Checked against primary sources 2026-09-07

Code PL

Minnesota Power Limited Technician License: PL in Full

The power limited technician license covers alarm, audio, control and signaling work behind a demarcation. It is the shortest experience route on the electrical side of the ladder, and its continuing education rule runs the opposite way to every other license here.

Test yourself: thirty free questions, timed

What a power limited technician does

Minnesota Statutes 326B.31, subdivision 25 defines the license as an individual with the qualifications, training, experience and technical knowledge to install, alter, repair, plan, lay out and supervise technology circuits or systems. Note that planning and laying out are inside this license, unlike the Class A journeyworker.

Subdivision 29 defines what a technology circuit or system is: class 2, class 3 or class 4 circuits or systems for remote control, signaling, control, alarm and audio signal, isolated from circuits or systems other than class 2, class 3 or class 4 by a demarcation.

The demarcation is the boundary of the license. On the technology side of it a PL may plan, lay out and supervise; on the other side the work needs an electrician license.

Thirty six months

326B.33, subdivision 7 asks for at least 36 months of experience or a four year degree. The DLI matrix counts 36 months in total, with at least 12 in wiring for and installing technology circuits, and that category can supply all 36.

Maintaining and repairing technology circuits can carry up to 24 months. Planning, laying out and supervising technology circuits carry up to 6 months each, and process control circuits up to 6. Line work and installing elevators carry a zero maximum on this license.

Every category on this matrix is worded for technology circuits. General wiring time does not fill it.

School credit, in hours as well as months

This is the one license where DLI words the schooling allowance with an hour figure. Its experience and education page says a maximum of up to 12 months or 2,000 hours of experience credit will be allowed for the successful completion of a two year post high school electrical course or other technical training approved by the board.

Note the phrase other technical training, which is broader than the wording on the electrician licenses.

The exam

Eighty questions, the same as the master and journeyworker papers. Five and a half hours, 70 percent to pass, and the same weekly Wednesday sitting in St. Paul.

The examination is on the National Electrical Code. Only the lineman examination uses the National Electrical Safety Code.

The continuing education inversion

Every electrician license in Minnesota needs 16 hours with at least 12 on the National Electrical Code. The power limited technician license needs 16 hours with at least 4 on the code and the remainder on the statutes and rules. Minnesota Rules 3800.3602 states it that way and the DLI table prints it as 4 code and 12 non code.

326B.33, subdivision 7 puts the total in the statute itself: licensees must attain 16 hours of continuing education per renewal period.

If you hold a PL alongside an electrician license, the DLI rule that credits may be applied to more than one type of license means you satisfy the higher requirement once rather than twice.

Fees and term

Fifty dollars for the examination application, $48 for a new license, $53 to renew and $73 with the $20 late fee. The elicense entry gives the term as two years, expiring on the anniversary date of initial issue.

There is a registration below this license, the same as on the electrician side. The RT code is the registered unlicensed power limited technician, and it has its own work experience form.

Where the training route runs

DLI names one registered apprenticeship sponsor on the limited energy side: Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy in Fridley. DLI prints an aptitude test covering high school level algebra and reading comprehension, applications taken year round with a $40 application fee, processing of one to three weeks, and that applicants may be hired and begin work before the application process is complete.

The sponsor's own page asks for a minimum of 17 years of age, 18 at the time of selection, and a score of three or higher on the electrical trade's aptitude test. It says its continuing education classes qualify to meet the requirements for renewing the power limited technician license.

One detail does not match. DLI prints the address as Suite 240 and the sponsor prints Suite 140. Call before you drive there.

Questions people ask

What is a power limited technician in Minnesota?

A licensed individual who may install, alter, repair, plan, lay out and supervise technology circuits or systems. Minnesota Statutes 326B.31, subdivision 29 defines those as class 2, class 3 or class 4 circuits for remote control, signaling, control, alarm and audio signal, isolated by a demarcation.

How much experience does the PL license need?

Thirty six months, with at least 12 in wiring for and installing technology circuits. A four year degree is the alternative route in Minnesota Statutes 326B.33, subdivision 7.

How many questions is the power limited technician exam?

Eighty, the same as the master and journeyworker papers. Five and a half hours and a 70 percent pass mark.

How much continuing education does a PL license need?

Sixteen hours per renewal period, with at least 4 on the National Electrical Code and the remainder on the statutes and rules. That is the reverse of the electrician split, which puts at least 12 hours on the code.

Can school hours count toward the PL license?

Up to 12 months or 2,000 hours of experience credit for a two year post high school electrical course or other technical training approved by the board. This is the only license where DLI words the allowance with an hour figure.

Is there an apprenticeship for power limited work in Minnesota?

DLI names one limited energy sponsor, Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy in Fridley. Applications are taken year round with a $40 fee, and DLI says applicants may be hired and begin work before the application process is complete.

What this page cites

• Minnesota Statutes 326B.31 Subdivision 25 defines the power limited technician and subdivision 29 defines a technology circuit or system. source
• Minnesota Statutes 326B.33 Subdivision 7 sets the 36 months, the degree alternative and the 16 hour continuing education requirement. source
• DLI experience requirements The 36 month matrix, every category worded for technology circuits. source
• Minnesota Rules 3800.3602 Sets four hours of National Electrical Code instruction for power limited technicians, with the remainder on the statutes and rules. source
• DLI limited energy apprenticeships Names Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy, the $40 fee, the aptitude test and the one to three week processing. source
• mn.gov elicense, Power Limited Technician Prints the two year term on the anniversary date of initial issue. source