Commercial Building Contractor

Mississippi Commercial Building Contractor License

A Commercial Building Contractor license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) is required to build or supervise any commercial project exceeding $50,000 — and it's the only MSBOC classification that lets you self-perform every specialty trade under the Building category without holding separate licenses.

Broadest Construction Authority MSBOC Issues

The Commercial Building Contractor classification covers general construction of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, plus residential structures costing more than $50,000. Because it's a major classification, it includes all Building specialty trades — framing, masonry, drywall, roofing, painting, and others — so you don't need separate specialty licenses for each trade your crews perform.

$50,000 Net Worth and Insurance Before MSBOC Will Accept Your Application

• Net worth: $50,000 minimum, documented through CPA-reviewed and signed financial statements
• General liability: $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate
• Workers' compensation: Required when you employ five or more workers

Two PSI Exams Before MSBOC Issues the License

Pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam and the Building trade exam, both administered by PSI. Both exams are open-book; a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. PSI provides the exam fee schedule in the Candidate Information Bulletin, which MSBOC sends to applicants after submission.

$400 a Year to Stay Active; $100 per Additional Classification

Renew every 12 months with MSBOC at $400. Each additional specialty classification costs $100. Let the license lapse and you'll owe a $50 late fee on top of the renewal — and you cannot legally take on new commercial work while unlicensed.

Operating Without a License Is a Misdemeanor Under § 31-3-21

Contracting commercially in Mississippi without an active MSBOC license is a misdemeanor. Conviction under Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-21 carries a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months per offense.