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Explorers and Exploratory Borings
Licensing Applications
In Minnesota, a person or contractor who provides services to construct, repair, and seal regulated wells and borings must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). MDH issues eight different types of licenses, ranging from the well contractor license to more limited or specialty licenses, such as well sealing. MDH licenses the company and certifies the individual who meets the qualification requirements and passes an exam. This individual is considered the licensed contractor’s certified representative.
Qualification application
The first step in becoming a certified representative is for the individual to submit to MDH a Qualification Application with the $75 fee. In the Qualification Application, the applicant documents work experience and provides letters of reference to verify that work experience. Each certification type has specific minimum experience requirements, which typically includes the number of hours worked or jobs performed each year. Once MDH approves the Qualification Application, the applicant is provided information for taking the written exam for the specific certification they are seeking.
Study materials
Study materials for each type of licensing exam are provided below. For more information about wells and borings visit the Water Well Information webpage. Paper copies of MDH study materials are available upon request.
Original contractor license application
Once the applicant passes the exam, the applicant is sent an Original Contractor License Application. The applicant completes the application by providing the company name and related business information, registers drilling machines and hoists, and submits a corporate surety bond and certified representative application. The license fee varies from $75 to $250, depending on the license type. Once the Original Company License application and the certified representative application are approved, the company is ready for well contracting work in Minnesota. Individual applicants planning to be the certified representative for an existing company are just sent the certified representative application.
Qualification Application for Explorer Responsible Individual (PDF)
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Refer to Fees
Explorer's license require annual renewal and expire on December 31 of each year.
Explorers and Exploratory Borings
Licensed Well and Boring Contractor Directory