Licensing Guides
Minnesota Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Minnesota
Electrical, MN
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost for Electrician Certification in Minnesota?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Certification in Minnesota?
Does My Minnesota Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Being an electrician isn’t just a job, it’s a solid career path. Electrical contractors enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities and earn a respectable income. There’s also job security—customers will always need skilled trade professionals to install and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses. The process of becoming an electrician takes time, but you get paid while you learn and gain experience!
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License Requirements for Electricians in Minnesota
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Minnesota? Most of the time, yes.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Board of Electricity located 443 Lafayette Road in St. Paul is responsible for issuing electrical licenses.
However, Minnesota also allows unlicensed individuals to perform limited electrical work. Unlicensed individuals must register with the state and adhere to specific guidelines. For example, unlicensed individuals can only work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, and they must report their annual electrical work experience to renew their registration.
Steps to Get Electrician Certification in Minnesota
Gain necessary work experience and classroom training.
Earn a journeyman electrician license.
Become a master electrician.
Consider becoming an electrical contractor.
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: There are two ways to earn a Class A journeyman electrician license in the state of Minnesota. First, you can enroll in a two-year electrical course approved by the board of electricity and complete 36 months (7,000 hours) of work experience, or complete 48 months (8,000 hours) of work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
Many prospective electricians gain hands-on work experience through an apprenticeship program. Minnesota Career Pathways maintains a list of available apprenticeships. Minnesota requires 144 hours of classroom training for each year of work experience.
Electrical apprentices in Minnesota must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED, have reliable transportation, be physically fit, and pass an aptitude test. The supervising company is required to submit any written agreements with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship Unit. Once an apprentice completes a state-approved internship, they receive a certificate of completion.
EARN A JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After completing the necessary training, you can fill out an application to take the journeyman licensure exam. You’ll need to pay the $50 exam application fee, provide a copy of your apprenticeship competition certificate, and submit any electrician school transcripts to the Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division. Once you pass the test, your journeyman license is valid for two years. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education to be eligible for renewal. At least four hours of continuing education must cover the National Electrical Code (NEC).
EARN A MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After holding a journeyman electrician license for one year, you become eligible to take the master electrician exam. To apply for a master electrician license, you must fill out the appropriate application and pay the $50 exam application fee. Master electrician licenses require renewal every two years. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education to be eligible for renewal.
BECOME AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: If you want to start your own electrical contracting business, consider becoming an electrical contractor. If you have questions about requirements, you can consult the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Typically, you’ll need to register your business name with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. You must also apply and pay a $168 fee to obtain your state tax ID number and federal employer identification number. If you have employees, you’ll need an unemployment insurance number.
Electrical contractors also need to carry several types of insurance, including:
$25,000 surety bond
$100,000 per occurrence of general liability insurance
$300,000 of bodily injury insurance
At least $50,000 of property insurance
Electrical contractors also must complete a certificate of compliance adhering to Minnesota’s worker’s compensation law and employ at least one full-time master electrician.
Types of Electrical Licensure in Minnesota
Minnesota offers several electrician licenses. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, they include:
Journeyman Class A Electrician: Requires a minimum of 48 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain one year of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school technical course approved by the board.
Class A Master Electrician: Requires a minimum of 60 months of full-time experience. Training includes planning, laying, installing, repairing, and supervising electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Maintenance Electrician: Requires a minimum of 48 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain one year of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school technical course approved by the board.
Outside Lineman: Requires a minimum of 60 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Power Limited Technician: Requires a minimum of 36 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain up to 12 months or 2,000 hours of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school electrical course or other technical training approved by the board.
Class B Installer: Requires a minimum of 12 months full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Electrician in Minnesota
The Minnesota Employment and Economic Department estimates the number of electrician jobs available will increase 10% through 2024. The average electrician in Minnesota earns $34.61 per hour, or $71,988.80 each year.
Pursuing a Minnesota electrician license offers several benefits:
Most importantly, Minnesota law requires electrical licensing to legally perform electrical work. Properly trained electricians throughout the United States are well-versed in fire prevention measures, as well as electrical distribution systems.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only certified electricians can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
A license protects your company and customers.
Licensure gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It increases your earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost for Electrician Certification in Minnesota?
Tuition at many Minnesota community colleges averages $5,500 per year, plus the cost of books and other materials. There are also fees associated with licensure, including exams, applications, renewals, etc.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Certification in Minnesota?
Earning a Class A journeyman electrician license in the state of Minnesota takes between three and four years of full-time work experience, depending on whether you attend an approved electrical school. After holding a journeyman license for at least one year, you become eligible to take the master electrician exam.
Minnesota Electrician Training Programs and Schools
Minnesota is home to several community colleges, trade schools, and technical and vocational schools that provide the necessary training to become an electrical professional You can find options across the state, including the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Training at most technical schools covers the following topics:
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Cable Splicing
Code Calculations
Electrical Grounding
Instrumentation
Electrical Safety Work Practices
OSHA/Construction Safety
Basic Welding
Some Minnesota electrical schools include:
Lake Superior College in Duluth offers a commercial and residential electrical wiring certificate as well as associate degree programs.
Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis offers an associate degree program in electrical construction and maintenance.
Saint Paul College in St. Paul offers certificate and associate degree programs in electrical technology.
Program Prerequisites: Program prerequisites vary by license type. Most programs, however, require you to be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a passing algebra grade.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you'll gain an understanding of electrical standards, as well as math and scientific principles. Electricians need keen eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, as well as proper time management skills. They also need good customer service skills, independence, good physical endurance, and logical problem-solving techniques. Electricians also learn how to read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
Minnesota Electrician Licensing Exam Details
You can schedule your journeyman license examination online and take the exam at one of Minnesota’s testing centers, located in cities including St. Paul and Duluth. The exam is based on the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), and exam preparation materials are available from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
The journeyman license examination contains 80 questions, and you have 5.5 hours to score at least 70%.
Exam topics include:
National Electrical Code (NEC)
General Electrical Concepts
Wiring and Protection
Wiring Methods and Materials
Equipment for General Use
Special Occupancies
Special Conditions
Tables
Applied Electrical Theory, Systems, and Equipment
The master electrician license examination covers the same topics as the journeyman exam, along with more advanced content. An electrical license examination guide is available. The master electrician exam contains 80 questions and you have 5.5 hours to score at least 70%.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Does My Minnesota Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Yes! For Class A journeyworker electricians, Minnesota has license reciprocity with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. For Class A master electricians, Minnesota has license reciprocity with Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
National Electrician Certifications
While optional, national certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency in certain aspects of the electrical trade to potential employers and clients, which often translates into more job opportunities and higher pay.
These include the Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) distinction, certification through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among dozens of additional electrician certifications available.
Electrician Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
