100+ Free MN Landscape Practice Questions

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In Minnesota, what is the annual revenue threshold above which a landscape contractor performing construction services must obtain a Residential Building Contractor license from the DLI?

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MN Landscape Exam

70%

Passing Score

MN DLI

42 in

Frost Depth

MN Building Code

$1,000

Surety Bond

Statute 326B

14 hrs

CE for Renewal

MN DLI

120 days

Lien Filing Deadline

MN Statute 514.08

Sample MN Landscape Practice Questions

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1In Minnesota, what is the annual revenue threshold above which a landscape contractor performing construction services must obtain a Residential Building Contractor license from the DLI?

A.$10,000

B.$15,000

C.$20,000

D.$25,000

Explanation: Under Minnesota statute, a contractor who earns more than $15,000 annually from residential construction services—including landscape construction such as retaining walls, paving, and irrigation—must be licensed as a Residential Building Contractor by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). This threshold ensures consumer protection for significant construction projects.

2Which Minnesota state agency oversees the licensing of residential building contractors, including landscape contractors performing construction work?

A.Minnesota Department of Commerce

B.Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

C.Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

D.Minnesota Board of Architecture

Explanation: The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is the state agency responsible for licensing residential building contractors and remodelers. Landscape contractors whose work involves construction activities such as retaining walls, hardscaping, and irrigation must obtain their license through the DLI.

3Under Minnesota Statute 326B.86, what is the minimum commercial general liability insurance per occurrence that a licensed contractor must maintain?

A.$50,000

B.$100,000

C.$200,000

D.$300,000

Explanation: Minnesota Statute 326B.86 requires each licensed contractor to maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury. Property damage insurance must be at least $25,000, or the contractor may carry a combined single limit policy of $300,000.

4What is the minimum surety bond amount required for a licensed residential building contractor in Minnesota?

A.$500

B.$1,000

C.$2,500

D.$5,000

Explanation: Minnesota requires licensed residential building contractors to file a $1,000 surety bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. This bond provides a measure of financial protection for consumers in case the contractor fails to fulfill contractual obligations.

5How many questions are on the Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam administered by the DLI?

A.80 questions

B.100 questions

C.110 questions

D.130 questions

Explanation: The Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. Approximately 60% of the questions cover the Minnesota Residential Building Code, while the remaining 40% address statutes and rules governing the residential construction industry.

6What passing score is required on the Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam?

A.60%

B.65%

C.70%

D.75%

Explanation: A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam. The exam allows 5.5 hours for completion and provides two reference books for use during the open-book format.

7In Minnesota, how many hours of continuing education must a qualifying person complete for license renewal?

A.8 hours

B.10 hours

C.14 hours

D.20 hours

Explanation: All qualifying persons for Minnesota residential building contractor and remodeler licenses must complete 14 hours of DLI-approved continuing education to renew their qualifying registration. This ensures that licensed contractors stay current with building codes and industry practices.

8What reference materials are provided during the Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam?

A.No reference materials are permitted

B.The Minnesota Residential Building Code and the DLI Reference Manual

C.Only the International Building Code

D.Any personal reference materials the candidate brings

Explanation: The Minnesota contractor exam is open-book, and candidates are provided with two specific reference books: the Minnesota State Residential Code (2020 edition) and the DLI Reference Manual for Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler License Exam. No other materials are permitted.

9Under Minnesota Statute 326B, what role does the 'qualifying person' serve for a licensed contracting company?

A.They handle all financial accounting for the company

B.They are the designated individual who passes the prelicensing exam and holds the qualification for the company

C.They serve as the company's insurance agent

D.They are required to be present at every job site

Explanation: In Minnesota, the qualifying person is the designated individual who passes the prelicensing exam on behalf of the contracting company. A company cannot apply for a contractor license until its qualifying person has passed the required exam. This person is responsible for ensuring the company's work meets code requirements.

10Which of the following landscape activities in Minnesota does NOT typically require a building contractor license?

A.Installing a retaining wall over 4 feet tall

B.Mowing, trimming, and routine lawn maintenance

C.Installing a paver patio with a gravel base

D.Building an irrigation system connected to the water supply

Explanation: Routine lawn maintenance such as mowing, trimming, and fertilizing does not constitute construction work and therefore does not require a Minnesota building contractor license. Activities involving structural construction, hardscaping, or connections to utilities typically trigger licensing requirements when annual revenue exceeds $15,000.

About the MN Landscape Exam

The Minnesota Residential Building Contractor exam is required for landscape contractors performing construction work exceeding $15,000 annually. The open-book exam covers the MN Residential Building Code and construction industry statutes. Landscape-specific knowledge includes retaining walls, grading, irrigation, hardscaping, and plant materials suited to Minnesota's USDA Zones 3-4.

Questions

110 scored questions

Time Limit

5.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$75-$150 (Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI))

MN Landscape Exam Content Outline

25%

State Laws & Licensing

MN Statute 326B, DLI licensing, bond and insurance requirements, continuing education, contractor registration

25%

Trade Knowledge - Hardscape

Retaining walls, paver installation, frost depth (42 inches), concrete work, grading and drainage for MN climate

20%

Trade Knowledge - Plant Materials & Irrigation

USDA Zone 3-4 plants, winterization, irrigation blow-out, native species, soil amendments for clay soils

15%

Safety & Environmental

OSHA regulations, excavation safety, NPDES permits, Wetland Conservation Act, pesticide licensing, erosion control

15%

Business & Contract Management

Mechanic's lien law (120-day filing), contract requirements, estimating, workers' compensation, business operations

How to Pass the MN Landscape Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 110 questions
Time limit: 5.5 hours
Exam fee: $75-$150

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MN Landscape Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on Minnesota Statute 326B covering contractor licensing, bond, and insurance requirements

2Master frost depth (42 inches) and its implications for footings, irrigation winterization, and base preparation

3Study MN mechanic's lien law: 120-day filing deadline for subcontractors after last furnishing of labor/materials

4Learn NPDES stormwater permit requirements for projects disturbing 1+ acres of land

5Understand the Wetland Conservation Act and buffer zone requirements near wetlands

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do Minnesota landscape contractors need?

Landscape contractors performing construction services exceeding $15,000 annually need a Residential Building Contractor license from the DLI. Below that threshold, construction contractor registration is still required.

What is the frost depth in Minnesota?

Minnesota's frost depth is typically 42 inches, which affects footing depth for retaining walls, fence posts, and other landscape structures. Irrigation systems must be winterized since pipes cannot practically be buried below the frost line.

Is the Minnesota contractor exam open book?

Yes. Two reference books are provided during the exam: the Minnesota State Residential Code (2020 edition) and the DLI Reference Manual for Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler License Exam.

What bond and insurance are required?

A $1,000 surety bond and commercial general liability insurance ($100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury, $25,000 property damage) must be maintained.