A limited bored geothermal heat exchanger (BGHE) contractor may construct, repair, and seal BGHE systems. Individuals applying as a certified representative, must have three years of experience constructing, repairing, and sealing BGHEs; or in well drilling. The BGHE experience must be obtained under a licensed well contractor or limited BGHE contractor, unless it was obtained during directionally drilling BGHEs that were not regulated by MDH at the time of construction. The well drilling experience must be obtained under a licensed well contractor, and the applicant must also be accredited by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, certified by the National Groundwater Association, or have an equivalent certification. More details regarding experience requirements are in the Qualification Application for Limited Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractor.
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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.
Limited Bored Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractor Qualification Application
Construction of Wells and Borings
Refer to Fees
Annual (February 1 - January 31)
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
Construction of Wells and Borings
Licensed Well and Boring Contractor Directory