Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Science
Forester Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Forester in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be graduated from an accredited college or university with at least fifteen (15) semester hours or the equivalent in the field for which a license is requested and one (1) year's experience in said field
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 5
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
Pest Management Consultant License.
- 8
A bona fide employee must be under the direct supervision of a license holder.
- 9
License Application
- Qualifications.
- 10
Application for a license shall be submitted on a form furnished by the Bureau.
- 11
No application for a license shall be accepted unless the applicant shall furnish written proof that he/she meets one of the following requirements
- provided that in extraordinary cases, these requirements may be waived by the Advisory Board.
- 12
Degree from an accredited college or university in the field for which a license is requested.
Exam and processing details
- Dates. Examinations shall be offered either as computer-based at proctored testing centers in Mississippi or written. Written examinations shall be given once each quarter at Mississippi State, Mississippi. The dates for written examinations shall be the second Tuesday in January, April, July, and October of the calendar year. In the event any of these days are unavailable, the applicant will be notified of the rescheduled date at least one (1) testing quarter in advance. If the applicant fails the examination for the first time, the applicant may take the examination again after a period of at least ninety (90) days. If the applicant fails the examination the second time, the applicant shall wait a full year before taking the examination the third time. Categories in which examinations are to be given and for which licenses will be issued: 1. Entomological Consultant. Categories are as follows: a. Agricultural Entomology – Crops – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of insects or rodents of field crops, vegetable crops, pastures and rangeland. b. Forest Entomology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of forest insects or rodents. c. Household, Structural and Industrial Entomology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of household insects or rodents, structural insects (such as termites, powder post beetles, etc.) and industrial insects or rodents (such as insects or rodents in stores, warehouses and transportation facilities including trucks, railroad cars, etc.). d. Medical, Veterinary and Public Health Entomology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of insects or rodents affecting man and other animals. e. Orchard and Nut Tree Entomology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of insects or rodents injurious to fruit and nut tree orchards and/or groves. f. Ornamental Entomology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of insects or rodents injurious to ornamentals, lawns, turf and shade trees. 2. Plant Pathological Consultant. Categories are as follows. a. Agricultural Plant Pathology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of diseases on field crops, vegetable crops, pastures and rangeland. b. Forest Plant Pathology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of diseases injurious to forest plants. c. Orchard and Nut Tree Plant Pathology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of diseases injurious to fruit and nut tree orchards and/or groves. d. Ornamental and Shade Tree Plant Pathology – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of diseases injurious to ornamentals, lawns and shade trees. 3. Weed Control Consultants. Categories are as follows: a. Agricultural Weed Control – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of weeds in field crops, vegetable crops, pastures and rangeland. b. Aquatic Weed Control – Giving advice or prescriptions for control of weeds in and around edges of lakes, ponds and streams. c. Forest and Right-of-Way Weed Control – Giving advice or prescriptions for the control of weeds on rights-of-way, forest lands and drainage ditches. d. Ornamental and Turf Weed Control – Giving advice or prescriptions for control of weeds in ornamental plants, lawns, golf courses, cemeteries and similar areas. e. Industrial or Commercial Site Weed Control – Giving advice or prescriptions for control of weeds growing in industrial or commercial sites, such as oil tank storage areas and other areas deemed advisable. Issuance of a License If the qualifications and other requirements of the applicant are satisfactory, the Bureau shall then issue a license which shall expire on December 31, following date of issue unless suspended or revoked for cause. Denial, Suspension or Cancellation of a License
- Refusal to Issue or Renew Same Where the holder of a license commits any of the following acts or omissions, it shall be grounds to suspend, modify, deny, cancel or revoke such license, in addition to those grounds set forth in Miss. Code Ann. §69-19-9, §69-25-51, to wit: 1. Misrepresentation for the purpose of deceiving or defrauding. 2. Making of a false statement with knowledge of its falsity for the purpose of inducing others to act thereon to their detriment. 3. Failure of the licensee to supply the Bureau or its authorized representative, upon request, with true and accurate information concerning methods and materials used, or work performed, or other information essential to the administration and enforcement of the Act or these regulations. 4. Performing work in a category for which the licensee does not hold a license. 5. If repeated inspections by inspectors of the Bureau of Plant Industry reveal that the licensee is not performing services in a satisfactory manner. 6. Conviction in any of the courts of this state of a violation of the Act or these rules and regulations. Conditions for Renewal of License In order for a license to be renewed each year, the licensee must submit a request for renewal on a form prescribed by the Bureau and show proof that he/she is knowledgeable of current control recommendations and techniques by either attending an approved training course or passing an examination. No license shall be renewed if the licensee has not engaged in the professional services for a period of three years unless he/she is re-examined.
Continuing education and program notes
- centipedes and millipedes
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,960 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Dates. Examinations shall be offered either as computer-based at proctored testing centers in Mississippi or written. Written examinations shall be given once each quarter at Mi....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; License Application; Qualifications.).
- 6. Submit the application to MS Department of Agriculture~Bureau of Plant Industry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $65,960, Foresters in Mississippi earn 7% below the national median of $70,660. Mississippi ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$65,960Hourly estimate
$31.717% below national median
Difference: -$4,700
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationForester Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $98,870 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,550 |
| #3 | Iowa | $80,590 |
| #4 | Maryland | $79,890 |
| #5 | Louisiana | $79,580 |
Nearby States Comparison
Forester licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $65,960 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $69,180 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $71,070 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $79,580 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $65,960 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Alabama | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
705 Stone Blvd, P.O. Box 5207, Mississippi State, MS, 39762
Phone: 6623253390
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $50,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $54,100 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $55,690 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $55,110 | Degree required | 3 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Forester in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Foresters in Mississippi?
Mississippi lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Foresters.
What education do you need to become a Forester in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Forester licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Forester salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Foresters in Mississippi is $65,960. Salaries range from $39,260 (10th percentile) to $137,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Forester salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Foresters in Mississippi earn 7% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $65,960.
How many Foresters work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 100 Foresters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Forester license to Mississippi from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS Department of Agriculture / Bureau of Plant Industry. Review agency details at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/plant-industry/.
How often do you renew a Forester license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.