Competency cards

Certain trades for Master and Journeymen must obtain a Certificate of Competency card before working in the City.

What is a competency card

A Certificate of Competency card is proof that a trades person has the r equired qualifications to i nstall, alter, repair, and service equipment and systems.

• Take the exam to get the card
• Learn about reciprocity with the City of Saint Paul

Who needs the card

Masters and journeymen in the following trades need the card in order to perform work in Minneapolis.

• Fuel gas fitter
• Plumber/gas specific
• Refrigeration
• Warm air/ventilation
• Steam and hot water

Take the exam

Apply to take the exam

• Submit an application form (mail or drop off at the Public Service Building) along with educational transcripts and/or apprenticeship training program certificate.
• Applicants need a minimum of four years work experience before they can apply.
• When filling out the application, print clearly. The applicant information will be used to create your Notification of Exam Approval Form. The information must match the ID that you will present at the Exam Center.
• Individuals applying to take the Plumbing/Gas Specific exam must have both of the following items.
  • A state plumbing license in a trade level equal to the trade level exam they are applying for
  • Gas specific education

  After we receive your application

  • The Minneapolis Building Official will review your application and determine if you are eligible to take the certification exam.
  • City staff will send you an authorization letter to take the exam. Please read our exam scheduling informational sheet for details on scheduling your exam.
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to read the Examination Information Bulletin for important information on examination requirements, procedures, and references allowed during the exam administration. See exam content and references on pages 17 through 20 of this bulletin.

  After you take the exam

  • If you pass the exam, mail us a copy of the results and a check for $30 per trade.
  • You will receive your Certificate of Competency Card in the mail once the results are received and the payment is processed.
  • There is a 60 day waiting period after a failed exam result before a new exam can be scheduled.

  Reciprocity

  We have reciprocity with the City of Saint Paul.

  How to request reciprocity

  If you have a City of Saint Paul Certificate of Competency card, you can use that to expedite getting a City of Minneapolis card.

  Make your request by mail

  • Send us the following items.
    • A copy of both sides of your Saint Paul card. If both sides are not available print your name, address and phone number on the copy.
    • A note indicating what trade or trades you want to reciprocate.
    • A check or money order in the amount of $30.00 per trade, payable to the Minneapolis Finance Department.

    Mailing instructions

    • Write "Attn: Comp Cards" on the outside of the envelope.
    • Send your request to our office.

    Use your Minneapolis card to get a Saint Paul card

    For instructions, contact the Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections at 651- 266-8989.

    Request accessible format

    If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

    Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.