Minnesota has no statewide HVAC license requirement — the state only requires a $25,000 contractor bond. Minneapolis and St. Paul have well-developed local certificate systems with mutual reciprocity between the two cities.
Journeyperson Certificate: 4 years trade-related training (576 hours) plus 4 years experience or apprenticeship. Master: hold journeyperson certificate for at least 1 year.
Yes — open-book, 80–100 multiple-choice questions, 70% passing score (local exams)
Varies by city
Minneapolis and St. Paul have mutual reciprocity — certification in one city provides immediate certification in the other without retesting.
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with No state issuing body. Minneapolis Department of Licenses and Consumer Services; St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections. before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
The state of Minnesota only requires that mechanical contractors file a $25,000 bond — not a license. The actual license/certificate system is entirely local in the Twin Cities metro. Outside Minneapolis/St. Paul, requirements vary by city and are often minimal or nonexistent.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Minnesota's state licensing rules, any technician who purchases, handles, or works with regulated refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. This is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act that no state law can waive. EPA 608 Universal (covering Type I, II, and III) is the most versatile credential for most HVAC roles.
Browse EPA 608 Universal jobs in MinnesotaThe following exam information applies to a specific locality in Minnesota. Licensing requirements vary by city and municipality — check with your local building or licensing department for the rules that apply where you intend to work.
Minnesota has no state HVAC exam — the licensing action happens at the city level in the Twin Cities metro. Minneapolis (Department of Licenses and Consumer Services) and St. Paul (Department of Safety and Inspections) each run open-book certificate exams of 80–100 multiple-choice questions with a 70% passing score. The two cities have mutual reciprocity, so passing in one provides certification in the other without retesting. Contractors working outside the Twin Cities face a patchwork of local rules, but the Minneapolis and St. Paul certificates are the de facto credential for HVAC work in the state's largest labor market. The only statewide requirement is a $25,000 contractor bond filed with the state.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
No state issuing body. Minneapolis Department of Licenses and Consumer Services; St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections.
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