New Online Resources for MN License Prep

To become an electrical contractor in Minnesota, you must designate a Responsible Licensed Individual who holds an active master electrician license. This individual must be an owner, officer, or a W-2 employee of the business. The path to a Class A Master Electrician license requires at least 60 months of practical experience across planning, laying out, supervising, and installing electrical wiring and equipment. Before applying for an electrical contractor license, the business must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Applicants must also provide proof of a $25,000 surety bond and public liability insurance. The required insurance coverage includes at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage. The Power Limited Technician (PLT) license, which covers low-voltage work like data cabling and smart home systems, requires 36 months of relevant experience. This can include planning, installing, and repairing technology circuits and systems. Up to one year of this experience requirement can be met by completing an approved two-year post-high school electrical course. Both the journeyman and master electrician exams in Minnesota are based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). The journeyman exam consists of 80 questions and requires a score of at least 70% to pass. To maintain licensure, electricians must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 12 hours focused on the NEC. Starting an electrical contracting business involves significant initial costs. Estimates suggest a total startup cost of around $28,200, which includes a used truck or van ($20,000), equipment and inventory ($5,000), insurance ($1,000/year), marketing ($2,000/year), and a website ($200/year).