Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor examination with a complete set of technical references identified for this specialty contractor trade exam. This book package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, plasterers, stucco professionals, drywall installers, and construction tradespeople who want the core reference materials needed for structured exam preparation.

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco specialty classification covers work involving lath, plaster, drywall, stucco, and associated systems. Candidates preparing for this trade should develop a working knowledge of surface preparation, installation procedures, base and finish coats, gypsum construction, plastering techniques, stucco systems, tools, materials, and OSHA construction safety.

This package includes Plastering Skills, 1984; Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition; Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA). Together, these references support the major technical areas identified in the current PSI examination outline.

Because the examination is open book, familiarity with the reference materials is an important part of preparation. Candidates should study the technical concepts while also learning how each book is organized. Knowing which reference applies to a question and where to begin searching can help make exam time more productive.

This is the standard Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Book Package. It provides the listed reference materials for study and examination preparation without highlighted or tabbed preparation services.

What You Get

• Plastering Skills, 1984 for studying plastering materials, methods, application techniques, lathing, finishing, tools, and related trade knowledge.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition for reviewing gypsum products, drywall construction, assemblies, installation practices, and related systems.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual for studying portland cement plaster and stucco materials, preparation, application, coats, curing, and finishing practices.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) for reviewing federal construction safety standards applicable to plastering, drywall, stucco, scaffolding, ladders, tools, personal protective equipment, and other jobsite activities.

These references can be used throughout the preparation process to review individual subjects, research practice questions, and develop stronger familiarity with technical terminology. Candidates can also use repeated book-navigation practice to learn where common topics are located before sitting for the exam.

Exam Details

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor trade examination is administered by PSI as part of the Mississippi State Board of Contractors licensing process. The current PSI examination outline lists 45 questions, a 70% minimum passing score, and a 2-hour time allowance.

The examination is divided into seven major subject areas. Safety includes 5 questions. Surface Preparation and Setup includes 10 questions. Drywall includes 5 questions. Stucco includes 5 questions. Application and Installation includes 8 questions. Base and Finish Coat includes 7 questions. Plaster and Lathe includes 5 questions.

Surface Preparation and Setup represents the largest individual portion of the examination, followed by Application and Installation and Base and Finish Coat. Candidates should still prepare across every listed content area because each section contributes to the overall examination score.

The current PSI bulletin states that examination questions are based on the listed references, trade knowledge, and general industry practices. Preparation should therefore combine book study with practical understanding of lathing, plastering, drywall, and stucco work.

Candidates should be prepared to interpret technical terminology, identify correct procedures, recognize materials, understand installation sequences, and apply safety requirements. Some questions may be answered directly from trade knowledge, while others may require an efficient reference lookup.

Open Book Test

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their approved reference materials to the examination center. The books are not supplied by the testing center.

PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. References must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain additional loose or attached papers. Permanent tabs may be used, while temporary removable tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.

Although books are allowed, candidates should not depend on looking up every answer. With 45 questions and a two-hour testing period, efficient use of time matters. A candidate who knows the material and understands the organization of the references can reserve book searches for questions that require confirmation or detailed information.

Practice identifying the subject of a question before reaching for a book. A drywall or gypsum-system question may point toward the Gypsum Construction Handbook. Stucco and portland cement plaster questions may direct you to the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual. Traditional plastering, lathing, and application questions may require Plastering Skills, while jobsite safety questions can require 29 CFR Part 1926.

Repeated navigation practice can make the reference set easier to use. During study sessions, work with tables of contents, indexes, chapter headings, and technical terminology until you can move between the books with less hesitation.

Licensing Steps

Mississippi contractor licensing begins with an application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Applicants seeking the Lathing, Plastering and Stucco specialty classification should identify the classification on the appropriate contractor application and provide the supporting information required by MSBOC.

