Wisconsin Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Wisconsin’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to get a Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber License
- Complete apprenticeship training program (8,000 hours)
- Submit application and pay required fees
- Study for and pass your exam
- Pay license fee
How to get a Wisconsin Master Plumber License
- Must have completed either:
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of plumbing related work for at least three consecutive years as a journeyman plumber
- OR possess an engineering degree
- Submit application and pay required fees
- Study for and pass your exam
- Pay license fee
Wisconsin Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: March 31st, every four years
Continuing Education: 24 hours, every four years
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Wisconsin?
Individuals that want to perform work as a plumber in Wisconsin must obtain a license.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Wisconsin?
- Plumbing Apprentice
- Journeyman Plumber
- Journeyman Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter
- Master Plumber
- Utility Contractor
- Pipelayer
Does Wisconsin have reciprocal licensing with other states?
Wisconsin doesn’t have reciprocity with any other state, but will accept out of state experience on the licensure application.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Wisconsin?
Journeyman
- Application: $10
- Exam: $20
- License: $180
- Renewal: $180
Master
- Application: $20
- Exam: $30
- License: $500
- Renewal: $500
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Wisconsin plumbing license?
You must renew your Wisconsin plumbing license every four years on March 31st.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Wisconsin?
To renew your plumbers license in Wisconsin you must complete your 24 hours of CE. Once you finish your continuing education, you can complete your renewal online, and pay your renewal fee.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Wisconsin?
Yes, you need 24 hours of continued education every four years.
My Wisconsin plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
You will have to pay a late fee if your plumbing license is already expired.
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Wisconsin?
- Complete apprenticeship training program (8,000 hours)
- Submit application and pay required fees
- Study for and pass your exam
- Pay license fee
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Wisconsin?
- Application: $10
- Exam: $20
- License: $180
- Renewal: $180
What can I expect from the Wisconsin journeyman plumbing exam?
- The exam is a two-part open book exam
- Each part has a three-hour time limit
- Part one has 87 questions and part two consists of 120 questions
- Covers topics including vents and venting, administrative procedures, drainage systems and more
- Passing score is 70% or better
Where can I take the Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam?
- Appleton
- Brookfield
- Eau Clair
- Madison
How do I know if I passed the Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam?
- You will receive an exam result letter in the mail within 21 calendar days of your exam date.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If you failed, there will be instructions in the exam result letter for setting up the next exam date. After you receive your exam result letter you may mail in a credential application form for a future exam site.
You may schedule only one exam session at a time for each credential type. Applications sent in for multiple exam sites for the same credential will not be accepted. Refunds will not be issued.
How do I get my master plumbing license in Wisconsin?
- Must have completed either:
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of plumbing related work for at least three consecutive years as a journeyman plumber
- OR possess an engineering degree
- Submit application and pay required fees
- Study for and pass your exam
- Pay license fee
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Wisconsin?
- Application: $20
- Exam: $30
- License: $500
- Renewal: $500
What can I expect from the Wisconsin master plumbing exam?
- The exam is a two-part open book exam
- There is a 4 hour time limit for each part
- Part one has 110 questions and part two consists of 132 questions
- Covers topics including vents and venting, administrative procedures, drainage systems and more
- Passing score is 70% or better
Where can I take the Wisconsin master plumber exam?
- Appleton
- Brookfield
- Eau Clair
- Madison
How do I know if I passed the Wisconsin master plumber exams?
- You will receive an exam result letter in the mail within 21 calendar days of your exam date.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If you failed, there will be instructions in the exam result letter for setting up the next exam date. After you receive your exam result letter you may mail in a credential application form for a future exam site. You may schedule only one exam session at a time for each credential type. Applications sent in for multiple exam sites for the same credential will not be accepted. Refunds will not be issued.
What continuing education is required to renew my Wisconsin plumber license?
Both journeyman and master plumbers are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every four years.
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 266-2112
DSPSCredTrades@wisconsin.gov
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/BoardsCouncils/Plumbers/
Exams are scheduled through state at the time of application.
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.