Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
If you want to become an electrician in Mississippi, your first step is to get the right training. Electricians work in every type of building—homes, offices, factories, and more. The work is steady, but you need skills, safety knowledge, and a license to do it legally.
Here’s how to get started and where to find the best electrician schools in Mississippi.
The state does not have a single electrician license for all work. Different cities and counties set their own rules for local work. However, Mississippi requires a state-level electrical contractor license if you will work on projects over a certain value for the public.
In general, the steps to start your career are:
Mississippi state rule: The Mississippi State Board of Contractors requires an Electrical Contractor’s license for public projects over 0,000 and private projects over 00,000. You must show proof of experience and pass a trade exam.1
When comparing electrician schools in Mississippi, focus on:
Here are some top options to start your training:
School | Program Type | Typical Completion Time |
---|---|---|
Mississippi Gulf Coast CC | AAS or Certificate | 1–2 years |
Hinds Community College | Certificate or Associate | 1–2 years |
Northwest Mississippi CC | Certificate or Associate | 1–2 years |
Pearl River CC | Certificate or Associate | 1–2 years |
Holmes Community College | Certificate or Associate | 1–2 years |
You can also go the apprenticeship route instead of a traditional classroom program. Many electricians train this way and earn while they learn.
Groups like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mississippi Chapter or local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) unions run state-approved apprenticeship programs. These generally last 4 years and combine classroom sessions with paid work experience.
Besides school and experience, Mississippi electricians must know the National Electrical Code and follow OSHA safety guidelines on the job.
Safety reminder: OSHA requires employers to train workers in electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, and personal protective equipment before starting electrical work.2
Keeping your OSHA training and NEC knowledge up to date will help you pass exams and keep you — and others — safe.
Both options can get you to the same spot—ready to apply for licensing.
Some people even combine both—taking a short trade program first, then joining an apprenticeship with stronger skills.
Choose a school with instructors who have recent field experience. Ask about graduate job placement rates and opportunities to connect with local contractors. Visit the campus if you can to see the labs in person.
If possible, line up your first job or apprenticeship before you graduate. That way, you move straight from training into the required work hours for licensing.
Here’s what to do next:
With the right training from a Mississippi electrician school or apprenticeship, you can start building skills that will keep you in steady work for years to come.
Mississippi State Board of Contractors – https://www.msboc.us ↩
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – https://www.osha.gov ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.