Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi doesn't license carpenters as a trade. Contractors need a license from Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
State license · By ChiselJobs Team · Updated
In short
Mississippi does not license carpenters, but contractors need a license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors above set job sizes. Commercial work over $50,000 needs a commercial license, new homes over $50,000 a Residential Builder license, and remodeling over $10,000 a Residential Remodeler license. Applicants pass a law and business exam plus a trade exam, and licenses renew every year. Commercial contractors carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate in liability insurance; residential licenses have no minimum. Under the Military Family Freedom Act, the state recognizes out-of-state licenses for military members and families.
Key facts
| Carpenter license | No |
| Licensing level | State |
| General contractor license | Commercial license |
| Residential contractor license | Residential Builder |
| Home improvement registration | Residential Remodeler |
| When a license is needed | Commercial over $50,000; new home over $50,000; remodel over $10,000 |
| Carpentry classification | None |
| Exam | Law & Business + trade |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
Exam
| Exam provider | PSI (for MSBOC) |
| Format | Open book |
Mississippi State Board of Contractors: all exams administered by PSI and open book (trade exams plus business and law).
- Source: msboc.us · checked November 6, 2026
Bond and insurance
| Insurance minimum | Commercial: $300k per occurrence / $600k aggregate; residential: no minimum |
Reviewed financial statement shows net worth. All applicants must carry general liability with MSBOC listed; residential has no minimum coverage.
Military and out-of-state licenses
| Universal recognition law | Universal Recognition of Occupational Licensure Act (Miss.) |
| Board applies it | Yes (MSBOC reciprocity page cites the Act) |
| Military experience credit | Military-trained applicants may apply by reciprocity (Military Family Freedom Act) |
| Military spouses | Out-of-state licenses recognized for military members and families (Military Family Freedom Act); notify office at application |
Reciprocity requires a current license, a prior exam and no discipline in the last year.
- Source: msboc.us · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (no state agency) |
Programs register through the Office of Apprenticeship; use the Partner Finder for local sponsors.
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026