Mississippi Lathing Plastering and Stucco Contractor Exam Prep - Live Virtual + Self Study Training

Prepare for the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor examination with a flexible training program that combines live virtual instruction with self-study preparation. This exam prep format is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, plasterers, stucco professionals, drywall installers, and experienced tradespeople who want an organized way to review the technical subjects and reference materials associated with this Mississippi specialty contractor examination.

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco trade exam covers several closely related construction disciplines. Candidates need to understand surface preparation, drywall, stucco, plaster and lath, installation procedures, base and finish coats, and OSHA construction safety. Because these subjects are spread across multiple technical references, effective preparation involves both trade knowledge and the ability to navigate the approved books efficiently during an open-book examination.

Live virtual training gives candidates access to structured instruction focused on the subjects represented on the examination. Self-study training complements the live classes by giving students additional opportunities to review difficult topics, work through practice-oriented material, and improve familiarity with the reference books. This combination allows candidates to continue studying between scheduled sessions instead of relying on a single class or one pass through the material.

The technical references associated with preparation include Plastering Skills, 1984; Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition; Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA). These references support preparation across plastering, drywall, stucco, surface preparation, installation, finishing, and construction safety topics.

Because the examination is open book, candidates should practice using the references throughout preparation. Knowing the trade is important, but knowing which book applies to a particular question and how to find the applicable section can also play an important role in managing exam time.

Live Class Schedule

The live training schedule is organized around the books and technical references used on the exam. Click Here to View the Current Live Class Schedule

Live virtual sessions can be incorporated into a broader study plan that also includes independent reading, reference navigation, topic review, and practice questions. Candidates can use the schedule to coordinate instructor-led preparation with their own self-study routine.

Exam Details

The Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco 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.

The current examination outline lists 45 questions. Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the exam, and the minimum passing score is 70%.

The examination is divided into seven major content 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 is the largest single area on the published outline, so candidates should devote meaningful study time to substrates, preparation procedures, layout, working conditions, material compatibility, and setup practices. Application and Installation and Base and Finish Coat are also significant portions of the exam.

Safety, Drywall, Stucco, and Plaster and Lathe each contribute five questions. These areas should not be ignored simply because they contain fewer questions than Surface Preparation and Setup. On a 45-question examination, performance across every category can affect the final result.

The examination may contain questions based on the listed references as well as trade knowledge and general industry practices. Candidates should therefore focus on understanding how lathing, plastering, drywall, and stucco systems work in the field rather than relying only on memorized definitions.

Open Book Test

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

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination session. Permanent tabs are permitted for indexing. Temporary removable tabs, including Post-it-style notes, are not permitted and must be removed before testing.

PSI does not permit written notes in approved exam references. Additional loose or attached papers are also prohibited. Candidates should prepare their books in accordance with the testing rules before arriving at the examination center.

An open-book examination should not be approached as an opportunity to research every question from the beginning. With 45 questions and a two-hour time allowance, candidates benefit from being able to answer familiar trade questions directly while using the books strategically for confirmation and detailed requirements.

During preparation, practice identifying the subject of a question before opening a reference. A drywall question may point toward the Gypsum Construction Handbook. A stucco question may require the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual. A plastering or lathing question may direct you toward Plastering Skills, while a construction safety question can require 29 CFR Part 1926.

Repeated reference practice can improve efficiency. Use tables of contents, indexes, section headings, terminology, diagrams, and major chapter divisions until the books become familiar working tools rather than unfamiliar materials.

Licensing Steps

Mississippi contractor licensing is administered by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Applicants seeking the Lathing, Plastering and Stucco specialty classification begin by completing the applicable contractor license application and identifying the classification requested.

The applicant must designate a qualifying party who is responsible for taking required examinations on behalf of the business. MSBOC identifies the qualifying party as an owner, officer, or responsible managing employee who meets the Board's applicable requirements.

The contractor application is submitted to MSBOC before the candidate schedules testing. The Board reviews the application and establishes the qualifying party's eligibility for required examinations.

After eligibility is established, the candidate follows PSI's registration and scheduling process for the applicable examination. The Lathing, Plastering and Stucco classification is identified by MSBOC as a specialty classification requiring a trade test.

Mississippi contractor applicants must also complete the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination as required by the licensing process. The Law and Business Management examination is separate from the Lathing, Plastering and Stucco trade exam and should be prepared for independently.

After the required examinations are passed and the application is complete, the file continues through MSBOC review. Passing the trade examination does not automatically issue a Mississippi contractor license. Applicants must satisfy the applicable application, business, financial, qualifying-party, insurance, and supporting-document requirements before licensure.

State Requirements

MSBOC identifies Lathing, Plastering and Stucco as a specialty contractor classification. The classification covers installation, maintenance, or repair of plastering or stucco involving interior and exterior walls.

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

This scope explains why exam preparation includes more than traditional plastering. Candidates should also understand drywall systems, surface preparation, stucco installation, base and finish coats, lathing methods, and construction safety.

Applicants must complete the MSBOC application process before testing. The application includes information about the business, classification, qualifying party, financial qualifications, and other supporting documentation applicable to the license requested.

