In this guide, learn everything you need to know to get your Mississippi HVAC license. Get information on the requirements and how to pass the exam.

Do you need a license in Mississippi to become an HVAC technician?

Yes, you need an HVAC contractor license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to perform work within the state.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

Residential HVAC License

A residential license allows a technician to work on installing, repairing, or maintaining heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in residential homes. 

Commercial HVAC License

Mississippi requires a commercial license for people working on projects in a commercial setting that cost more than $50,000. However, some cities require technicians to have this license for any commercial project, even if it is under $50,000. 

EPA License

An EPA license or refrigerant license allows the technician to work with refrigerants. 

NATE Certification

A NATE Certification is not a requirement, but many commercial and residential technicians choose to get this certification. It proves that the HVAC technician has undergone additional training and produces quality work.

Average salaries for HVAC professionals in Mississippi

The mean salary for a Mississippi HVAC contractor is $47,420 per year, although hourly wages can range from $22.85 to $28.73 (plus overtime, which averages $6,750 per year). HVAC Supervisors earn an average base salary of $63,986 per year.

Specialty licenses often enable you to command a higher wage. For example, NATE-certified technicians tend to be paid about $10,000 higher per year. A commercial license often results in a salary that is 20% higher than a residential license. Technicians who have an EPA license without an HVAC contractor license can earn an average of $24-$34 per hour.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Demand for HVAC technicians in Mississippi continues to grow, and their pay rises at very favorable rates. You can learn how to safely work with dangerous equipment and discover the best way to handle massive industrial products. As you study and prepare for your license, you will get the education you need to launch your career.

A license allows you to prove your intelligence, experience, and training to future clients and employers. Since licensed HVAC technicians provide higher quality work, they can command higher fees and increase your overall salary.

Having a Mississippi HVAC license also provides you with plenty of freedom. You can pick the projects you want to work on. Technicians have the independence to set their own schedule, too.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Mississippi?

If you are getting the commercial HVAC license, you will need to pay an initial fee of $400, plus $100 for each sub-classification license you need.

A residential Mississippi HVAC license application costs $50.

You also will need liability insurance to cover any potential issues when working on jobs and provide a certificate of insurance evidencing current minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Fees range from $100 to $300. Finally, you need to submit proof that you have a net worth of at least $20,000 ($50,000 for major classification licensure). You do not have to pay this amount, but you will need to save it up in the months leading up to your license.

How to get an HVAC license in Mississippi

To get a Mississippi HVAC license, you start by submitting proof that you meet all the basic requirements. The basic requirements to get a license include proof of financial responsibility, proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and relevant education and experience. This application is submitted 30 days before one of the state’s four annual Board of Contractors meetings in January, April, July, or October.

Mississippi does not have any HVAC license education requirements beyond graduating high school. You just need some experience in HVAC work.

There is no set requirement for the amount or type of experience you need. Instead, list the three past jobs you have done in relevant fields, and the licensing board reviews the jobs for qualified experience. 

You can get experience by training at schools like Delta Technical College or the Career Development Center. Training tends to cost about $150 per course. Others choose to purchase their own tools and work as apprentices or assistants for contractors.

After showing you meet basic contractor requirements and possess relevant HVAC experience, it will be time for your exams. These exams are run by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. You need to take at least two exams, one in law and business and one in general HVAC topics. 

Both exams are open book, so you can bring in copies of the International Mechanical Code and OSHA Code of Federal Regulations. The state board recommends you study by signing up for a prep course with American Contractors or Mississippi Contractor Licensing Service.

The HVAC examination is an 80-question exam. You must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions within four hours to pass the exam. Test topics will cover basic HVAC techniques, including AC units, heat pumps, chimneys, ducts, boilers, piping, and gas systems. The law and business exam is a 50-question exam with a two-hour time limit, and you need to get 70%  of your answers correct. The exam reviews the basics of tax laws, labor laws, project management, business contracts, and workplace safety.

Once you get your license, you must renew it every few years. You do not have to take any continuing education or training classes.  You will pay a small fee to renew your license. The state will send a letter to your address to notify you 60 days before you need to renew the license.