Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco contractor trade examination with a focused collection of technical references covering plastering methods, gypsum construction, and Portland cement plaster applications. The Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Book Package is designed for experienced plasterers, stucco installers, qualifying parties, and contractors pursuing the applicable Mississippi specialty contractor classification.

This package brings together three important trade references in one convenient purchase. The books address materials, tools, lath, plaster bases, gypsum systems, surface preparation, application procedures, coat systems, curing, finishing, construction details, repairs, and related installation practices. Each title supports a different part of the examination content and provides useful information for both exam study and professional reference.

The Mississippi trade examination is open book, but candidates still need to prepare carefully. Open-book testing requires the ability to recognize the subject of a question, select the appropriate reference, locate the relevant information, and apply it within the available testing time. Candidates who wait until test day to open the books may spend too much time searching for basic terms, procedures, tables, or technical guidance.

Effective preparation begins with learning how each book is organized. Review the table of contents, index, chapter headings, illustrations, terminology, and technical sections. Practice identifying which reference is most likely to address a question involving general plastering, gypsum products, or Portland cement plaster.

This product includes the three listed trade books only. It does not include highlighting, tabbing, an online exam-preparation course, Application Service, business formation, licensing assistance, or the separate Mississippi Business and Law reference. Candidates seeking those features should select a package that specifically includes them.

Exam Details

Lathing, Plastering and Stucco is a tested specialty contractor classification regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The classification involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of plastering or stucco on interior and exterior walls. The recognized scope includes exterior insulation and finish systems, swimming pools, and other work associated with plastering and stucco applications.

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco trade examination contains 45 questions. Candidates are allowed two hours to complete the examination and must earn a score of at least 70 percent to pass.

The examination content outline includes safety, surface preparation and setup, drywall, stucco, application and installation, base and finish coats, and plaster and lath. Surface Preparation and Setup represents the largest portion of the examination, followed by Application and Installation and Base and Finish Coat.

Safety questions may address accepted jobsite practices, personal protective equipment, tools, access equipment, material handling, and hazards associated with plastering, drywall, lathing, and stucco work. Candidates should prepare using practical experience and the safety reference identified in the current examination bulletin.

Surface Preparation and Setup may include evaluating substrates, preparing work areas, determining material compatibility, arranging tools and equipment, protecting adjacent surfaces, and establishing the conditions needed for a successful installation.

Drywall questions may involve gypsum products, components, assemblies, installation guidance, finishing practices, and construction details. The Gypsum Construction Handbook is especially useful for reviewing these subjects.

Stucco questions may address Portland cement plaster materials, substrates, lath, accessories, mixing, application, curing, finishes, and detailing. The Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual supports preparation for these areas.

Application and Installation questions may involve material selection, mixing, placement, sequence of work, reinforcement, workmanship, and procedures used to create a complete plaster or stucco system. Base and Finish Coat questions may test the purpose, preparation, application, and performance of different coats.

Plaster and Lath questions may include plaster materials, lath types, bases, tools, mixing methods, application practices, and traditional plastering procedures. Plastering Skills provides broad trade-focused guidance for these subjects.

The examination may contain questions based on the listed references, practical trade knowledge, and general industry practices. Candidates should combine book study with their field experience rather than relying on memorization alone.

Open Book Test

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco contractor examination is open book. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference materials to the PSI examination center.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used to identify chapters or subjects. Temporary tabs, including removable notes and Post-it-style markers, are not permitted and must be removed before testing begins.

Candidates may not write in their references during the examination. Loose papers, attached notes, unauthorized inserts, and additional materials are not allowed with the approved books. Materials that do not comply with the examination rules may be removed or confiscated.

A silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator may be used during the examination. Candidates should review the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before test day because the testing provider controls the examination-room rules and permitted materials.

Open-book preparation should include repeated lookup practice. Select a trade subject, identify the book most likely to address it, search the index, and locate the applicable section. Use a timer so that practice reflects the need to work efficiently during the examination.

For a question involving traditional plastering tools, materials, lath, or application methods, begin with Plastering Skills. For questions about gypsum products or assemblies, use the Gypsum Construction Handbook. For Portland cement plaster materials, accessories, curing, and stucco application, use the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual.

Learning related index terms is also important. A question may use different wording from the reference. For example, information about cracking may appear under curing, control joints, movement, reinforcement, substrate preparation, or application rather than under the word “cracking.”

Licensing Steps

1. Select the correct classification. Confirm that Lathing, Plastering and Stucco matches the work the business intends to perform in Mississippi.
2. Choose the applicant structure. Determine whether the application will be submitted by an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or another accepted business entity.
3. Select the qualifying party. Identify the owner, officer, or managing employee who will qualify the business and complete the required examinations.
4. Prepare the contractor application. Complete the applicable Mississippi application and gather the requested business, ownership, experience, financial, insurance, reference, and qualifying-party documentation.
5. Submit the application. Send the completed application and supporting materials to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
6. Respond to application requests. Provide missing documents, corrections, or additional information requested during the Board’s review.
7. Receive examination eligibility. After the application reaches the appropriate stage, the Board sends the qualifying party’s eligibility information to PSI.
8. Schedule the examinations. Follow PSI’s instructions to register and choose an available examination date and location.
9. Prepare for the trade examination. Study the content outline, review the books, and complete timed reference-navigation practice.
10. Prepare for Business and Law. Obtain the separate Mississippi Business and Law reference and study the subjects required for that examination.
11. Take the required examinations. Bring acceptable identification and only the references and materials permitted under current testing rules.
12. Complete remaining requirements. Submit any outstanding documentation requested by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
13. Receive final Board review. Passing the examinations does not automatically issue a license. The completed application must also be reviewed and approved.

State Requirements

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors administers the licensing process for the Lathing, Plastering and Stucco specialty classification. Applicants must select a classification that accurately represents the work their company intends to perform.

The classification covers installation, maintenance, and repair of plastering or stucco involving interior and exterior walls. It also includes exterior insulation and finish systems, swimming pools, and related work that falls within the recognized trade scope.

Applicants must submit the contractor license application before scheduling an examination. The Board reviews the filing, identifies missing requirements, and notifies PSI when the qualifying party becomes eligible to test. Candidates cannot schedule an examination until PSI receives that eligibility information.

The Mississippi Law and Business Management examination is required for all contractor applicants. The Lathing, Plastering and Stucco trade examination is also required for this tested classification unless the Board approves an applicable trade-examination waiver.

A trade-examination waiver does not automatically issue a Mississippi contractor license. Applicants must still complete the application process, satisfy the remaining licensing requirements, complete the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination, and receive final Board approval.

The contractor application may require business-registration information, ownership records, qualifying-party documentation, trade experience, references, insurance information, tax identification details, and financial documents. Requirements depend on the type of license and application being submitted.

The qualifying party must have a relationship with the applicant accepted by the Board. Depending on the company structure, the qualifying party may be an owner, officer, or managing employee responsible for the classified work.

Passing the required examinations is only one part of the licensing process. Candidates should not advertise or contract under a Mississippi license until the Board has completed its review and issued the applicable credential.

Local requirements may also apply. Contractors may need permits, inspections, business registrations, insurance coverage, tax accounts, or project-specific approvals from cities, counties, owners, or other authorities.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Plastering Skills, 1984
  A trade-focused reference covering plastering materials, tools, lath, plaster bases, surface preparation, mixing, application methods, coat systems, finishes, workmanship, and practical plastering procedures. This book supports study involving traditional plastering practices and general installation knowledge.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  A technical reference addressing gypsum products, components, systems, assemblies, installation guidance, construction details, finishing practices, and performance considerations. It supports preparation for drywall and gypsum construction subjects included in the examination outline.
• Included Book: Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  A stucco reference covering Portland cement plaster materials, substrates, lath, accessories, preparation, mixing, application, curing, finishes, detailing, and recognized installation practices. It supports study for stucco, base coat, finish coat, and application questions.

The three references complement one another. Plastering Skills provides broad trade instruction, the Gypsum Construction Handbook focuses on gypsum products and systems, and the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual addresses cement plaster and stucco work.

This package does not include the OSHA construction-safety reference identified in the current PSI bulletin. Candidates preparing for the full trade examination should obtain the current approved version of the Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926, with the latest available amendments.

