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. The License and Registration Lookup portal is found here.

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 here.

Trade Licenses

Information and applications may be found below.

Applications
- Building Trades License Application (New Applicants Only)
- Trade Worker Registration Application

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.

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)

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Overview

Trade Licenses

Trades Licenses

Applications

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