PrepPass team · Verified against Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) · How we review

How hard is the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam?

Quick answer

The Minnesota Residential Contractor exam is a serious, studiable test — its difficulty comes less from any single hard idea than from the breadth of material across 11 weighted content areas. Expect 110 questions in 330 minutes. The passing standard is 70%. PrepPass has 422+ free Minnesota Residential Contractor practice questions with explanations, organized by topic, plus a full timed mock exam.

How to make the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam easier

Work through real practice questions until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Minnesota Residential Contractor practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.

The Minnesota Residential Contractor exam at a glance

110
questions
330 min
time limit
70%
to pass
11
content areas

The 11 content areas on the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam

The exam is built from weighted content areas — focus your study time where the weight is. These weights are how PrepPass has organized the material; check the exam authority’s own outline for its published breakdown.

Business Organization & Licensing10%
Estimating & Bidding14%
Contracts & Contract Law14%
Project Management & Scheduling12%
Financial Management & Accounting12%
Safety & OSHA14%
Employment & Labor Law12%
Building Codes & Permits12%
Minnesota Licensing & Classifications40%
Minnesota Contracting Law & Warranties35%
Minnesota Recovery Fund & Exam Requirements25%

How the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam is administered

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Construction Codes and Licensing Division oversees licensing. Confirm the current details with the official authority before you rely on them.

What is the pass rate, and can you retake it?

Wondering about pass rates and what happens if you don't pass the first time?

See Minnesota Residential Contractorpass rate & retake rules →

Frequently asked questions

What score do you need to pass the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam?+

The passing standard for the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam is 70%.

How many questions are on the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam?+

The Minnesota Residential Contractor exam has 110 questions, with a time limit of 330 minutes.

Does Minnesota require a state contractor license?+

Yes. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) licenses Residential Building Contractors and Remodelers under Minn. Stat. Chapter 326B. A license is required to contract directly with a homeowner in more than one special skill.

Who is exempt from the Minnesota contractor license?+

A person is exempt if gross annual receipts from residential building work are $15,000 or less, or if the work involves only a single special skill (Minn. Stat. 326B.805).

How does Minnesota protect homeowners instead of a bond?+

Instead of a surety bond, Minnesota uses the Contractor Recovery Fund (Minn. Stat. 326B.89) to reimburse owners for losses caused by a licensee. The exam is delivered directly by DLI and is open book; licenses renew every two years with 14 hours of continuing education.

How should I study for the Minnesota Residential Contractor exam?+

Focus your time on the heaviest content areas, then drill practice questions by topic until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Minnesota Residential Contractor practice questions with full explanations and a timed mock exam.

Exam details verified against the official authority:

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) →https://www.dli.mn.gov →

Last updated: August 2026