Skip to main content

Minnesota · General Contractors · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Minnesota General Contractor License

Minnesota general contractors must complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
14 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Minnesota general contractors holding a license in one of these classes: Qualifying remodeler (QC), Continuing education. Requirements are set by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

When to renew

Minnesota general contractors licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (MN GC (residential): 2-yr cycle ending March 31, odd/even-year cohorts (dli.mn.gov); 14 hrs CE per cycle due by own expiration)

The continuing education Minnesota requires

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requires 14 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Energy codes or energy conservation measures — at least 1 hour
  • Business management strategies — at least 1 hour
  • Appropriate and related knowledge in residential construction, including applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations — at least 12 hours
  • Remaining hours — at least 12 hours
  • New residential code update (conditional designation)
  • General approved continuing education (remainder) — at least 12 hours
  • Energy codes / energy conservation for residential buildings (1 hr)
  • Up to 7 hrs may be designated for new residential code education (when adopted)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Minnesota sets general contractors requirements by license class (Qualifying remodeler (QC), Continuing education). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requires 14 hours every 2 years, including Energy codes or energy conservation measures, Business management strategies, Appropriate and related knowledge in residential construction, including applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, Remaining hours and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Minnesota general contractors course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Minnesota, the provider uploads a completion roster to the board.

  5. 5

    Renew with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Online courses for Minnesota general contractors

Minnesota general contractor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Minnesota general contractors need?
Minnesota general contractors must complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Which license classes does the Minnesota general contractors CE requirement apply to?
The 14 hours requirement applies to: Qualifying remodeler (QC), Continuing education.
What topics are required for Minnesota general contractors continuing education?
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requires coverage of: Energy codes or energy conservation measures (1 hour); Business management strategies (1 hour); Appropriate and related knowledge in residential construction, including applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations (12 hours); Remaining hours (12 hours); New residential code update (conditional designation); General approved continuing education (remainder) (12 hours); Energy codes / energy conservation for residential buildings (1 hr); Up to 7 hrs may be designated for new residential code education (when adopted).
How are completed CE hours reported to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry?
Completed hours are reported by the provider via roster upload to the board. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Minnesota general contractors complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Minnesota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources