Thinking about leveling up your plumbing career in Mississippi? Earning yourMaster Plumber License in MSis a major milestone—it opens doors to higher pay, business ownership, and greater professional respect. But if you’re wondering, “How do I get my Master Plumber License in MS?” you’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople feel overwhelmed by the process. Don’t worry—we’ve broken it down step by step, with all the official details you need to succeed.
What Is a Master Plumber License in Mississippi?
AMaster Plumber License in Mississippi authorizes you to perform all types of plumbing work—including design, installation, repair, and inspection—without supervision. Unlike a Journeyman license, which requires oversight from a Master, this credential lets you pull permits, run your own plumbing business, and even supervise apprentices.
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) oversees all plumbing licensing, including Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice levels. They enforce the Mississippi Contractor’s Licensing Law and align their standards with the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
💡 Pro Tip: Always verify license status or file complaints through the official MSBOC website—never rely on third-party sites.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Master Plumber License in MS
Here’s the exact roadmap to becoming a licensed Master Plumber in Mississippi as of 2026:
Step 1: Gain Required Work Experience
You must have at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of full-time plumbing experience as a Journeyman under a licensed Master Plumber in Mississippi or a reciprocal state.
Part-time work doesn’t count toward the total.
Military plumbing experience may be considered—submit DD-214 forms for evaluation.
Apprenticeship hours do not count unless you held a valid Journeyman license during that time.
📌 Note: Mississippi does not accept out-of-state Journeyman licenses unless from a reciprocal state (e.g., Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee). Verify reciprocity before applying.
Step 2: Hold a Valid Journeyman Plumber License in MS
You must already be a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Mississippi for at least one year before applying for Master status.
If you’re licensed elsewhere, you’ll likely need to take the MS Journeyman exam first—unless your state has reciprocity.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Submit the Master Plumber License Application through the MSBOC portal. Required documents include:
Proof of 4 years’ Journeyman experience (signed by employers)
Copy of your current Journeyman license
$100 application fee (non-refundable)
Background check consent form
Processing takes 7–10 business days. Incomplete applications are rejected without refund.
Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Master Plumber Exam
Once approved, you’ll receive an exam eligibility notice. You must schedule your test through PSI Exams, the state’s testing vendor.
Exam cost: $75
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Passing score: 70% (70 correct answers)
The exam covers:
IPC and UPC code knowledge
Pipe sizing & venting
Backflow prevention
Gas piping systems
Drainage & waste systems
Business & law (contracts, liability, ethics)
📘 Study Resources:
NASCLA Plumbing Contractor Reference Manual
2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
MSBOC’s official exam content outline (downloadable PDF)
Step 5: Receive Your License & Maintain It
After passing, your Master Plumber License is issued within 5–7 business days. It’s valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually by June 30.
Renewal fee: $100
Continuing Education: Not currently required in MS, but highly recommended to stay updated on code changes.
Mississippi vs. Neighboring States: License Comparison
State
Experience Required
Exam Required?
Reciprocity with MS?
Mississippi
4 years as Journeyman
Yes
Yes (AL, AR, LA, TN)
Alabama
4 years total (2 as Journeyman)
Yes
✅
Louisiana
5 years
Yes
✅
Tennessee
4 years
Yes
✅
Arkansas
4 years
Yes
✅
Source: State contractor boards, 2026
This makes Mississippi one of the more accessible states for experienced plumbers in the Southeast—especially if you’re already licensed in a neighboring region.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants fail due to preventable errors:
Misreporting experience: Only count hours worked under a licensed Master.
Skipping code study: Over 60% of the exam is based on current plumbing codes.
Missing deadlines: Applications expire if you don’t sit for the exam within 90 days.
Ignoring background checks: Felonies related to fraud or safety may disqualify you.
⚠️ Warning: Working without a license in MS can result in fines up to $5,000 and legal action per MS Code § 31-3-15.
Why Get Licensed? The Real Benefits
Becoming a Master Plumber isn’t just about legality—it’s a smart career move:
Higher Earnings: Master plumbers in MS earn $65,000–$95,000/year, vs. $45,000–$60,000 for Journeymen (BLS, 2025).
Business Ownership: Only Masters can legally start a plumbing company in Mississippi.
Job Security: With aging infrastructure and new construction booming in cities like Jackson and Gulfport, demand is rising.
As plumbing expert Marcus Reed (20-year MS Master Plumber) says:
“Your license isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your reputation. It tells clients you’ve met the highest standard.”
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I get a Master Plumber License in MS with an out-of-state license?
Yes—but only if your state has reciprocity with Mississippi (currently Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee). You’ll still need to pass the Mississippi-specific business/law portion of the exam.
Q2: How much does it cost to get a Master Plumber License in Mississippi?
Total costs range from $175–$250, including:
Application fee: $100
Exam fee: $75
Optional prep courses: $0–$75
No hidden fees if you apply directly through MSBOC.
Q3: Is there a separate gas plumbing endorsement in MS?
No. Mississippi includes gas piping systems in the standard Master Plumber exam. If you pass, you’re authorized to work on both water and gas lines.
Q4: How long does the entire process take?
From application to license issuance: 4–8 weeks, assuming you’re already eligible and pass the exam on your first try. Delays usually happen due to incomplete paperwork or rescheduling exams.
Q5: Do I need liability insurance?
Not to get the license—but you must carry general liability insurance ($50,000 minimum) if you operate your own plumbing business. MSBOC verifies this during business license inspections.
Q6: Can felons get a plumbing license in Mississippi?
It depends. MSBOC reviews criminal history case-by-case. Non-violent, non-fraud offenses may be approved, especially if >5 years have passed. Disclose everything upfront—hiding records leads to automatic denial.
Conclusion
So, how do you get your Master Plumber License in MS? By meeting experience requirements, holding a valid Journeyman license, passing a rigorous exam, and staying compliant with state rules. It’s challenging—but absolutely worth it for your career, income, and credibility.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about mastering your trade. Now take the next step: ✅ Download the MSBOC application ✅ Enroll in a prep course ✅ Schedule your exam
And if this guide helped you, share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit! Let’s build a stronger, safer plumbing community across Mississippi—one licensed pro at a time.
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