Electrician License Requirements in Minnesota
| Licensing Authority | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Electricity (DLI) |
| License Type | Journeyworker / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyworker: 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience under a licensed electrician. Master: must hold journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience. Unlicensed individuals must register and work under supervision. |
| Education Substitute | Technical school or college electrical programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. A DLI-approved apprenticeship program is the most common pathway. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyworker Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 2 years (at least 12 hours NEC-related) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $14 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Journeyworker initial application | $14 |
| Journeyworker renewal | $53 |
| Master Electrician renewal | $93 |
| Unlicensed registration | $19 |
| Unlicensed renewal (annual) | $19 |
| Exam fee | $50 |
| Late renewal penalty (journeyworker) | $20 |
| Late renewal penalty (master) | $40 |
| Est. Initial Total | $372 |
Renewal: $53 every 2 years (journeyworker); odd-year February (master)
Exam Requirements
Journeyworker Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: DLI
License Tiers
Unlicensed Electrician (Registered)
Entry level — must register with DLI, work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyworker Electrician
8,000 hours of practical experience under a licensed electrician
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Minnesota has some of the lowest licensing fees in the nation
- Exams are 5.5 hours long — among the longest in any state
- 16 CE hours required, at least 12 must relate to the NEC
- Unlicensed individuals must complete 2 hours CE annually
- Electrical contractor license requires a master electrician on staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota requires a statewide electrician license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Electricity.
How much does an electrician license cost in Minnesota?
The estimated initial cost is $64, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Minnesota?
Journeyworker: 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience under a licensed electrician. Master: must hold journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience. Unlicensed individuals must register and work under supervision. Education substitute: Technical school or college electrical programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. A DLI-approved apprenticeship program is the most common pathway.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Minnesota?
You must pass the Journeyworker Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by DLI.
Do I need a bond for an electrician license in Minnesota?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. Electrical contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond with DLI.
Does Minnesota have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with 7 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Minnesota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Minnesota?
Yes, 16 hours per every 2 years (at least 12 hours NEC-related) is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLI