Minnesota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Minnesota electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Minnesota.
Quick Answer
For the Minnesota electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 330 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by State-administered and the fee is $50. Minnesota electricians earn about $74,590 per year ($35.86 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Minnesota Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:State-administered
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:330 minutes (5 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$50
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
Master Electrician
- Vendor:State-administered
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:330 minutes (5 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$50
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Minnesota Electrician License Overview
Minnesota issues statewide electrician licenses through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The state's licensing system is notably comprehensive, it covers Journeyman Electricians, Journeyman Telecommunications Installers, Master Electricians, and Power Limited Technicians, among others. Minnesota requires both experience hours and education hours, similar to Massachusetts, making structured apprenticeship programs the dominant pathway. The Twin Cities metro is one of the Midwest's strongest construction markets, and Minnesota's manufacturing base creates steady industrial electrical demand across the state.
Minnesota Electrician License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electricians performing commercial, industrial, and residential electrical work under a master's supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of approved classroom education. Must pass the DLI Journeyman Electrician exam (open book, NEC-based, 75% passing score).
Master Electrician
Can plan, supervise, and take full charge of electrical installations. Required for pulling permits in Minnesota.
Requirements: Hold a Minnesota Journeyman license for at least 1 year. 12,000 total hours of experience plus additional education. Must pass the DLI Master exam.
Residential Electrician
Limited license for one- and two-family residential electrical work.
Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential OJT plus approved education hours. Must pass the DLI Residential exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of OJT plus 576 hours of approved classroom education. Both components are required, OJT alone is insufficient for a Minnesota license.
Master Requirements
Must hold an active Minnesota Journeyman license for at least 1 year. 12,000 total hours of experience plus additional approved classroom education (verify exact hours with DLI).
Apprenticeship Programs
Minnesota has strong IBEW apprenticeship programs: IBEW Local 292 (Minneapolis) and Local 110 (St. Paul). Both run 5-year programs that satisfy all DLI experience and education requirements. ABC of Minnesota also operates registered programs.
Education
The 576-hour classroom education requirement is mandatory. Most candidates fulfill this through a structured apprenticeship program. Some community colleges and technical schools offer DLI-approved electrical technology programs.
License Reciprocity
Minnesota participates in limited reciprocity arrangements with some neighboring states. Contact the DLI Electrical Licensing unit at dli.mn.gov to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dli.mn.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $30–$60 annual renewal (verify current amounts at dli.mn.gov)
Important Notes
Minnesota electrical licenses renew annually. The DLI sends renewal notices. Working on an expired Minnesota license is a violation of state law and can result in fines.
MinnesotaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$74,590/year
$35.86/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $47,120 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $103,560 (90th percentile)
Minnesota employs approximately 17,000 electricians. The Twin Cities metro drives most demand, commercial construction, hospital and healthcare facility projects, data center development, and manufacturing facility electrical work are all strong. Renewable energy (wind power from southwestern Minnesota) adds additional statewide demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with State-administered
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Minnesota-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Minnesota Electrician License FAQ
Does Minnesota require classroom education for an electrician license?
Yes. Like Massachusetts, Minnesota requires both OJT hours and classroom education hours. The Journeyman license requires 8,000 OJT hours plus 576 classroom hours. This requirement makes structured apprenticeship programs essentially the standard path in Minnesota.
What is the passing score for the Minnesota electrician exam?
75% on the DLI Journeyman Electrician exam. The exam is open book, bring a tabbed NEC codebook. Minnesota's exam is considered rigorous due to the state's comprehensive licensing standards.
How much do electricians make in Minnesota?
The statewide average is about $74,590/year ($35.86/hr). Twin Cities area electricians, particularly IBEW Local 292 and 110 members, earn more, with total compensation packages (wages + benefits) often exceeding $100/hr.
Can I use my Wisconsin or Iowa license in Minnesota?
Minnesota has limited reciprocity with some neighboring states, but it is not automatic. Contact the DLI to determine whether your license from another state qualifies for endorsement and what documentation you need to provide.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Minnesota?
Plan on 5 years through a structured apprenticeship program, this is the fastest and most reliable path that satisfies both the OJT hour and classroom education requirements simultaneously. After completing your apprenticeship, you apply for the license and take the DLI exam.
Common Questions About the Minnesota Electrician License
How much does the Minnesota electrician license exam cost?
The Minnesota electrician exam fee is $50, paid to State-administered when you register.
Who administers the Minnesota electrician license exam?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry oversees electrician licensing in Minnesota, and the exam is delivered by State-administered.
How much do electricians make in Minnesota?
Minnesota electricians earn about $74,590 per year ($35.86 per hour). Entry level pay is around $47,120 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $103,560 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Minnesota?
8,000 hours of OJT plus 576 hours of approved classroom education. Both components are required, OJT alone is insufficient for a Minnesota license.
Does Minnesota have electrician license reciprocity?
Minnesota participates in limited reciprocity arrangements with some neighboring states. Contact the DLI Electrical Licensing unit at dli.mn.gov to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Minnesota's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Minnesota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
MN DLI requirements, PSI exam, fees, and annual renewal.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Minnesota exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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