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
80 questions5.5 hoursPass: 70%
NECMinnesota electrical codeElectrical theory
Master Electrician Exam
80 questions5.5 hoursPass: 70%
NECMinnesota electrical codeBusiness and lawAdvanced electrical theory
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. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
coloradoJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA (National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance). Must hold current, active journeyman or master certificate obtained via state-administered exam for at least 1 year.
iowaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
montanaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
nebraskaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
north dakotaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
south dakotaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
wyomingJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
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 a 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 a electrician license cost in Minnesota?
The estimated initial cost is $64, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLI