Checked against primary sources 2026-09-07

Code SI

Minnesota Satellite System Installer License: SI Explained

The satellite system installer license is the only Minnesota electrical credential that asks for an outside certification as well as a state examination. The statute names one program by name and leaves the door open for others the board approves.

Test yourself: thirty free questions, timed

What the license covers

Minnesota Statutes 326B.31, subdivision 32 defines the license as an individual having the necessary training, knowledge and experience to plan, lay out, supervise, install, maintain and repair wiring for satellite broadcast communication systems.

Planning, laying out and supervising are inside this license, which puts it closer to the power limited technician in shape than to the journeyworker.

The two part entry

326B.33, subdivision 7a asks for an examination administered by the commissioner and, at subdivision 7a(a)(2)(i), certification to the department demonstrating successful completion of the National Standards and Testing Program for satellite system installers sponsored by the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association of America, Inc., or other program approved by the board.

How a certification program gets approved is set out in Minnesota Rules 3800.3604 through 3800.3613, which sit inside the Board of Electricity's licensing chapter.

DLI does not publish a list of currently approved programs, so the statute's named program is the one certainty on this page.

The 25 question paper

The Licensing Examination Guide puts the satellite system installer exam at 25 questions, alongside the Class B installer paper. Five and a half hours and 70 percent, the same as every other Minnesota electrical examination.

The room rules do not change for a short paper. DLI provides the code book in soft cover with no tabs or other aids, allows a common desk type calculator, and bars other materials and electronic devices including cell phones from the building.

Fees and continuing education

Fifty dollars for the examination application, $48 new, $53 to renew and $73 with the $20 late fee. The same numbers as the journeyworker, maintenance and installer licenses.

Continuing education is where this license is different. The DLI table prints 4 code hours for SI and prints nothing in the non code column. Minnesota Rules 3800.3602 says satellite system installers must obtain credit for four hours of instruction on the National Electrical Code.

We are not going to fill in a non code figure the state does not print. If you hold this license and want a total, ask DLI at 651-284-5034 before your renewal window opens.

The contractor license above it

A business doing satellite broadcast communication system work needs the satellite system contractor license, code SC. Its application packet covers satellite broadcast communication system work, including planning, laying out and supervising installation.

The packet prints $188.00 for the initial application, a bond of twenty five thousand dollars and commercial general liability insurance, including premises and operations and products and completed operations, with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence. The applicant designates a responsible licensed individual who is responsible for the performance of all satellite broadcast communication system work.

What is not published

The Board of Electricity does not publish an active license count for satellite system installers or for satellite system contractors, and it publishes no pass rate for the SI examination.

The counts the board does publish, quarter by quarter, are for journeyworkers, registered unlicensed electricians, masters, registered unlicensed power limited technicians, power limited technicians, electrical contractors, technology systems contractors, registered employers and sign contractor bonds.

Questions people ask

What is a satellite system installer license in Minnesota?

A state license for planning, laying out, supervising, installing, maintaining and repairing wiring for satellite broadcast communication systems, defined at Minnesota Statutes 326B.31, subdivision 32.

Do I need a certification as well as the exam?

Yes. Minnesota Statutes 326B.33, subdivision 7a asks for certification demonstrating successful completion of the National Standards and Testing Program for satellite system installers sponsored by the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association of America, Inc., or another program approved by the board.

How many questions is the satellite installer exam?

Twenty five, with five and a half hours to complete it and a 70 percent pass mark.

How much continuing education does an SI license need?

Four hours of instruction on the National Electrical Code, under Minnesota Rules 3800.3602. The DLI table prints no non code figure for this license, so we do not print one either.

What does a satellite system contractor license cost?

The DLI application packet prints $188.00 for the initial application, with a $25,000 bond and commercial general liability insurance with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence.

How many satellite installers does Minnesota license?

No figure is published. The Board of Electricity minutes count nine license categories and satellite system installer is not one of them.

What this page cites

• Minnesota Statutes 326B.31 Subdivision 32 defines the satellite system installer license. source
• Minnesota Statutes 326B.33 Subdivision 7a sets the examination and the certification program requirement. source
• Minnesota Rules chapter 3800 Parts 3800.3604 through 3800.3613 govern approval of satellite system installer certification programs. source
• DLI Licensing Examination Guide Puts the satellite system installer examination at 25 questions. source
• DLI satellite system contractor packet Prints the $188 application fee, the $25,000 bond and the insurance limits. source
• DLI continuing education Prints four code hours for SI and no non code figure. source