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Workforce Certificate

Certain companies contracting with the State of Minnesota, cities, counties, and the University of Minnesota must have a Workforce Certificate. 

Workforce Certificates require companies to maintain a workplace free from discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. 

Workforce Certificates must be obtained through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and are valid for four years. 

Questions? Email us at compliance.mdhr@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1095.

Steps to Apply or Renew

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

Confirm you meet all the requirements below before applying or renewing for a Workforce Certificate.

If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact us before completing an application.

The facts below provide additional information.

 

Step 2: Complete the Application 

Apply/Renew

The Workforce Certificate application includes: 

  • Application Form
  • Compliance Plan
  • Data Analysis 

If you have questions during the process, contact us. 

Step 3: Make an Online Payment


The fee for a Workforce Certificate is $250. The certificate is valid for four years. 

You can pay online by using a credit card or a check by using the routing number and checking or savings account number.

After paying online, you will receive your payment confirmation number to enter in the application form. 

Requirements 

Companies that meet the criteria below must apply for a Workforce Certificate.

Contracts with the State of Minnesota and Metropolitan Agencies

  • Company size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.
 
  • Contracting entities: Contracts with Minnesota state departments and agencies, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
 
  • Contract dollar amount: A contract for goods and services that exceeds $100,000.

Contracts with Cities, Counties, and Other Political Subdivisions

  • Company size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.
 
  • Contracting entities: Cities, Counties, Townships, and other Political Subdivisions
 
  • Contract dollar amount: A contract for a capital project funded by General Obligation bonds that exceeds $250,000.

Contracts with the University of Minnesota

  • Company size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.
 
  • Contracting entities: University of Minnesota
 
  • Contract dollar amount: A contract for a capital project funded by General Obligation bonds that exceeds $100,000.

Fast Facts

  • The Minnesota Department of Human Rights processes Workforce Certificates within 15 days of receipt of the entire application.  
  • Workforce Certificates are not needed for each contract because Workforce Certificates are tied to the company, not the contract. 
  • If you changed your company name, address, and/or primary contact, let us know by submitting this form. 
  • Some contracts are exempt. Contracts for investment options under Minn. Stat. § 356.645 between the State Board of Investment and businesses/firms are exempt.
  • Workforce Certificates are required if the company’s primary place of business is inside or outside of Minnesota.

Compliance Reviews 

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights may request information from a Workforce Certificate holder to evaluate the company's efforts to implement its Compliance Plan to maintain a workplace free from discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. 

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