Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor examination with a focused book package built around the technical references identified for the current PSI Communication Systems trade exam. This package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, low-voltage technicians, telecommunications installers, cable professionals, sound-system installers, and experienced tradespeople preparing for Mississippi's Communication Systems specialty contractor classification.

The Mississippi Communication Systems classification covers low-voltage electrical systems, excluding alarm systems. The official Mississippi State Board of Contractors scope includes installation, service, and maintenance of communication and low-voltage systems that are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. Examples include telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, computer installations, closed-circuit video systems, music systems, satellite dish antennas, and other low-voltage installations within the classification scope.

This exam book package brings together the references used to prepare for those technical areas. The package includes National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020; Code of Federal Regulations, 47-Telecommunications, Latest Edition; Telecommunications Wiring, 3rd Edition, 2001; Live Sound Reinforcement; and Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook.

Because the Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor exam is open book, candidates should become familiar with the references before test day. Effective preparation involves more than owning the books. Candidates should practice identifying the subject of a question, selecting the correct reference, and locating the relevant article, table, section, diagram, or technical discussion efficiently.

This is the standard Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor Exam Book Package. Highlighting, tabbing, course access, Application Service, and other services are not included unless specifically identified in another 1 Exam Prep package.

What You Get

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
• Code of Federal Regulations, 47-Telecommunications, Latest Edition
• Telecommunications Wiring, 3rd Edition, 2001
• Live Sound Reinforcement
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook

Together, these references support preparation in low-voltage electrical work, telecommunications wiring, communications systems, sound reinforcement, conductor and cable installation, electrical code compliance, power supplies, grounding and bonding, and related trade knowledge.

Exam Details

The Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor examination is administered through PSI as part of the contractor licensing process associated with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, commonly known as MSBOC. Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical is identified by MSBOC as a specialty classification that requires a trade examination.

The current PSI examination outline lists 50 questions. Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the examination, and the minimum passing score is 70%.

The published content outline divides the examination into six subject areas. Sound and Communications includes 23 questions. Services, Feeders, Branch Circuits and Overcurrent Protection includes 6 questions. Conductors, Raceways and Enclosures includes 6 questions. General Knowledge and Calculations includes 8 questions. Grounding and Bonding includes 4 questions. Power Supplies includes 3 questions.

Sound and Communications is the largest portion of the exam, representing nearly half of the 50 questions. Candidates should spend substantial study time on telecommunications systems, structured wiring, signal distribution, sound systems, cable installation, and related communication-system knowledge.

General Knowledge and Calculations is another important area. Candidates should be comfortable with electrical and low-voltage fundamentals, practical calculations, conductor information, and other core knowledge used in communication-system installation.

Services, feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protection, conductors, raceways, enclosures, grounding, bonding, and power supplies connect the communication trade with NEC requirements. Candidates should know how low-voltage systems interact with electrical infrastructure and how to locate applicable code provisions in the 2020 NEC.

Open Book Test

The Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference materials to the examination center.

PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination session. References may be tabbed with permanent tabs. Temporary removable tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed and must be removed before the examination begins.

Approved references may not be written in and may not contain additional loose or attached papers. Candidates should therefore prepare their books in advance according to the current examination-room rules.

Open-book testing does not eliminate the need for technical preparation. With 50 questions and two hours available, candidates need to manage their time carefully. Searching a large code book or technical manual for every answer can consume valuable testing time.

Practice first identifying the type of question. NEC-based wiring, conductor, grounding, bonding, or overcurrent questions may require the National Electrical Code. Telecommunications regulations may direct you toward Title 47. Structured wiring subjects may require Telecommunications Wiring, while sound-system questions may be supported by Live Sound Reinforcement. Cable and line construction topics may point toward Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook.

Repeated reference practice helps candidates become more efficient. Learn where chapters, indexes, tables, code articles, diagrams, and major technical topics are located so the books become familiar working tools before exam day.

Licensing Steps

Mississippi contractor licensing begins with an application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Applicants seeking the Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical specialty classification should identify the appropriate classification on the applicable contractor application.

The applicant must designate a qualifying party who will complete required examinations on behalf of the business. The qualifying party must satisfy the relationship and qualification requirements established by MSBOC.

