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DirectionsSafety-qualified underground telecommunications installer program
State law requires the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), in consultation with the Office of Broadband Development, to approve standards for a Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program (Minnesota Statutes 326B.198).
This certification requirement applies to the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure that is located within 10 feet of existing underground utilities or that crosses existing underground utilities. This work must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers pursuant to the effective dates outlined in statute.
Timelines
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Beginning July 1, 2025, the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure subject to Minn. Stat. 326B.198, within the seven-county metropolitan area, must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers.
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Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure subject to Minn. Stat. 326B.198, throughout Minnesota, must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers.
Training requirements
This program requires individuals seeking to become certified as a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer to complete 40 hours of training (and pass an exam), which requires both classroom and hands-on instruction.
The legislation also requires that certified installers obtain four hours of refresher training to be completed within three years of completing the initial 40-hour course, and every three years thereafter, to maintain certification.
The training will be provided by training providers who will submit their course materials to DLI for review and approval.
More information
Questions?
Contact Don Sivigny at 651-284-5874 or don.sivigny@state.mn.us.