Workforce Certificate
Minnesota thrives when state investments are used to intentionally undo disparities and inequities. That’s why certain businesses contracting with the State of Minnesota, cities, counties, and the University of Minnesota are required to have a Workforce Certificate.
Workforce Certificates require contractors to actively work to hire, train, promote, and retain people of color, Indigenous people, women, and/or people with disabilities to ensure that Minnesota’s workforce reflects Minnesota’s demographics.
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/RenewThe Workforce Certificate application includes:
- Application Form
- Affirmative Action Plan (AAP)
- Workforce and Utilization Analysis (WUA)
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
Contractors that meet the criteria below must apply for a Workforce Certificate.
Contracts with the State of Minnesota and Metropolitan Agencies
- Business 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
- Business 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
- Business 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.
- All contractors who have a Workforce Certificate must complete an Annual Compliance Report.
- If you changed your business name, address, and/or primary contact, let us know by submitting this form.
- Construction contractors with a Workforce Certificate are also required to complete a Preconstruction Packet before a project begins and submit Monthly Project Reports throughout the life of the project.
- Some contracts are exempt. Contracts for investments 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.
Workforce Certificate Audits
To ensure that contractors are making good faith efforts towards hiring, training, promoting, and retaining people of color, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and/or women, the Minnesota Human Rights Act authorizes MDHR to audit contractors.
If a contractor is non-compliant, MDHR can issue fines up to $5,000 per calendar year for each contract. In addition, MDHR can suspend a non-compliant contractor’s certificate and/or revoke the contractor's ability to bid on future projects, pursuant to State. Minn. Stat. §363A.36, subds. 1 and 3; §363A.37 and Minn. R. 5000 et seq.
Contractor Non-Discrimination is the Law Posters
After issuing a Workforce Certificate, MDHR will send the contractor posters in English and Spanish to post at each worksite/facility, including at construction sites. They are also available online here: