Minnesota Requires New Certification for Underground Telecommunications Installers (SQUTI)

For ABC of Wisconsin contractors doing work in Minnesota, it’s important to know that new standards are required for underground telecommunications installers.

Beginning January 1, 2026, any person in Minnesota who is doing underground telecommunications installations is required to be certified as a Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer (SQUTI).

ABC of Minnesota/North Dakota has partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to provide the 40 hour training required to be certified under Minnesota’s new law.

The certification is essential for professionals involved in the installation of:

• Underground broadband, fiber or phone lines when:
  • Projects utilize directional drilling, and/or
  • Work is being conducted within 10 feet of existing utilities

This may include:

• Drill operators
• Locators
• Fiber crew members
• Contractors and subcontractors working on telecommunication projects

For more information on the new requirements, and to obtain the SQUTI Certification visit their website here.