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Mississippi’s building construction license is a major credential that covers the construction, expansion, alteration, renovation, and rehabilitation of commercial buildings, single-family homes, and multi-dwelling structures. It also covers landscaping and projects involving driveways, walkways, parking lots, and much more. 

This license, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, is required for contractors and subcontractors who wish to take commercial jobs of $50,000 or more. What can you do to obtain this license? 

Licensing Requirements

When you apply for a building construction license, you must submit several key documents, starting with an accounting of your complete and incomplete projects within the last three years.  

You must also submit three letters of reference. One should be from a financial institution, and two should be from coworkers or supervisors in the construction industry. Your application must also include a financial statement prepared by a CPA within the 12 months prior to application and proof of suitable insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation).  

Finally, if you own a corporation, LLC, or LLP, you must provide certification from the Mississippi Secretary of State proving good standing. Once you have submitted all required paperwork, you must pass the trade and business exams. 

Mississippi Licensing Exams

Mississippi requires construction professionals to pass a trade exam, although they have two options. The first is the Mississippi Building Construction Exam, which is administered by the state. This open-book test consists of 80 questions covering topics like: 

• Site work 
• Concrete 
• Masonry 
• Metals 
• Carpentry 
• Thermal and moisture protection 
• Doors and windows 
• Finishes 
• Safety 
• General code, plan reading, and estimating 
• Mississippi One Call 

You will have 180 minutes to complete the exam. For a passing score, you must answer at least 56 questions correctly.  

In lieu of the state exam, you may take the NASCLA-Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor Exam, which is a national test recognized in several states. This open-book test consists of 115 questions covering topics like: 

• Planning and estimating 
• Financial and project management 
• Safety 
• Site construction 
• Concrete 
• Masonry 
• Metals 
• Wood foundations and framing 
• Thermal moisture protection 
• Doors, windows, and glazing 
• Finishes 
• Specialty equipment and conveyance systems 

You will have 5.5 hours to complete this exam, and you must answer a minimum of 81 questions correctly to pass.  

Regardless of which trade exam you take, you must also pass the state Law and Business Management Exam. This open-book test features 50 questions on topics like: 

• Licensing 
• Estimating and bidding 
• Lien law 
• Financial management 
• Tax laws 
• Labor laws 
• Project management 
• Contracts 
• Business organization 
• Risk management 
• Environmental and safety 

You must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass this 120-minute exam. 

Exam Prep That Makes a Difference

It’s natural to feel anxious about exams that could determine the course of your professional life. The right exam prep provides the best chance to pass your licensing test on the first try. With 24/7 access to online courses, working professionals can go at their own pace, learning at their leisure. 

Is it time to take the next step in your career by obtaining a building construction license in Mississippi? Contact RocketCert now to get started.