Browse Minnesota Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry (DLI).
Getting your Minnesota contractor license? Contractor Pathway offers an original, exam-focused study guide and four full-length practice exams for every Minnesota classification that requires a state board exam — currently 6 courses across Electrical, Plumbing and Building / General Contractor. Choose your classification below and study with 30-, 60-, or 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169.
Who licenses contractors in Minnesota
These are the Minnesota classifications we build exam prep for, each licensed by its responsible board:
| Trade area | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Minnesota Board of Electricity | National Electrical Code (NEC) |
| Plumbing | Minnesota Plumbing Board | Adopted plumbing & fuel-gas codes |
| Building / General Contractor | Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry | Adopted building code (IBC / IRC) |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any Minnesota board or testing vendor.
How to get licensed in Minnesota
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). A registered apprenticeship is a common path.
- Apply to the board for your trade, submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. Minnesota trade exams are typically open book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your Minnesota classification
Each course includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide — worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan — plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the Minnesota test.
Minnesota contractor licensing — FAQ
Who licenses contractors in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The Residential Building Contractor license is held by the business, with a designated qualifying person who passes the exam and completes pre-license training.
What exam does Minnesota require?
A single combined exam covering business, law, and trade content: 110 multiple-choice questions with a 70% passing score, administered by PSI.
Tell me about the Minnesota exam format.
You have five and a half hours, and the exam is open book – the 2020 Minnesota State Residential Code, the DLI Reference Manual, and a calculator are provided. About 60% of the questions cover the Residential Building Code and the rest cover the governing statutes and rules.
Can I retake the Minnesota exam?
Yes. A failed exam can be retaken through PSI for a new $70 fee, with a minimum of one day between attempts – so fast, well-organized preparation pays off.
How long should I study for the Minnesota exam?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on experience, which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan.