State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Mississippi

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Mississippi

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Mississippi

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Mississippi

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Mississippi?

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi?

9. Mississippi Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Mississippi Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Mississippi?

12. Do I Need to Renew My Mississippi Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Mississippi Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My Mississippi Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Mississippi

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Mississippi employs 460 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Mississippi is more than three times that at 21%. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started. 

Roofing License Requirements in Mississippi

Roofers performing work on commercial jobs over $50,000 or residential roofing projects over $10,000 are required to be licensed by the  Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). 

There are separate Mississippi contractor license applications for residential and commercial roofers. 

Types of Roofing Licenses in Mississippi

There are multiple classifications of commercial and residential contractor licenses. For commercial contractors, the major classification of “building” will cover contractors performing new construction, remodeling, or roofing. Or contractors can apply for the speciality classification, “roofing, sheet metal, and siding.”

There are three residential license  classifications: 

1. Residential building: New construction, remodeling, and roofing 

2. Residential remodeling: Remodeling and roofing 

3. Residential roofing: Roofing work only

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi 

Mississippi roofers seeking a residential or commercial roofing license must follow these steps:

1. Fill out commercial or residential application in blue or black ink only.

2. Attach required documents: Proof of employment for each qualifying party listed (check stub, w2, or Mississippi Secretary of State listing), 3 reference letters (1 must be from bank or financial institution), reviewed or audited financial statement (commercial applicants only), certificate of insurance for general liability insurance coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, certificate of worker’s compensation insurance coverage (for companies with five or more employees), certificate showing proof of good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State (for corporations, LLCs, and LLPs).

3. Include check or money order for application fee ($400 commercial, $50 residential).

4. Sign application and have it notarized.

5. Mail application and corresponding documents to MSBOC, P.O. Box 320279, Jackson MS, 39232.

6. Contact PSI to schedule required contractor exams: trade exam and Mississippi law and business management exam. 

7. If you pass, the application is submitted to the Board for review and approval. 

8. License is mailed to you at the address listed on application. 

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Mississippi

There are many benefits to getting a roofing contractor license in Mississippi.

• First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a state license. 

• A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

• Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.

• Having a license protects your company and customers.

• Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

• It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Mississippi?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $39,790 for those in  Mississippi. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a  roofer in Mississippi is $17.87 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year. The annual salary is listed as $41,676.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based,  all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.

• Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.

• Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.

• The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.

• Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.

• Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi?

Getting started in the roofing field in Mississippi is relatively affordable. Since there’s no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. Obtaining the required license comes with a $400 application fee for commercial applicants and $50 for Mississippi residential applicants.

A major classification allows the license holder to perform the specialty classifications noted beneath its category. Applicants who do not desire a major classification can choose an unlimited number of specialty classifications. One selection is included with the application fee, and each additional classification requires a $100 fee.

There’s also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so this will only affect you if you open your own business.

How to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi

Obtaining a roofing license in Mississippi requires filling out an application and passing the appropriate exams. All applicants must take the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam. A general building contractor may choose to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building or the Mississippi Building Construction exam.

The trade exams for the different classifications are: 

• Remodeling

• Residential builder

• Residential remodeler

• Residential roofer

You will also need to provide proof of employment for each qualifying party listed ,  3   reference letters, and a reviewed or audited financial statement for commercial applicants.  General liability insurance coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate is also required at the time of application, and a certificate showing proof of good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State for corporations, LLCs, and LLPs.

Companies with five or more employees  must have worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

The signed application must be  notarized and  a check or money order  in the amount of $50 for residential or $400 for commercial applications must be included.

Once applicants pass the required exams and receive Board approval the license will be mailed to them. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Mississippi?

Since there are no education or experience requirements to become a roofing contractor in Mississippi, there’s no set amount of time it takes to obtain a roofing license. If you choose to pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program.

Mississippi Roofer Training Programs and Schools 

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout The Magnolia State that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options:

East Mississippi Community College | Mayhew Construction Engineering Vocational Certificate — 1 year

Hinds Community College | Raymond | Carpentry Technology Career Certificate — 30 credit hours Carpentry Technology Technical Certificate — 45 credit hours AAS Carpentry Technology — 2 years

Holmes Community College | Goodman | AAS Construction Technology — 2 years Meridian Community College | Meridian Construction Trades Certificate — 1 year

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Gulfport | AAS Construction Engineering Technology — 2 years

Mississippi State University | Starkville | BS Building Construction Science — 4 years

Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville AAS Construction Engineering Technology — 2 years

Pearl River Community College | Hattiesburg | Commercial and Residential Construction Career Certificate — 1 year

Southwest Mississippi Community College | Summit | Residential Carpentry Certificate — 1 year

The University of Southern Mississippi BS Construction Management — 4 years

Mississippi Roofing Licensing Exam Details

The MSBOC contracts with Professional Testing Inc. (PSI) to manage  licensing exams for the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Upon receiving application materials, the Board will send you a PSI Candidate Information Bulletin  and notify PSI of your eligibility to sit for an exam. PSI will email a confirmation notice.  

The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin contains all the information for registering for and scheduling an exam, along with a listing of exam prep reference materials and exam content outlines.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Mississippi? 

The MSBOC issues commercial and residential remodeling licenses in Mississippi. It provides a detailed video outlining the application process.

Do I Need to Renew My Mississippi Roofing License?

Licenses must be renewed annually. This can be done  online or through a paper application. Commercial license renewal costs $400, and residential license renewal costs $100.

Continuing Education

Each qualifying party for a residential license must complete two credit hours of continuing education each year. Classes must be taught by a board-approved provider or instructor.

Does Mississippi Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Mississippi holds reciprocity agreements with several states. If you have held a license for one year in one of the following reciprocating states, you won’t have to take the trade exam. You will still be required to complete the license application and take the Mississippi Business and Law exam.

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Florida

• Georgia

• Louisiana

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

Does My Mississippi Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

Yes, because Mississippi holds license reciprocity with the states listed above , not only can your license in those states help you get licensed in Mississippi  but your Mississippi license can help you get licensed in those states as well. Review each state’s licensing guidelines for the specifics.

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. It and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Mississippi through the  Mississippi Roofing Contractors Association or the Residential Roofing Contractors Association of Mississippi.

Other Requirements Unique to Mississippi

Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels. 

In Mississippi, asbestos regulations must be followed in any commercial roofing projects. This requires a pre-renovation inspection, notification to the  Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality if asbestos-containing materials are found, and abatement. 

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.