The state of Minnesota has requirements in place to ensure all electrical work performed within the state is done safely and to code. This includes obtaining an electrical license and passing an exam. You will need to meet certain criteria and pass both a written and practical exam to obtain your license. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements and process for obtaining an electrical license in Minnesota.
Minnesota Electrical License Types
There are several different license types available in Minnesota depending on the scope of work:
1. Class A Journeyworker Electrical License
The contractor is licensed to supervise, layout, and install electrical wiring, apparatus, equipment or fixtures. A journeyworker must have at least four years of experience in the electrical trade.
2. Class B Journeyworker Electrical License
A Class B Journeyworker Electrician has a more limited scope and may only perform electrical work in single-family homes or farms under 2,500 inhabitants. You must have a minimum of 48 months of experience to apply for this license.
3. Class A Master Electrical License
A Master Electrician can perform any electrical work and can supervise jobs. This license provides the most flexibility. To obtain this license, you must have at least 48 months of experience working under a licensed electrician or as a Class A journeyworker.
- Class B Master Electrical License
Similar to a Class B Journeyworker, a Class B Master Electrician has a more restricted scope focused on single-family homes or farms under 2,500 inhabitants. When applying for this license, you must have a minimum of 48 months of experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician or as a Class B journeyworker.
Electrical Contractor License
Anyone who wishes to start their own electrical contracting business must obtain an Electrical Contractor License. A licensed contractor can hire licensed electricians to perform jobs but cannot perform the work themselves without a personal electrician’s license.
License Requirements
The licensing requirements vary slightly depending on the license type but generally involve the following:
- Relevant experience in the field, typically 4-5 years for a Journeyworker and 5-6 years for a Master Electrician. Acceptable experience includes installation, maintenance, and other electrical work.
- Completing an application provided by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Applications must be notarized.
- Paying the appropriate fees. As of 2023, fees range from $150-250.
- For a contractor’s license, business registration and insurance requirements must also be met.
The Exam Process
Once an applicant’s experience has been verified and approved, they are eligible to schedule their licensing exam. Exams are administered through PSI and can be taken at one of their testing centers across Minnesota.
The exams are open-book and based on the current National Electrical Code (NEC). Exam content varies slightly based on license type but generally covers general electrical knowledge, wiring methods, load calculations, and safe installations.
The Journeyworker exams consist of 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 5.5 hours. A score of 70% or higher is needed to pass. Master Electrician exams have the same parameters.
Preparing for Success
Studying the content covered in the NEC is crucial for exam success. PSI provides a list of topics to focus on but intensive exam prep is recommended. RocketCert offers online and self-paced electrical exam prep courses specifically for Minnesota licenses that cover calculations, code interpretations, quizzes, and a full-length practice exam.
Bundles including the NEC book, highlighting guides, and custom tabbing sheets are also available, making it easy to efficiently find and review important code sections during the open-book exams. RocketCert’s courses come with a guarantee to help students pass or they will be reimbursed for the cost.
Get Started Today!
For those taking the Minnesota Electrical License, RocketCert is an invaluable resource. With comprehensive online, self-paced courses tailored to Minnesota’s specific requirements, RocketCert boosts your preparation with quizzes, practice exams, and vital code interpretation training. Their unique offering of NEC books, highlighting guides, and tabbing sheets ensures effective study sessions.
Licensing provides an important way for Minnesota to ensure all electrical work is performed safely and up to standards. With the right preparation resources and studying strategies, passing the state exams is very achievable. Let RocketCert be your guide to obtaining your desired Minnesota electrical license.
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