The applicant must designate a qualifying party for required examinations. MSBOC defines the qualifying party as the person who takes required exams on behalf of the applicant. The qualifying party must be an owner, officer, member of executive staff, or responsible managing employee and must meet the Board's applicable employment and qualification requirements.

Before a candidate can schedule an examination, the contractor application must be submitted to MSBOC. The Board reviews the application, notifies the applicant of missing requirements when applicable, provides PSI testing information, and notifies PSI when the qualifying party is eligible to test.

PSI then sends the candidate confirmation information. Candidates cannot schedule the examination until testing eligibility has been established through the MSBOC application process.

Mississippi requires all contractor applicants to take the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination. Applicants must also take the applicable trade examination when the requested classification requires one. MSBOC lists Lathing, Plastering and Stucco as a test-required specialty classification.

After the qualifying party completes the required examinations, the contractor application continues through the MSBOC licensing process. Passing the trade exam alone does not automatically issue a contractor license. Applicants must satisfy the applicable application, financial, business, employment, and documentation requirements.

State Requirements

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors identifies Lathing, Plastering and Stucco as a specialty classification requiring an examination. The classification involves installation, maintenance, or repair of plastering or stucco on interior and exterior walls.

The official classification scope also includes exterior insulation finish systems and swimming pools within the work authorized by the classification. PSI describes the examination scope as installation of lath, plaster, drywall, stucco, and associated work.

The relationship between the classification scope and exam outline is important when planning preparation. Candidates are not studying only traditional plaster. The test also includes drywall, stucco, surface preparation, installation techniques, base and finish coats, lath, and safety.

Mississippi requires applicants to submit a contractor license application before testing. The application includes information about the applicant, classification, qualifying party, business, and financial qualifications. Commercial applicants must provide the financial documentation required by the current MSBOC application.

The current commercial application also requires the applicant to provide proof of employment for a qualifying party when applicable. Acceptable documentation identified by MSBOC includes a check stub, W-2, or qualifying owner or officer information reflected through the Mississippi Secretary of State.

Applicants must complete both the testing and application portions of the licensing process. The books in this package support trade exam preparation but do not replace the separate documentation or licensing requirements established by MSBOC.

Reference Books

• Plastering Skills, 1984
  This trade reference by F. Van Den Branden and Thomas L. Hartsell covers practical plastering knowledge, materials, tools, lathing, preparation, mixing, application, finishing methods, and related trade procedures. It supports several portions of the examination, particularly plaster and lath, application, surface preparation, and coating practices.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  This technical reference focuses on gypsum products and construction systems. It supports preparation involving drywall, gypsum panels, assemblies, installation procedures, finishing, and related materials. Candidates can use it to strengthen both technical understanding and familiarity with gypsum-system terminology.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  This Portland Cement Association reference addresses portland cement plaster and stucco construction. It supports study of materials, substrates, preparation, application, plaster coats, curing, finishing, and other practical considerations associated with stucco systems.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference contains OSHA standards applicable to construction work. For lathing, plastering, drywall, and stucco contractors, important study areas can include scaffolds, ladders, fall protection, personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, and other jobsite safety requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

PSI identifies the following references for use during the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco open-book examination. Candidates must bring their own permitted references to the examination center.

• Plastering Skills, 1984
  Approved reference for plastering, lathing, preparation, application, and related trade subjects.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Approved reference for gypsum construction, drywall systems, installation, and related technical material.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  Approved reference for portland cement plaster and stucco preparation, application, and finishing concepts.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Approved reference for federal construction safety requirements applicable to the examination.

PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing. Books must otherwise be unmarked and cannot contain additional loose or attached papers. Only permanent tabs are permitted for indexing.

Test Information and Study Materials

A practical study plan should follow the published content outline. Begin with Surface Preparation and Setup because it accounts for 10 of the 45 exam questions. Review substrates, preparation techniques, layout, working conditions, setup procedures, and material considerations that affect plaster, drywall, and stucco installations.

Application and Installation represents 8 questions. Study the sequence of work, installation practices, material handling, application techniques, and trade procedures used with lath, plaster, gypsum systems, and stucco.

Base and Finish Coat accounts for 7 questions. Candidates should understand the purposes of different coats, application sequence, preparation between coats, finishing procedures, and terminology used with plaster and stucco systems.

Drywall, Stucco, Plaster and Lathe, and Safety each account for 5 questions. Give each of these subjects dedicated preparation time. On a 45-question exam, every content category can have a meaningful effect on the final score.

For drywall preparation, use the Gypsum Construction Handbook to review gypsum products, installation systems, fastening, finishing, and construction practices. Learn how the handbook is organized so you can locate information efficiently during the exam.

For stucco preparation, use the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual to understand materials, surface conditions, application, curing, and finishing. Connect technical information in the book with the practical sequence of a stucco installation.

Plastering Skills can be used to reinforce traditional plastering methods, tools, lathing, application, and finishing. Instead of reading the book passively, work through subjects and then test yourself on terminology and procedures.

OSHA preparation should include regular practice locating safety requirements in 29 CFR Part 1926. Safety questions can involve different construction activities, so candidates should know how the regulation is divided into subject areas and how to use the index or table of contents efficiently.

Mixed-topic practice is valuable after individual subjects become familiar. Work through questions that force you to decide which book applies before beginning the lookup. This helps develop one of the most important skills for an open-book contractor examination: selecting the correct reference quickly.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor candidates approach the examination with an organized set of trade-specific references. Having the correct books together provides a practical foundation for studying the subjects represented on the examination.

Trade-focused preparation allows candidates to break the exam into manageable areas such as surface preparation, drywall, stucco, plastering, lath, application methods, base and finish coats, and OSHA safety. Studying one area at a time can make it easier to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Reference navigation is another important part of preparation. Candidates should become familiar with each book's table of contents, index, terminology, diagrams, technical sections, and chapter organization. This familiarity can help reduce unnecessary searching during an open-book exam.

Practice-oriented preparation can include answering trade questions, researching missed answers, locating supporting material in the books, and repeating difficult concepts. This process helps reinforce knowledge while building greater confidence with the references.

The standard book package gives candidates the physical technical resources needed to build their own study routine. 1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized trade-focused preparation while leaving exam performance and licensing approval dependent on the candidate's study, testing performance, and completion of Mississippi licensing requirements.

Is the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The current PSI bulletin identifies the examination as open book. Candidates must bring their own approved references to the examination center.

How many questions are on the exam?

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco examination contains 45 questions.

How much time is allowed?

Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The current PSI examination outline requires a minimum score of 70%.

What subjects are covered?

The exam covers Safety, Surface Preparation and Setup, Drywall, Stucco, Application and Installation, Base and Finish Coat, and Plaster and Lathe.

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

Yes. PSI identifies Plastering Skills, Gypsum Construction Handbook, Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual, and 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) as references permitted for the examination.

Are these books highlighted and tabbed?

No. This listing is for the standard Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Book Package. Highlighting and tabbing services are not included with this version.

Can I highlight or tab the books myself?

PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are permitted, while temporary removable tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed.

Can I write notes inside the exam books?

No. PSI requires references to remain otherwise unmarked. Written notes and additional loose or attached papers are not permitted in the approved examination references.

Does Mississippi require another exam besides the trade exam?

Yes. Mississippi requires contractor applicants to take the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination in addition to any required trade examination.

Do I apply before scheduling the PSI exam?

Yes. Applicants submit the contractor license application to MSBOC first. MSBOC establishes testing eligibility and notifies PSI before the candidate can schedule the required examination.

Does purchasing this book package guarantee a passing score or Mississippi contractor license?

No. The package provides technical references for study and examination preparation. Candidates remain responsible for preparing for the examination and satisfying all applicable Mississippi State Board of Contractors licensing requirements.