How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Minnesota
Plumbing License Requirements in Minnesota
The process starts with a person registering as an unlicensed individual, or what is known as an apprentice.
Then, a person must work for four years under a licensed journeyworker (journeyman in other states) or a licensed master plumber. These four years must be documented.
At the end of the four years, a person can take the journeyworker plumber examination to be eligible for a license.
After one more year of work, a licensed journeyworker plumber can take the master plumber examination and become licensed as a master plumber.
By getting a Minnesota plumbing license, a plumber shows that they have the required years of hands-on, practical training, proven knowledge of plumbing codes materials, and understands approved construction methods.
Local License Requirements
Plumbers working in Minneapolis and St. Paul (the Twin Cities) are required to be certified at both the local and state level to work in either jurisdiction. The two cities have reciprocal agreements.
The certificates of competency are issued by either the Minneapolis Construction Code service or the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection.
These competency cards are issued at both the journey and master plumber levels.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Minnesota
After registering with the Department of Labor and Industry as a Registered Unlicensed Individual or apprentice, an aspiring plumber accumulates four years of work experience under a licensed plumber, they can choose one of two license levels in Minnesota:
Journeyworker Plumber – This requires four years or 7,000 hours of practical experience under a licensed plumber and passing an examination.
Master Plumber – This license requires an additional one year or 1,750 hours of practical experience as a journeyworker plumber and passing an examination.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Minnesota
To become a licensed plumber in Minnesota, there is a $14 registration fee for Registered Unlicensed Individuals with a renewal fee each year of $19.
There is also a $50 fee for each of the journeyworker and master-level plumber’s examinations.
Journeyworker plumbers must pay a $38 fee up front for their license, with a $43 renewal fee every two years.
Master plumbers must pay a $68 fee for their license, with a renewal fee of $73 every two years.
Plumbing contractors must pay a $128 fee for a contractor’s license.
Licensing Exam Information
Applicants who have completed four years of documented experience requirements can schedule the exam online with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Construction Code and Licensing Division.
Applicants must have received a notice informing them they are qualified to take the exam. The applicant must pay a $50 exam fee and take the exam within one year.
They must also provide the application number from the qualification notice and the last four digits of their Social Security number.
A date and exam location are chosen, and the DLI will send an email confirmation.
The plumbing license examinations are based on the 2015 Minnesota Plumbing code.
Applicants are allowed to use the 2015 Minnesota Plumbing Code Chapter 4714 and an electronic calculator during the examination.
The test takes about 5 1/2 hours, and a score of 70% is required to pass.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry issues state-level plumbing licenses.
In addition, municipalities might have their own licensing requirements. Check with the municipality a person will be working in for licensing requirements.
Additional Plumbing Certifications
There are additional certifications to demonstrate a person’s plumbing proficiency, including the National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Minnesota?
Minnesota has plumbing license reciprocity with North Dakota and South Dakota, meaning licensed plumbers from those states can transfer their licenses to Minnesota.
Related Links
- Minnesota Plumbing Jobs
- Minnesota Plumbing Schools
- Minnesota Plumbing Salaries