The contractor application is submitted to MSBOC before the candidate schedules the examination. The Board reviews the application, identifies any missing requirements, provides testing information, and notifies PSI when the qualifying party is eligible to test.

After PSI receives the eligibility information, the candidate can proceed with examination registration and scheduling. Candidates cannot schedule the required examination until eligibility has been established through the MSBOC application process.

Mississippi requires the Law and Business Management examination for contractor applicants. Applicants must also complete a trade examination when their requested classification requires one. Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical is identified by MSBOC as a test-required specialty classification.

After required examinations are completed, the contractor application continues through MSBOC review. Passing the Communication Systems trade examination alone does not automatically issue a Mississippi contractor license. Applicants must satisfy the complete business, qualifying-party, financial, insurance, examination, and supporting-document requirements applicable to their license.

State Requirements

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors identifies Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical as a specialty classification involving installation, service, and maintenance of communication and low-voltage electrical systems that are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts.

The classification includes systems such as telephone installations, sound systems, cable television systems, computer installations, closed-circuit video systems, music systems, satellite dish antennas, and other qualifying low-voltage installations.

Low-voltage alarm systems are specifically excluded from the Communication Systems classification. Contractors intending to perform alarm-system work should understand that this classification does not authorize work that falls within the separately regulated alarm scope.

The classification's 91-volt limitation and exclusion of alarm systems are important when evaluating the work a licensed contractor intends to perform. Mississippi contractor classifications define the authorized scope of contracting activity, so applicants should choose the classification that matches their business operations.

Applicants must complete the MSBOC application process before becoming eligible to test. The Board establishes eligibility and communicates that information to PSI for examination scheduling.

Applicants should also prepare for the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination required as part of the contractor licensing process. The books in this package are focused on Communication Systems trade examination preparation.

Reference Books

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  The 2020 National Electrical Code provides requirements for electrical installations and supports preparation involving conductors, raceways, enclosures, grounding and bonding, services, feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protection, power supplies, and communication-system wiring requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations, 47-Telecommunications, Latest Edition
  Title 47 contains federal telecommunications regulations and supports preparation involving communications systems and federally regulated telecommunications subjects relevant to the trade.
• Telecommunications Wiring, 3rd Edition, 2001
  This reference covers structured telecommunications wiring, copper and fiber-optic cabling, installation practices, testing, troubleshooting, planning, documentation, and system management. It supports the Sound and Communications portion of the examination.
• Live Sound Reinforcement
  This technical reference focuses on public-address and music-reinforcement systems, audio signal flow, equipment, loudspeakers, amplifiers, microphones, system configuration, and practical sound-system concepts relevant to communication-system contractors.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook
  This field reference covers cable and line construction practices, conductors, equipment, installation methods, calculations, and technical information useful for cable and communication-system work.

Exam Room Approved Books

The current PSI Communication Systems examination bulletin identifies the following materials as permitted references for the open-book examination:

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  Approved reference for NEC requirements involving communication systems and associated electrical installation subjects.
• Code of Federal Regulations, 47-Telecommunications, Latest Edition
  Approved reference for federal telecommunications regulations.
• Telecommunications Wiring, 3rd Edition, 2001
  Approved reference for telecommunications cabling, structured wiring, installation, testing, and troubleshooting subjects.
• Live Sound Reinforcement
  Approved reference for sound reinforcement, signal distribution, audio equipment, and related communication-system concepts.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook
  Approved reference for cable, conductor, field-installation, and related technical subjects.

Candidates are responsible for bringing their own references to the examination center and following PSI's current rules for highlighting, underlining, indexing, permanent tabs, and prohibited notes or loose papers.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor study plan should begin with Sound and Communications because it accounts for 23 of the 50 examination questions. Candidates should review structured cabling, signal distribution, telephone and communication systems, sound reinforcement, cable types, installation practices, testing, troubleshooting, and equipment.

Telecommunications Wiring is especially useful for structured wiring preparation. Study copper and fiber-optic cabling, termination concepts, installation procedures, planning, testing, documentation, and troubleshooting. Build enough familiarity with the book that common telecommunications topics can be located quickly.

Live Sound Reinforcement supports preparation involving audio systems. Review signal paths, microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, mixing, cabling, gain structure, and common system components. Candidates working primarily in data or telecommunications should still dedicate time to sound-system material because Sound and Communications is the largest exam category.

General Knowledge and Calculations includes 8 questions. Candidates should practice relevant electrical calculations and review low-voltage fundamentals, terminology, electrical relationships, and practical field information. Accuracy and unit awareness are important when working through calculation questions.

Services, Feeders, Branch Circuits and Overcurrent Protection accounts for 6 questions, while Conductors, Raceways and Enclosures adds another 6. Use the 2020 NEC to review electrical installation requirements that can interact with communication-system work.

Grounding and Bonding includes 4 questions. Candidates should understand the difference between grounding and bonding and recognize how communication systems interface with grounding and bonding requirements. Practice locating relevant NEC articles rather than relying entirely on memory.

Power Supplies includes 3 questions. Review the electrical principles and equipment used to supply low-voltage communication systems, including how power sources connect with the broader electrical installation.

Title 47 preparation should include familiarity with the organization of federal telecommunications regulations. Rather than trying to memorize an entire regulatory title, practice identifying subject areas and navigating to relevant provisions efficiently.

Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook can support review of conductors, cable installation, field methods, and practical system knowledge. Use the handbook alongside NEC and telecommunications references to reinforce technical understanding.

Mixed-reference practice is valuable after individual subjects become familiar. Read a question, identify the category, select the most likely book, find the applicable section, and confirm the answer. This helps build the combination of trade knowledge and reference navigation needed for an open-book examination.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor candidates approach a multi-reference exam with a more organized study structure. Communication systems work brings together low-voltage electrical requirements, structured cabling, telecommunications regulations, sound systems, cable installation, calculations, and grounding concepts.

Trade-focused review helps candidates break the examination into manageable areas. Sound and Communications can be studied separately from NEC-related subjects such as conductors, raceways, grounding, overcurrent protection, services, and power supplies before combining those areas through mixed practice.

Reference navigation is particularly important for an open-book exam. Candidates can practice working with the 2020 NEC, Title 47 regulations, telecommunications wiring material, sound-system references, and cable-handbook information until each book has a clear purpose in the study process.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates move beyond passive reading. Work through questions, identify unfamiliar subjects, research incorrect answers, and return to the relevant reference until the concept is understood. This process reinforces trade knowledge while developing faster information-retrieval skills.

1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure. The goal is to help candidates become more comfortable with both the technical material and the way the books are used during preparation.

Exam performance and licensing approval remain dependent on the candidate's preparation, testing performance, and completion of all applicable Mississippi State Board of Contractors requirements.

Is the Mississippi Communication Systems Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The current PSI bulletin identifies the Communication Systems examination as open book. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center.

How many questions are on the Mississippi Communication Systems exam?

The current PSI examination outline lists 50 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70%.

What subjects are covered on the examination?

The published content areas are Sound and Communications; Services, Feeders, Branch Circuits and Overcurrent Protection; Conductors, Raceways and Enclosures; General Knowledge and Calculations; Grounding and Bonding; and Power Supplies.

Are the books in this package allowed in the exam room?

Yes. The current PSI reference list identifies the 2020 NEC, Title 47 Telecommunications regulations, Telecommunications Wiring, Live Sound Reinforcement, and Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook as approved references for the Communication Systems examination.

Can the exam books be highlighted and tabbed?

PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary removable tabs are not allowed.

Can I write notes in the approved references?

No. PSI does not permit written notes in approved examination references. Additional loose or attached papers are also prohibited.

Are alarm systems included in the Mississippi Communication Systems classification?

No. MSBOC specifically excludes low-voltage alarm systems from the Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical classification.

What voltage limit applies to the Mississippi Communication Systems classification?

The MSBOC classification covers energy-limited communication and low-voltage systems that do not exceed 91 volts.

Does Mississippi require a Law and Business examination too?

Yes. Mississippi contractor applicants must complete the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination in addition to any trade examination required for the requested classification.

Do I apply with MSBOC before scheduling with PSI?

Yes. Applicants submit the contractor application to MSBOC first. MSBOC establishes the qualifying party's examination eligibility before the candidate can proceed with PSI scheduling.

Does this book package guarantee that I will pass the exam?

No. The package provides technical references for study and open-book preparation. Examination results depend on the candidate's knowledge, preparation, and performance on test day.