As with general contractors in the state of Minnesota, plumbers can work under several distinct classifications, each of which requires its own license. In order to acquire the necessary plumbing license, a prospective plumber must make an application to the state, which includes proof of sufficient experience per state guidelines. They must then pass an exam and renew their license every two years. For a short period of time, the state granted restricted plumbing licenses. This option expired in 2009.
Minnesota Plumbing License Reciprocity
Minnesota has plumbing reciprocity agreements with North Dakota and South Dakota. Licensed plumbers can apply for reciprocity without an exam if they hold a license of the same level or higher compared to the reciprocal license for which they are applying. Their existing license must be current and must have been held for at least a year. They still do need to pay a $50 fee and cannot have previously failed a plumbing licensing examination in the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota Master Plumber License Requirements
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, a master plumber is defined in the state as “an individual who is skilled in the planning, superintending and the practical installation of plumbing, who is otherwise lawfully qualified to contract for plumbing and installations and to conduct the business of plumbing and who is familiar with the laws and rules governing the same.”
In order to gain a master plumbing license, one must complete the following requirements:
- Five years of in-field experience IN ADDITION TO AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- A journeyworker plumbing license with the state
- A restricted master plumbing license along with a plumbing code compliance bond, which has been on file with the state for at least 5 years
- A license from another state which falls under Minnesotan plumbing reciprocity guidelines
- Submit an application to the state ($50)
- Pass the appropriate exam
Master Plumber Exam
Once an application for the exam has been accepted, a prospective master plumber can schedule an exam at one of the designated examination sites. There is a $120 examination fee.
Minnesota Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
In Minnesota, the term “journeyworker” is used in place of “journeyman.” According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, a journeyworker plumber is defined in the state as: “an individual, other than a master plumber, who, as a principal occupation, is engaged as an employee of, or is otherwise working under the direction of, a master plumber in the practical installation of plumbing.”
In order to gain a journeyworker plumbing license, one must complete the following requirements:
- Provide proof of registration as an apprentice plumber
- Provide proof of holding a current restricted journeyworker license or restricted master license for at least two years
- Provide proof of at least 7,000 hours of in-field experience over the course of four years
- Provide proof of at least 2,000 hours in-field experience with water distribution system installation AND at least 2,000 hours in-field experience with drain, waste, and vent system installation AND at least 1,000 hours in-field experience with fixture installation
- Submit an application form ($50)
- Take the appropriate exam
Journeyworker Plumber Exam
Once an application for the exam has been accepted, a prospective journeyworker plumber can schedule an exam at one of the designated examination sites. There is a $120 examination fee.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
In the state of Minnesota, plumbing apprentices are known as unlicensed plumbers. Work experience is not required, and the filing fee is $14. All plumbing work done by these individuals requires direct supervision under a licensed plumber.
Minnesota Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Job board postings are a great resource for apprentice plumbers in the state of Minnesota.
Plumbing Schools in Minnesota
The following is a selection of trade schools which offer plumbing programs in the state of Minnesota:
Hennepin Technical College
Location: 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Contact Info: (952) 995-1300
Tuition: $5,130 (In-state)
Type: Public
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Location: 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Contact Info: (877) 450-3322
Tuition: $5,338 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Location: 1450 College Way, Worthington, MN 56187
Contact Info: (507) 372-3400
Tuition: $5,640 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Northland Community and Technical College
Location: 1101 MN-1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Contact Info: (218) 683-8800
Tuition: $5,484 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Saint Paul College
Location: 235 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Contact Info: (651) 846-1600
Tuition: $5,458 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Minnesota Professional License Search
It is the legal obligation of plumbers in the state of Minnesota to either be licensed or to work under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber. A licensee lookup tool for the state is available on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Minnesota, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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