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How to get a plumber license in Minnesota

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Minnesota plumbing licenses, pulled from official MN sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) — Plumbing
  • State journeyman license: Yes (DLI licenses journeyworker and master plumbers statewide.)
  • Journeyworker Plumber: Common path: at least 4 years as a DLI-registered unlicensed plumber (max 1,750 hours credited per calendar year), including about 2,000 hours water distribution, 2,000 drain/waste/vent, and 1,000 fixture installation — or complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship — or hold a qualifying out-of-state plumber license (4+ years experience + exam). Master plumber must certify experience.
  • Exam: see below, via DLI (schedule after online approval)
  • Code edition: Written exams follow DLI plumber exam materials and the Minnesota State Plumbing Code. Confirm current references when you schedule.

Requirements by license

Journeyworker Plumber

ExperienceCommon path: at least 4 years as a DLI-registered unlicensed plumber (max 1,750 hours credited per calendar year), including about 2,000 hours water distribution, 2,000 drain/waste/vent, and 1,000 fixture installation — or complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship — or hold a qualifying out-of-state plumber license (4+ years experience + exam). Master plumber must certify experience.Source: dli.mn.gov · as of · Basics: dli.mn.gov
ExamDLI (schedule after online approval). Apply online and pay the $50 exam fee. If you fail, wait 30 days before reapplying. After passing, follow DLI instructions to pay for the license.Source: dli.mn.gov · as of
Fees
  • Exam application: $50
  • Journeyworker renewal: $53
  • Late renewal add-on: $20
  • Unlicensed plumber registration (initial): $14
Source: dli.mn.gov · as of · Initial journeyworker license fee after exam is paid per DLI instructions in iMS — dollar amount not listed as a fixed public line on the basics page.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Expires December 31 of odd-numbered years. Complete 16 hours DLI-approved CE (at least 8 on the State Plumbing Code). Late fee $20.Source: dli.mn.gov · as of
CE to renew16 hours per 2-year license period
  • At least 8 hours related to the State Plumbing Code
Look up CE status in iMS. Unlicensed plumber registrations have separate 2-hour annual CE.
Source: dli.mn.gov · as of

License types in Minnesota

  • Registered unlicensed plumber
  • Journeyworker plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Restricted journeyworker / restricted master
  • Plumbing contractor
Source: dli.mn.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Out-of-state plumbers may qualify for the MN exam if their jurisdiction required at least 4 years practical experience and an exam. Not a no-exam transfer — you still test with DLI unless another published path fits.Source: dli.mn.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Minnesota license journeyworker plumbers statewide?

Yes. DLI licenses journeyworker and master plumbers after experience and a written exam.

How much experience does a MN journeyworker need?

Typically four years as a registered unlicensed plumber (with listed hour categories) or a DLI apprenticeship — then a $50 exam.

Already licensed? See Minnesota plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.