Minnesota Power Limited Technician License: Requirements, Experience, and How to Apply

Minnesota Power Limited Technician: Requirements and How to Apply

Minnesota licenses low-voltage work. Installing technology circuits or systems takes a Power Limited Technician (PLT) license from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), or working under the supervision of someone who has one.

What the license covers

Minnesota Statutes 326B.31 defines technology circuits or systems as Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4 wiring for, among other things:

• remote control, signaling and control,
• alarm systems, including fire alarm,
• audio, communication and antenna systems,
• low-voltage lighting limited to a Class 2 or Class 3 power supply.

A PLT may install, alter, repair, plan, lay out and supervise that work.

It is not a stand-alone license

A PLT can work only as a W-2 employee of:

• a licensed technology system contractor or electrical contractor, or
• a registered employer, on property the employer owns or leases.

Unlicensed workers may do technology system work under a PLT's supervision, when both work for the same employer. If you want to contract on your own, the business needs a technology system contractor license.

Experience

You need 36 months of experience in the work the license covers. Credits that count toward it:

• an approved two-year technical college program: 12 months,
• other approved technical training: up to 12 months,
• a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering: qualifies you for the exam with no installation experience.

Training credit is granted only for programs DLI approved before you finished them, not case by case.

Applying and testing

1. Apply to DLI with the $50 application and examination fee. The license fee comes after you pass.
2. Schedule your exam. DLI gives it itself, at its St. Paul office; walk-ins are not allowed.
3. Sit the exam: 80 questions in 5½ hours, 70% to pass, on the 2026 NEC. DLI supplies the code book and the laws booklet. What is on the exam breaks it down.

The pass rate

In 2026 through July, 55.9% of PLT attempts passed — 64% of individual candidates, across 151 test-takers. In 2025, 51% of attempts passed. DLI rates PLT questions at the same difficulty as the Class A master exam.

Renewal

PLT licenses need 16 hours of continuing education per renewal. Unlike the electrician licenses, only 4 must be on the NEC; up to 12 may be related technical subjects or the Minnesota Electrical Act and Rules.

Getting ready

Try our free 10-question practice test on the 2026 NEC, or see the full Minnesota Power Limited Technician exam prep.