Exam Room Approved Books

The current Mississippi examination bulletin identifies the following references for the Lathing, Plastering and Stucco trade examination:

• Plastering Skills, 1984
  Included in this package.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Included in this package.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  Included in this package.
• Code of Federal Regulations—29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with Latest Available Amendments
  Used for examination preparation but not included in this three-book package.

Candidates must bring their own approved references to the examination center. Books may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing. Permanent tabs are permitted, but temporary tabs and removable notes are not allowed.

References may not contain loose or attached papers. Candidates may not write in the books during the examination. Review all materials before test day to make sure they comply with the current PSI requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

Build your study plan around the official examination content outline. Begin with Surface Preparation and Setup because it represents the largest subject area. Review substrate conditions, preparation methods, protection of surrounding surfaces, equipment setup, material compatibility, and the sequence of work.

Study Application and Installation as a separate area. Focus on mixing, handling, placement, reinforcement, installation order, workmanship, and conditions that affect the finished system. Connect the written procedures to projects you have completed in the field.

Review Base and Finish Coat subjects carefully. Understand the role of each coat, preparation between applications, curing, thickness considerations, finishing methods, and common causes of poor performance.

Use Plastering Skills to review lath, plaster bases, tools, materials, mixing, application techniques, coat systems, and traditional finishes. Practice locating information through the index instead of relying only on chapter-by-chapter reading.

Use the Gypsum Construction Handbook for drywall and gypsum subjects. Become familiar with product terminology, assemblies, installation details, finishing systems, and technical illustrations.

Use the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual for substrates, lath, accessories, Portland cement plaster materials, application, curing, finishing, joints, and detailing. Pay attention to the relationship between preparation and long-term performance.

Complete timed lookup drills with all three books. After locating an answer, note the keyword that led to the correct section. Repeat searches that take too long and practice alternative index terms.

During the examination, answer familiar questions first and mark difficult items for review. Avoid spending excessive time searching for one answer. Identify the main subject before choosing a reference, and read words such as “minimum,” “maximum,” “first,” “except,” and “most appropriate” carefully.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco candidates begin their preparation with the primary trade references organized in one convenient package. Purchasing the books together reduces the need to locate each title separately and provides a clear foundation for independent study.

The package supports trade-focused review across plastering materials, tools, lath, plaster bases, gypsum construction, drywall, Portland cement plaster, surface preparation, application procedures, coat systems, curing, finishes, and repairs.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to use the books actively. Practice-oriented preparation includes locating technical information, reviewing installation procedures, comparing materials, answering sample questions, and repeating difficult reference searches.

A structured study plan can divide the examination into manageable subjects. Candidates can create separate sessions for safety, preparation, setup, drywall, stucco, application, installation, base coats, finish coats, plaster, and lath.

Repeated reference navigation can help candidates become more comfortable with an open-book examination. Knowing which book applies to each subject and how its index is organized can reduce unnecessary searching and support a more confident testing approach.

This book package does not guarantee a passing score, examination eligibility, or licensing approval. Results depend on the candidate’s trade experience, preparation, understanding of the references, navigation skills, examination performance, and completion of Mississippi licensing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are included in this package?

The package includes Plastering Skills, 1984, the Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, and the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual.

How many questions are on the Mississippi trade exam?

The Lathing, Plastering and Stucco examination contains 45 questions.

How much time is allowed?

Candidates are allowed two hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass.

Is the examination open book?

Yes. The examination is open book, and candidates are responsible for bringing the approved references to the testing center.

Is the OSHA reference included?

No. The current examination bulletin also identifies the approved 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA reference, but it is not included in this three-book package.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

No highlighting or tabbing is included in the package information provided. Candidates seeking prepared references should select a package that specifically states those services are included.

Does this package include the Mississippi Business and Law book?

No. The Mississippi NASCLA Business and Law reference is not included in this trade book package.

Does the package include an online course?

No. This product includes the three listed trade books only.

Does purchasing the books guarantee a passing score?

No. Examination results depend on the candidate’s trade knowledge, preparation, reference-navigation ability, and performance on test day.

Does passing the trade exam automatically issue a license?

No. Passing the examination is one part of the process. The completed application and supporting documentation must also be reviewed and approved by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.