Plumbers in Minnesota must be licensed based on their work experience and skill level.
The state Department of Labor and Industry is the licensing organization for plumbers at the journeyman and master level within the state of Minnesota. State regulation helps ensure contractors are properly experienced as they seek work on commercial, public and residential properties and also protects consumers by giving them a means to confirm the experience or expected skill level for a professional being considered for a job. To become a certified plumber, individuals should seek vocational education, on-the-job-training and licensing through each level of skill mastered.
Instructions
1. Get vocational training. Plumbers in Minnesota must be licensed or registered with the state, even when at the apprentice level of their careers. To prepare for an apprenticeship and your initial apprentice registration, seek education in plumbing technology. Check with your local vocational or technical colleges like Minnesota State Community and Technical College and consider enrolling in a plumbing technology diploma program. Initial training will give you an overview on safety measures, pipe procedures and sewage systems and can assist you with finding a good apprenticeship after you complete introductory training.
2. Seek an apprenticeship through a Minnesota sponsor. After completing your vocational training, you should have enough practical experience to find an apprenticeship with a Minnesota construction or plumbing company. In order to establish eligibility for future licensing, you must have at least four years of practical plumbing experience. To identify sponsors that offer apprenticeship for plumbing professionals, access the list of apprentice sponsors available on the Department of Labor and Industry website and inquire directly with sponsors in your area.
3. Register as an apprentice with the Department of Labor and Industry. Once you have found a suitable apprenticeship, register with the Construction Codes and Licensing Division prior to beginning any on-site plumbing work. Follow instructions for registration in the Plumber Apprentice Guide available online. This registration must be renewed annually until you meet the required work experience for licensing as a journeyman plumber.
4. Accrue the work experience required for journeyman licensing. For license consideration as a journeyman plumber, you must establish 7,000 hours of plumbing experience as an apprentice. Your experience should include a combination of work hours in water distribution, waste, drain and vent system installation as well as fixture installation.
5. Apply to take the journeyman plumbing licensing exam. Complete the Plumber License Examination Application available on the Department of Labor and Industry website. The journeyman exam is offered twice a year, in March and September, at locations throughout the state. A passing score on the exam will prompt the issuance of your Minnesota journeyman plumbing license.
Tags: Department Labor, Department Labor Industry, Labor Industry, work experience, available Department, available Department Labor
