Business Trade License, Competency Cards, and Trade Worker Registration

Overview

To ensure the quality of workmanship on buildings and structures within the City of Saint Paul, and to safeguard public health and welfare, certificates of competency are required of skilled workers in specific building trades. The state Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has a search tool that allows you to see if a person or company has a current license, bond, certificate or registration issued by DLI. Access the License and Registration Lookup portal.

Different classes of certificates are specified under each type of work to recognize levels of expertise. For details about certificate requirements, please see the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 370. View the Legislative Code on Municode.

Trade Licenses

Applications

Building Trades License Application (New Applicants Only)

Boards of Examiners Meetings: Upcoming meetings listed in alphabetical order by board name

All boards are scheduled to meet at 375 Jackson Street, 3rd floor, Saint Paul, in conference room 3W.

Boards	Time and Date
Refrigeration Equipment Installers Board	Tuesday, February 6, 2024 DSI Conference Room 3W
Fuel Burner Installers Board	Tuesday, March 12, 2024 DSI Conference Room 3W
Plumbing Exam Board	Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 Thursday, June 13th, 2024 Thursday, September 12th, 2024 DSI Conference Room 3W
Steam Fitting and Piping System Board	Tuesday, April 16, 2024 DSI Conference Room 3W
Warm Air Board	Thursday, February 22, 2024 10:00am DSI Conference Room 3W

Competency Card Information

For each of the trades listed you will need to contact the senior inspector using the contact information provided below. Requirements for the competency exams are listed as well.

Please contact the Senior Building Inspector at 651-266-9021 for information. You will need the following document(s):
Please contact the Senior Mechanical Inspector at 651-266-9015 for information. You will need the following document(s):
Plaster & Lather - Please contact a Building Inspector at 651-266-9024 for information. You will need the following document(s):
Upcoming Plumbing Certificate of Competency Exam Dates:
The City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections will accept Journey and Master Level Plumbing Certificate of Competency Examination Applications up to 30 days prior to the scheduled test date. The next scheduled test date is:
- Friday, April 12, 2024
  Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 - Plumbing exam board will review all test results.
- Friday, July 12th, 2024
  Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 - Plumbing exam board will review all test results.
- Friday, October 11th, 2024
  Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 - Plumbing exam board will review all test results.
Exact time and location have yet to be determined. You will be notified with additional details prior to exam dates.
You will need the following document(s):
- Plumbing Certificate of Competency Application for Examination
- Competency Card Application (for Reciprocal only)
Please contact the Senior Mechanical/Sheetmetal Inspector at 651-266-9064 for information. You will need the following document(s):

Trade Worker Registration

Information may be found below.

Every trade worker who works on any building or structure in Saint Paul must be currently registered with the Department of Safety and Inspections before performing any type of work. Trade classifications include:
- Lathing and plastering
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration
- Steamfitting and piping systems
- Warm air heating and ventilation
- Concrete masonry and cement finishing
Trade workers must register annually to perform the types of trade work covered by this section of code, section 370.02. Registration includes the full name and contact information of each trade worker, his/her employer, trade classification, and previous trade work experience. Classifications are assigned to a trade worker based on the number of years they have been registered with the City in their trade.
Registration fees. Each trade worker registering to perform trade work covered by section 370.02 shall pay an annual registration fee based upon the following schedule.
Tier 1
Trade workers that have worked in the trade and have registered with DSI for four years or less shall pay an annual registration fee as outlined in Chapter 310.18 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. (0-4 years)
Tier 2
Trade workers that have worked in the trade and have registered with DSI for five to six years shall pay an annual registration fee as outlined in Chapter 310.18 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. (5-6 years)
Tier 3
Trade workers that have worked in the trade and have registered with DSI for seven years or more shall pay an annual registration fee as outlined in Chapter 310.18 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. (7 or more years)
Applications
- Trade Worker Registration Application

Angie Wiese, PE (MN), CBO
DSI Director

Address
375 Jackson Street, Suite 220
Saint Paul, MN 55101

General Information
Phone: 651-266-8989
Fax: 651-266-9124

Website
Safety and Inspections (DSI) | Saint Paul Minnesota (stpaul.gov)

Hours
7:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 4:30 pm the first Tuesday of every month

Customer Lobby Hours
8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm the first Tuesday of every month

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Overview

Trade Licenses

Applications

Boards of Examiners Meetings

Boards of Examiners Meetings: Upcoming meetings listed in alphabetical order by board name

Competency Card Information

Concrete Masonry & Cement Finishing

Gas, Oil, Refrigeration, and Steam & Hot Water

Plaster & Lather

Plumbing

Warm Air/ Ventilation

Trade Worker Registration

Trade Workers

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Applications

Contact Us