Home › Plumber license by state › Wisconsin

How to get a plumber license in Wisconsin

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Wisconsin plumbing licenses, pulled from official WI sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (DSPS licenses Journeyman Plumbers statewide under Wis. Stat. ch. 145 / SPS 305.)
  • Journeyman Plumber: Complete a plumbing apprenticeship recognized under Wis. Stat. ch. 106 or the federal DOL, then upload BAS completion letter in LicensE. Out-of-state comity path: 5-year apprenticeship with at least 576 hours related instruction (see DSPS application information). Work under general supervision of a Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted, or Utility Contractor.
  • Exam: open book, via DSPS / Pearson (after LicensE eligibility)
  • Code edition: Open-book exam references include Wis. Stats. §145, SPS 305, SPS 381–387 and listed POWTS/NFPA manuals (confirm current DSPS exam list).

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceComplete a plumbing apprenticeship recognized under Wis. Stat. ch. 106 or the federal DOL, then upload BAS completion letter in LicensE. Out-of-state comity path: 5-year apprenticeship with at least 576 hours related instruction (see DSPS application information). Work under general supervision of a Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted, or Utility Contractor.Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of
ExamDSPS / Pearson (after LicensE eligibility). Open book. Open book; 70% to pass. Only listed bound references/notes allowed. Failures: pay another exam fee in LicensE to retake.Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application fee: $10
  • Initial credential fee: $180
  • Renewal: $180
  • Late CE fee (if applicable): $25
  • Reinstatement fee (if applicable): $200
Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 4 years. Renew by March 31. 24 CE hours required for renewal. Late CE fee $25; reinstatement $200 when applicable.Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of
CE to renew24 hours per 4-year renewal
DSPS trades table lists 24 CE hours for Journeyman Plumber renewal. Take courses accepted for the credential; confirm topics with DSPS/LicensE.
Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of

License types in Wisconsin

  • Plumbing apprentice
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Journeyman plumber–restricted (appliance/service)
  • Master plumber
  • Master plumber–restricted
  • Utility contractor
Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Comity applicants complete an out-of-state apprenticeship meeting DSPS rules, then take the Wisconsin journeyman exam (not a no-exam transfer).Source: dsps.wi.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

  • Exact exam fee charged in LicensE when you schedule (separate from application/credential fees).
    Ask: DSPS · 608-266-2112 · dsps@wisconsin.gov (contact source, as of )

FAQ

Does Wisconsin license journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. DSPS issues Journeyman Plumber credentials after an apprenticeship and an open-book exam (70%).

How much does the WI journeyman credential cost?

Application $10 plus initial credential $180 (DSPS fee table).

Already licensed? See Wisconsin plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.