Certificate of Competency Cards (Comp Cards)
New & Noteworthy
COMPETENCY CARD EXAMS: NOTICE - Prometric is no longer accepting applications to test to obtain a Minneapolis Competency Card. The City of Minneapolis continues to work with other vendors to provide this service. Minneapolis does have reciprocity with the City of St. Paul so anyone interested in testing is encouraged to contact the City of St. Paul at 651-266-9118 and submit a copy of your St. Paul card for reciprocity.
Please check back at a later date for updates to the testing process.
COMPETENCY CARD RENEWALS City of Minneapolis Certificates of Competency are due to expire on November 1st of each year. Statements for the renewal of these certificates are mailed in the fall.
To facilitate the processing of your payment, please use the return envelope included with your payment. To avoid having to pay a late fee your payment must be at the Minneapolis Finance Department on or postmarked by 11/30 of each year. Any payment made on or after 12/1 of that year will be subject to a late fee.
Persons wishing to reciprocate a City of St. Paul certificate must first have their new St. Paul certificate in order to receive a new certificate from the City of Minneapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Competency Cards
What is a Certificate of Competency?
A certificate issued by the City of Minneapolis that attests to the fact that the cardholder has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to install, alter, repair, and service equipment and systems in a given trade.
Who needs one?
Persons working as journeymen or master heating, ventilating and air conditioning installer, gas fitter, refrigeration installer, steam and hot water systems installer, oil burner installer, or plumber/gas fitter within the city must first obtain a Certificate of Competency in the appropriate trade or trades. However, a Certificate of Competency does not qualify as a Trade License.
What is the difference between a license and a competency card?
In the City of Minneapolis, "license" is used to describe a business that has been granted a license and that may obtain permits to do work in Minneapolis in the mechanical and plumbing trades. A journeyman or master installer Certificate of Competency is required to work for a company licensed in Minneapolis.
What about apprentice cards?
The City of Minneapolis no longer issues or requires apprentice certificates. Plumbers are required to be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program before obtaining a plumbing license. Apprenticeship information for workers in the mechanical/hvac trade is available from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, 1-800-342-5354 or on the DOLI website.
How can I get a duplicate of my card?
Your certificate must be in your possession while on the job. If you should misplace your card or your card becomes unreadable you may request a duplicate at no charge. Your request must be made in writing either by fax or mail. Your request should include your name, address, phone number and certificate number(s), sign and date your request. Fax your request to (612) 673-5814, Attn Comp Cards or by mail to the Dept of Inspections, 250 So 4th St, Rm 300, Mpls, 55415. On the outside of the envelope put "Attn Comp Cards". Duplicate cards may only be requested by the card holder.
How do I renew my compcard?
Renewal notices are mailed on October 1st for the following year. If you have not received your renewal notice by October 15th, please call 311 so we can verify your mailing address.
Is there a lower renewal rate when I retire?
No, the fee to renew your comp card remains at $30 per trade.
Can I obtain a refund for payment of my compcard?
No, once you have renewed your comp card, it is not refundable.
Where do I find my compcard permit number?
Last updated Feb. 8, 2013