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As a residential contractor, you tackle a range of complex building tasks, from completing major home remodels to crafting home additions to erecting new structures from the ground up. 

Although there are no education or experience requirements prior to taking your initial exam, chances are you put in plenty of hours taking classes, working in construction, or both before seeking a license.

Now that you’re a licensed contractor, you will have to meet some requirements for continuing education in order to renew your residential contractor license and remain in compliance with state laws. What is required to keep your license up-to-date?

Sign Up for Suitable Continuing Education

In the state of Minnesota, residential contractors must renew their licenses every two years. Whether you’re a qualifying builder, remodeler, or roofer, you will have to complete the required coursework to earn needed continuing education credits for your license renewal.

This includes 14 hours total of approved courses related to specific topics. You’ll need courses that are approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which is responsible for administering licenses. What should be included in your continuing education program?

Energy

License renewal for residential contractors requires one hour of coursework relating to the energy code or energy conservation measures applicable to residential structures.

Business Management

A more recent requirement for residential contractor license renewal is one hour of coursework related to business management strategies applicable to residential construction businesses.

Other

The final 12 hours of your continuing education must pertain to topics like residential construction, workforce safety, and federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Approved courses will contain both academic and practical content and deal with matters directly related to these topics.

Pay Associated Fees

Once you’ve completed your continuing education and you’re eligible to renew your license, you’ll need to pay state renewal fees. For 2023, the fees are: 

• $445 for contractors with gross annual receipts of under $1 million 
• $545 for those with gross annual receipts of $1M–$5M 
• $645 for those with gross annual receipts over $5M

You may renew online, by mail, or in person. Don’t forget, your business secretary of state filing must be valid in order to renew your residential contractor license, so make sure it’s up to date before you submit your renewal.

Choosing a Continuing Education Program

It’s important that you choose a continuing education program approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to ensure that you meet all requirements to renew your license. 

You should also look for courses that are fully narrated and written by industry experts, as well as a program that offers convenient, on-demand courses on any device, with lifetime access so you can refer back to materials as needed.

RocketCert is committed to offering superior education, and our courses satisfy state requirements for residential contractor licensing renewal. We offer industry-leading customer service and support to ensure your satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to obtain or renew a residential contractor license in Minnesota, contact RocketCert.