Exam preparation and licensing should be treated as related but separate parts of the process. The training supports preparation for the trade examination, while MSBOC determines whether the applicant satisfies the requirements for contractor licensure.

Reference Books

• Plastering Skills, 1984
  This trade reference covers plastering materials, tools, lathing, preparation, mixing, application techniques, finishing methods, and practical plastering procedures. It supports preparation for surface preparation, installation, base and finish coats, and plaster and lath subjects.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  This technical reference addresses gypsum products, drywall systems, assemblies, installation practices, finishing, and related gypsum construction methods. It is particularly useful for preparing for the drywall portion of the examination.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  This reference focuses on portland cement plaster and stucco construction. Candidates can use it to study materials, substrates, preparation, application methods, coats, curing, finishing, and related stucco practices.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference contains OSHA standards applicable to construction work. Relevant study areas can include scaffolds, ladders, fall protection, personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, and other jobsite safety requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are identified for use with the Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco open-book examination. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own permitted references to the testing center.

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

Candidates should practice with these books throughout preparation so the table of contents, indexes, terminology, and major sections become familiar before exam day.

Test Information and Study Materials

A practical study strategy begins with the published content outline. Surface Preparation and Setup accounts for 10 questions, making it the largest individual exam category. Candidates should review substrate conditions, preparation requirements, layout, setup procedures, environmental considerations, and the steps that support proper installation.

Application and Installation accounts for 8 questions. Study installation sequences, material handling, application methods, fastening, attachment, and common procedures used with plaster, drywall, lath, and stucco systems.

Base and Finish Coat includes 7 questions. Review the purposes of different coats, application sequence, surface requirements, curing, finishing methods, and terminology associated with multi-coat plaster and stucco work.

Drywall preparation should include gypsum products, panels, assemblies, fastening methods, installation, joint finishing, and other construction practices covered by the Gypsum Construction Handbook.

Stucco preparation should focus on portland cement plaster materials, substrate preparation, application, curing, coating systems, and finishing procedures. Candidates should understand the reason behind each construction step rather than memorizing isolated statements.

Plaster and lath preparation should include traditional plastering materials, lath installation, tools, methods, coats, and finishing. Plastering Skills can be used to connect textbook terminology with practical field operations.

Safety preparation should include regular use of 29 CFR Part 1926. Learn how OSHA construction standards are organized and practice identifying major sections involving scaffolding, ladders, personal protective equipment, tools, fall hazards, and related construction activities.

Self-study sessions should include practice questions and active reference lookup. When you miss a question, return to the applicable book and research the complete concept. Understanding why the correct answer applies is more useful than memorizing a letter choice.

Timed practice is another useful part of preparation. With two hours available for 45 questions, candidates should learn when to answer directly, when to make a quick reference lookup, and when to move forward and return to a difficult question later.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Contractor candidates build a structured approach to trade exam preparation. The Live Virtual + Self Study Training format combines instructor-led review with independent study so candidates can continue reinforcing important material outside scheduled sessions.

Live virtual instruction provides a focused environment for reviewing exam-related subjects and working through important trade concepts. Candidates can organize their preparation around the topics represented on the content outline instead of treating all material as equally important.

Self-study provides the repetition needed to strengthen understanding. Candidates can revisit surface preparation, drywall, stucco, installation, base and finish coats, plaster and lath, and OSHA safety as often as needed.

Reference navigation is an important part of preparation for this open-book examination. Candidates can practice selecting the correct book, using indexes, finding chapters and sections, recognizing technical terminology, and locating supporting information efficiently.

Practice-oriented preparation also helps identify weak areas. Candidates can work through questions, research incorrect answers, review unfamiliar concepts, and return to topics that need additional attention. This creates a more active preparation process than simply reading the books from beginning to end.

The combined training format is designed to give candidates both structure and flexibility. Live instruction helps organize the material, while self-study allows continued review at a pace that fits the candidate's preparation needs.

1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, reference navigation, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure. Exam performance and licensing approval remain dependent on the candidate's preparation, testing performance, and completion of Mississippi State Board of Contractors requirements.

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

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

How many questions are on the examination?

The current PSI examination outline lists 45 questions.

How much time is allowed?

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 exam?

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

What is included in Live Virtual + Self Study Training?

The format combines scheduled live virtual instruction with independent self-study preparation. Candidates can use the live sessions for structured review and continue reinforcing exam topics and reference navigation through self-study.

Where can I view the current live class dates?

Visit the Live Class Schedule to view current training dates and available live virtual sessions.

Which books should I use while preparing?

The listed references are Plastering Skills, 1984; Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition; Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

Can approved references be highlighted or tabbed?

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

Can I write notes in the books?

No. Written notes and additional loose or attached papers are not permitted in the approved examination references.

Does Mississippi require a Law and Business exam?

Yes. Mississippi contractor applicants must complete the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination in addition to applicable trade examination requirements.

Do I apply with MSBOC before scheduling the trade exam?

Yes. The contractor application is submitted to MSBOC first. The Board establishes testing eligibility before the qualifying party proceeds with PSI examination scheduling.

Does this training guarantee that I will pass the exam?

No. The training provides organized preparation, trade-focused review, and study support. Exam performance depends on the candidate's preparation, knowledge, and testing performance.