and workers’ comp | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes books, insurance and extra classifications ($100 each) | $640 |
Fees from the MSBOC Schedule of Fees, application and renewal forms and the PSI Mississippi contractor candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Mississippi accept out-of-state HVAC contractor licenses?
Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with five states. Contact the Board to confirm exactly what is waived for your license.
Alabama — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Board to confirm which exams or requirements are waived.
Arkansas — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Board to confirm which exams or requirements are waived.
Louisiana — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Board to confirm which exams or requirements are waived.
South Carolina — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Board to confirm which exams or requirements are waived.
Tennessee — reciprocity agreement
Contact the Board to confirm which exams or requirements are waived.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and take both exams.
Local
Do Mississippi cities and counties have their own HVAC contractor licensing rules?
Your Mississippi Board of Contractors license is the state credential. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Mechanical contractor licenses
- Exams, through PSI
- Insurance and good standing on file
- Reciprocity with other states
City & county handle
- Building and mechanical permits
- Inspections
- Local business licenses
- Any local contractor registration
Governance
Who regulates HVAC contractors in Mississippi
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews contractor licenses, including Mechanical
- Reviews applications, references and insurance
- Works with PSI on licensing exams
- Manages reciprocity with other states
Maintenance
How to renew your Mississippi HVAC contractor license and keep it active
Commercial licenses renew every year for $400. No continuing education is currently required to renew a Mississippi mechanical contractor license. Keep your insurance certificates current, since the Board is notified if your coverage is canceled.
Renewal cycle
Annual
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$400
Late penalty
$50 ($450 total once expired)
FAQ
Mississippi HVAC contractor license FAQs
Does Mississippi have an HVAC contractor license?
HVAC contractors are licensed under the Mechanical Contractor classification. It covers heating, cooling, refrigeration and related piping and ductwork, plus plumbing.
What exams do I need to pass?
Two: the Mechanical Contractor exam (100 questions, 4 hours, 70 correct to pass) and Mississippi Law & Business Management (50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass).
Is the Mississippi mechanical exam open book?
Yes. Approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the exam.
How many reference letters do I need?
Three. One must come from a bank or financial institution, and the others from people or companies you’ve worked with on construction projects.
Do I need workers’ comp?
Only if you have 5 or more employees. Everyone needs a general liability certificate with MSBOC listed as certificate holder.
Is continuing education required?
No. Mississippi doesn’t currently require CE to renew.
Does Mississippi have reciprocity?
Yes, with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Tennessee. Contact the Board to confirm what’s waived.
Sources
Official sources for the Mississippi HVAC contractor license
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors
- PSI, contractor exam scheduling
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Schedule of Fees (PDF)
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Commercial Application (PDF)
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Commercial License Renewal Form (PDF)
- PSI, State of Mississippi Contractor Examinations Candidate Information Bulletin
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.