Construction / Plumber Continuing Education / Wisconsin
- Wisconsin
- Plumber CE
- Master, Journeyman & Restricted
- Updated Oct 2026
Wisconsin Plumber Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Wisconsin master and journeyman plumbers need 24 hours of CE every four years, restricted plumbers need 12 and utility contractors need 6, before the license expires on March 31.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) requirements
Hours per cycle
24 hrs
Master and journeyman; 12 restricted, 6 utility contractor
Cycle
4 years
Licenses are valid for four years
Deadline
Mar 31
Every fourth year, when your license expires
Online allowed?
Yes
DSPS-approved online courses count toward renewal
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Wisconsin plumber license?
Anyone who holds a Wisconsin plumbing license needs CE to renew. Renewal is handled by the state through DSPS, not by your city or county.
CE applies to
- Master Plumbers
- Journeyman Plumbers
- Master Restricted Plumbers
- Journeyman Restricted Plumbers
- Utility Contractors
Exemptions
- None stated in our sources
Wisconsin plumber CE at a glance
Wisconsin plumber renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| CE required? | Yes, for all listed plumbing license classes |
| Hours per cycle | 24 hrs (12 restricted, 6 utility contractor) |
| Cycle | 4 years |
| Required topics | Wisconsin Plumbing Code, cross-connection control, and trade safety |
| Online allowed? | Yes |
| Deadline | March 31, every four years |
| Who reports | Course provider reports electronically via LicensE |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | Up to 1 term under SPS 305.07 ($25 late fee) |
| Renewal fee | $500 Master ($180 Journeyman) |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Wisconsin plumber license need?
How many hours you need depends on your license. Master and journeyman plumbers need 24 hours every four years, restricted plumbers need 12 and utility contractors need 6.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master & Journeyman Plumber | 24 hrs | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Master & Journeyman Restricted Plumber | 12 hrs | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Utility Contractor | 6 hrs | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
All of these licenses are valid for four years. Courses must be approved by the state to count.
Deadline
When is the Wisconsin plumber license renewal deadline?
Wisconsin plumbing licenses expire every four years on March 31. Finish your hours and renew with DSPS before then. The state mails a renewal notice at least 30 days before your license expires.
| Deadline rule | March 31 every four years |
| Cycle | 4 years |
| Next deadlines | March 31 of your credential expiration year |
| Grace period | Up to one term (4 years) under SPS 305.07 with late fee |
| Late penalty | $25 late renewal fee under SPS 305.07 / Table 305.02 |
| CE completion deadline | Before renewal submission |
Steps
How to renew a Wisconsin plumber license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore March 31
Complete your state-approved hours: 24 for master and journeyman, 12 for restricted, or 6 for utility contractors. - Get your certificateSame day
Save the certificate of completion you get when you finish each course. - Confirm it’s reportedBefore you renew
Verify that your approved course provider has electronically submitted your CE credits into the DSPS LicensE system, as renewals cannot be finalized without hours on file. - Pay the renewal fee$500 Master / $180 Journeyman
Submit your renewal online through DSPS LicensE and pay the credential renewal fee ($500 for Master Plumber, $180 for Journeyman Plumber). - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Look up your license with DSPS to confirm your new expiration date.
Providers
Approved Wisconsin plumber license CE providers
We haven’t compared CE providers for this license yet. Use the board’s approved provider list to confirm a course counts before you pay. Courses must be approved by the state to count toward your hours.
Approval
How to check a Wisconsin plumber CE course is approved
Only state-approved courses count toward Wisconsin plumbing CE. Our sources don’t list required topics, so check that each course is approved for your license type.
- Confirm the course is approved by DSPS before you pay.
- Check that it’s approved for your license type: plumber, restricted plumber or utility contractor.
- Add up your hours so you reach 24, 12 or 6 before March 31.
Reporting
How Wisconsin plumber CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
Approved plumbing CE providers report completion records electronically to Wisconsin DSPS. Licensees can view their accumulated hours in their LicensE dashboard.
- Take courses from DSPS-approved sponsors who submit credits electronically.
- Confirm all 24 hours (or 12 hours for restricted licenses) show in your LicensE profile before attempting to renew.
- Municipal plumbing inspectors for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class cities are exempt from license renewal fees under SPS 305.02(1)(b) upon submitting employment verification, but must still complete CE.
Cost
How much does Wisconsin plumber license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber renewal fee | $500 | Wisconsin DSPS |
| Journeyman Plumber renewal fee | $180 | Wisconsin DSPS |
| Late renewal fee | $25 | Wisconsin DSPS |
Check DSPS for the current renewal fee for your license.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Wisconsin plumber license
Under Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305.07, plumbing credentials may be renewed up to one term past expiration upon payment of the renewal fee and a late fee. Beyond one term, reinstatement requires a $200 reinstatement fee and proof of competence.
Late renewal within one term
Plumbing licenses can be renewed up to 4 years past expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the $25 late fee and completing late CE.
Reinstatement after one term
Failing to renew within one full term requires formal reinstatement under SPS 305.07(2)(c), including a $200 administrative reinstatement fee and evidence of competence.
Makeup CE
All CE hours must be completed before an expired license will be renewed or reinstated.
Who controls
Who controls Wisconsin plumber license renewal?
Renewal authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Renew online through the DSPS website
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Wisconsin plumbing licenses
- Approves plumbing CE courses
- Mails renewal notices at least 30 days before licenses expire
Getting licensed
Getting a Wisconsin plumber license
Need the license first? Our Wisconsin guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Wisconsin plumber license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Wisconsin plumber need?
Master and journeyman plumbers need 24 hours every four years. Restricted plumbers need 12 and utility contractors need 6.
When is the deadline?
Wisconsin plumbing licenses expire every four years on March 31. Finish your CE and renew before then.
Will the state remind me?
Yes. The state mails a renewal notice at least 30 days before your license expires.
Can I take CE online?
Our sources don’t say whether online CE is limited. Confirm with DSPS that a course is approved before you enroll.
Do hours carry over?
Our sources don’t say extra hours carry over, so plan on a full set of hours each four-year cycle.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Our sources don’t give late fees or a grace period. Contact DSPS as soon as possible.
Sources
Official sources for Wisconsin plumber CE rules
- Wisconsin DSPS, Plumber
- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305 (Licenses, Certifications and Registrations)
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).