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How to get a plumber license in Minnesota

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Minnesota's official board.

CORRECTION: renewal is biennial (expires Dec 31 of odd years) with 16 hours CE per cycle, not annual as in current data.

Issuing authority: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Official page: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/plumber/plumbing-license-basics

License levels in Minnesota

Minnesota plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyworker: pass a written exam (70%) and complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship (7,000 hours over 4 years + 576 hours related classroom instruction), or show sufficient experience as a registered unlicensed plumber, or hold an equivalent out-of-state license. Master: pass exam and hold a journeyworker license for at least 1 year (or equivalent out-of-state master, or restricted master + 5 years as a MN plumbing contractor). Contractor: business license requiring a master plumber as responsible person.
ReciprocityEquivalent out-of-state licenses accepted toward journeyworker/master eligibility.
RenewalBiennial - journeyworker and plumber licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years; 16 hours CE per 2-year period (at least 8 hours on the State Plumbing Code).
NotesCORRECTION: renewal is biennial (expires Dec 31 of odd years) with 16 hours CE per cycle, not annual as in current data.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Minnesota?
CORRECTION: renewal is biennial (expires Dec 31 of odd years) with 16 hours CE per cycle, not annual as in current data.
What plumber license levels does Minnesota have?
The levels are Registered Unlicensed Plumber (registration), Journeyworker Plumber, Master Plumber, Restricted Master Plumber, Plumbing Contractor (business license).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Minnesota?
Journeyworker: pass a written exam (70%) and complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship (7,000 hours over 4 years + 576 hours related classroom instruction), or show sufficient experience as a registered unlicensed plumber, or hold an equivalent out-of-state license. Master: pass exam and hold a journeyworker license for at least 1 year (or equivalent out-of-state master, or restricted master + 5 years as a MN plumbing contractor). Contractor: business license requiring a master plumber as responsible person.
Does Minnesota have plumber license reciprocity?
Equivalent out-of-state licenses accepted toward journeyworker/master eligibility.

Related

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Sources: www.dli.mn.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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