All states · Mississippi
Licensing in Mississippi
In Mississippi, beauty and barbers are licensed by the combined State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, massage therapists by the State Board of Massage Therapy, nurses by the Board of Nursing, and contractors by the State Board of Contractors.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Or apprenticeship | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | Every 2 years |
| Barber | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | Every 2 years |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | 1,200 hours | Every 2 years |
| Nail Technician | 350 hours | 700 hours | Every 2 years |
- Cosmetologists and barbers are licensed by one board — the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Practitioners need no CE at renewal; instructors need 24 hours every 2 years.
- Through December 31, 2026, the board reinstates without retesting practitioner licenses with 10+ years of experience that expired between April 2016 and April 2026.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | State Board of Massage Therapy | Massage school + exam |
- License renewal and CE verification are done through the board’s online portal.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Mississippi Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Mississippi Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | State Department of Health | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Mississippi has been in the Nurse Licensure Compact since July 1, 2001: residents get a multistate license.
- CNAs complete a state-approved training program and the NNAAP exam.
| License | Issued by | When required |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | State Board of Contractors | Projects over $50,000 |
| Residential — new construction | State Board of Contractors | Over $50,000 |
| Residential — remodel, addition, roofing | State Board of Contractors | Over $10,000 |
| Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing | State Board of Contractors | On residential work — same thresholds |
- Since July 1, 2022, electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors on residential work need a state license. A commercial license requires insurance of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Mississippi Secretary of State | Registration — file a Certificate of Formation |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Mississippi specifics
- One board for beauty and barbers. The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- Apprenticeship instead of school. It takes twice the hours: 3,000 for a cosmetologist.
- No CE for practitioners. Renewal every 2 years without required CE hours.
- License reinstatement. Through 2026 — without retesting for 10+ years of experience.
- Construction thresholds. Commercial and new homes from $50,000, remodeling from $10,000.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact since 2001. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Mississippi
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours.
Is CE required to renew a beauty license?
Not for practitioners; instructors need 24 hours every 2 years.
Do I need a license for home remodeling?
Yes, if the work is over $10,000.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy, Mississippi Board of Nursing, Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Mississippi Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.