Information about certification and registration for Minnesota's Placing-in-Service program. Also includes a list of registered/certified entities.
Placing-in-Service Program and Registration
General Requirements
Individuals who wish to become a Registered Service Agent must demonstrate they are fully qualified to place commercial weighing or measuring equipment into service.
Registrants must have a thorough working knowledge of the following:
- NIST Handbook 44, 2019 Edition
- Minnesota Department of Commerce Rules 7601
Class and Testing
Updated – Placing-in-Service Permit Reciprocity and Testing Information (10/13/25)
If you need a Placing-in-Service permit or need to renew a permit, please review the information below carefully, as testing procedures and reciprocity have recently changed.
Reciprocity – Online Exams through the National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM):
Some neighboring states, such as Wisconsin, now exclusively use online Placing-in-Service exams available through the NCWM website: ncwm.com/rsa-exams. Minnesota also recognizes these online exams. Each state may require state-specific exams in addition to the general NCWM exams.
Options for Minnesota Placing-in-Service Permits
1. Online Testing (Reciprocal Permits)
- Complete and pass the required exams for any measuring device listed on the NCWM website, including the NIST Handbook 44 Basic exam.
- Complete and pass the Minnesota-specific online exam on the NCWM site.
- After passing these exams, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weights and Measures Division to apply for your Minnesota Placing-in-Service permit.
- This option provides reciprocity with other states accepting NCWM exams.
2. In-Person Testing in Minnesota (Minnesota-Only Permit)
- Attend one of our Minnesota Placing-in-Service classes and take written exams administered by our staff.
- Permits issued through in-person testing are valid only in Minnesota and do not provide reciprocity with other states.
Class Schedule (In-Person Testing)
Classes are held monthly at the Weights and Measures office in Burnsville, Minnesota:
- Scale classes – held on odd-numbered months
- Meter classes – held on even-numbered months
All classes begin at 9:00 a.m., and pre-registration is required.
To register, contact Pam Anderson – (651) 539-1555.
Service Agent Self Study Materials
Open-Book Materials
The following materials should be studied in preparation for the exams. These will also be provided at class and can be used during the open-book portions of the exams:
- NIST Handbook 44, 2019 Edition - Exam Reference Material | National Council on Weights & M
- NIST Examination Procedure Outlines - Exam Reference Material | National Council on Weights & M
- Minnesota Commerce Department Rules 7601 - Minnesota Rules 2022, Chapter 7601
NIST Training Resources
The following links provide additional training and study resources for Registered Service Agents:
- NIST Handbook 44, 2019 Edition Self-Study Course
- Field Training Manuals: Training | National Council on Weights & Measures
Equipment List
A list of the standards and test equipment required for registration and testing in each category of weighing and measuring equipment.
Registered Placing-in-Service Companies
A list of registered PIS companies in Minnesota in Excel format with tabs for the various types of services.