Pipefitter licensing

Already have what you need to complete an application or renewal? Visit iMS, the department’s online application and renewal system, to get started. 

• View information about working in iMS.

The information below will help you complete the application or renewal successfully.

Who can perform high pressure piping work in Minnesota?

You can perform high pressure piping work* if you are:

• At least 18 years old,

• Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) or registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed pipefitter or registered pipefitter apprentice,

• A W-2 employee or owner of a licensed high pressure piping contractor.

You can perform high pressure piping work without license only if:

• You are registered with DLI as an unlicensed pipefitter or employed in the trade of pipefitting under an apprenticeship approved by the department.

• Your work is directly supervised at all times by a licensed journeyworker or master pipefitter.

• You and the licensed pipefitter supervising you must be employed by the same licensed high pressure piping contractor. A licensed employee of one company cannot supervise the unlicensed employees of another company. A licensed pipefitter may not supervise more than two unlicensed individuals.

How do I become a registered unlicensed pipefitter in Minnesota?

• Apply online through iMS and pay the $14 application fee.

• You will be assigned a registration number and a card will come in the mail.

• Your registration will be valid for one year from the end of the month in which you become registered.

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process.

How do I become a licensed pipefitter in Minnesota?

Journeyworker high pressure pipefitter license

• Must be at least 20 years of age and be able to read and comprehend blueprints and specifications for the installation of high pressure piping.

• For at least four years, have been a registered unlicensed individual or pipefitter apprentice, or have worked in the trade of high pressure pipefitting outside of Minnesota.

• Apply online through iMS to take the license exam, pay a $50 examination fee, and pass the required examination with a score of at least 70%.

  • You will receive instructions about how to pay for your license after you pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it and pay another exam fee. View more information about exams.

• Pay a license fee $48. License is valid for two years.  

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process.

Master high pressure pipefitter license

• Must be at least 21 years of age and have worked at the trade of high pressure piping for at least five years.

• Be examined as to your knowledge of high pressure pipefitting, the requirements of the pipefitting laws for the installation of high pressure piping in Minnesota, you ability to lay out a plan of high pressure piping, and  knowledge of the physics and mechanics applicable to high pressure piping

• Generally demonstrate to the department your ability to properly, intelligently, and lawfully carry on the business of a master high pressure pipefitter in Minnesota.

• Apply online through iMS to take the license exam, pay a $50 examination fee, and pass the required examination with a score of at least 70%.

  • You will receive instructions about how to pay for your license after you pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it and pay another exam fee. View more information about exams.

• Pay a license fee $88. License is valid for two years.

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process.

High pressure piping contractor license

• An individual, person, partnership, firm, corporation, or association must obtain or use a business with a high pressure piping contractor license before obtaining a permit for high pressure piping work.    

• View information about high pressure piping contractor licenses.

Questions?

Contact us at dli.license@state.mn.us or 651-284-5034.

*NOTE: High pressure piping system means a steam system in excess of 15 psi, piping systems of hot water or other medium used for heating that exceeds 30 psi and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, ammonia refrigeration piping systems, or bioprocess piping systems.