Construction / Plumber License / Wisconsin
- Wisconsin
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Wisconsin Plumber License
Wisconsin licenses journeyman and master plumbers through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Here’s what each level needs, how the exams work and what to know before you renew.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requirements
Application fee
$10–$20
$10 journeyman, $20 master; plus exam fee
Exam time
8 hrs
Journeyman exam
Time to get license
Varies
Apprenticeship for Journeyman, then 3+ yrs for Master
Continuing ed
24 hrs
Before each renewal (12 for restricted licenses)
Overview
Do you need a Wisconsin plumber license?
Yes. Wisconsin requires plumbers to hold a license before any bidding or work takes place. To run a plumbing business or offer plumbing work to the public, you also need a Plumbing Contractor license.
License required when
- You do plumbing work in Wisconsin
- You bid on or offer plumbing work
- You run a business that installs, repairs or maintains plumbing (Plumbing Contractor license)
Common exceptions
- Journeymen work under the general supervision of a Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted or Utility Contractor license holder
- Engineering graduates can qualify for the Master exam without 3 years as a journeyman
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific fines. DSPS licenses plumbers under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 145 and can act against anyone doing plumbing work without the right license.
Your fast-track Wisconsin plumber license checklist
The Wisconsin application, one page
- Completed plumbing apprenticeship (Journeyman)
- Engineering degree or 3 years of journeyman hours (Master)
- DSPS approval to sit for the exam
- Passing exam score
- License application to DSPS
- Plumbing Contractor license if you’ll run a business
Types
Wisconsin plumber license types and classifications
Most plumbers start as a journeyman after an apprenticeship, then move up to master. Businesses also need a Plumbing Contractor license.
JRY
Most common
Journeyman Plumber
Performs plumbing work under the general supervision of a Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted or Utility Contractor license holder.
Exam
Journeyman Plumbing
Limit
Under supervision
MST
Supervise others
Master Plumber
Supervises journeyman plumbers. Requires an engineering degree or 3 years as a licensed Wisconsin journeyman.
Exam
Master Plumbing
Limit
Not stated
CON
Run a business
Plumbing Contractor
Required to engage in, or offer to engage in, the business of installing, repairing or maintaining plumbing.
Exam
Not stated
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Wisconsin plumber license requirements, class by class
Both levels need DSPS approval before you can sit for the exam.
| Requirement | Journeyman Plumber | Master Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Education or experience | Federal or state-approved plumbing apprenticeship | Engineering degree related to plumbing, or 1,000 hrs a year as a licensed Wisconsin journeyman for 3+ years |
| Exam | Journeyman Plumbing | Master Plumbing |
| Exam pre-approval | Required | Required |
| Exam time | 8 hours | Not stated |
| Passing score | 70% | Not stated |
| Continuing ed | 24 hours before renewal | 24 hours before renewal |
Steps
How to get your Wisconsin plumber license, step by step
- Complete an apprenticeshipBefore you apply
Finish a federal or state-approved plumbing apprenticeship to qualify for the journeyman exam. - Apply to sit for the examBefore you test
Apply on the DSPS website. Pre-approval is required before you can test. - Watch for your confirmation letterAfter approval
DSPS mails an exam confirmation letter once you’re approved to sit for the exam. - Pass the examExam day
The journeyman exam is 8 hours, open book, and you need 70% to pass. - Apply for your licenseAfter you pass
Apply through DSPS or call 608-266-2112. - Move up to master3+ years later
Log 1,000 hours a year as a licensed Wisconsin journeyman for at least 3 years, then apply for the Master exam.
Exam
What to expect on the Wisconsin plumber exam
You sit the exam for your license level after DSPS approves you. The journeyman exam is open book and runs a full day.
Format
Open book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
70% (Journeyman)
Exam vendor
Pearson VUE (computer) or DSPS (paper)
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 8 hours, 70% to pass
- Journeyman references: Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305 and SPS 316, and NFPA 13
- Master exam details aren’t stated in our sources
- Also useful: SPS 382–387 and Wis. Stats. Chapter 145
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Pre-approval is required before you test
- DSPS mails a confirmation letter once you’re approved
- Call DSPS at 608-266-2112 with questions
Exam references · Open book
The Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber exam is open book. Our sources name the state codes to print and bring, plus NFPA 13D, but don’t give a full permitted list for the Master Plumber exam, so check DSPS before you buy books.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305 | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 382-387 | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 145 | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes | 2002 | Not stated |
Prep
Best Wisconsin plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Wisconsin plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $10 journeyman; $20 master |
| Exam fee (DSPS) | Fixed | $20 journeyman; $30 master (listed for each exam part) |
| Pearson VUE computer-based exam fee | Fixed | $90 per journeyman part; $95 per master part |
| Initial license fee | Fixed | $180 journeyman; $500 master |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| Continuing education | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Application, one DSPS exam fee and license fee, journeyman ($210) to master ($550); excludes extra exam-part fees, Pearson VUE fees and code books | $210–$550 |
Fees from Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.02 and the DSPS credential fee and trades exam fee pages, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Wisconsin accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Wisconsin doesn’t have reciprocity agreements for plumber licenses.
No reciprocity agreements
Plumbers licensed in other states apply as new applicants and meet Wisconsin’s education, experience and exam requirements.
Local
Do Wisconsin cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumbing license comes from the state. Cities and counties still handle the job-site side of the work.
State handles
- Journeyman, Master and Plumbing Contractor licenses
- Exam approval and scheduling
- Continuing education requirements
- The plumbing code (SPS 382–387)
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local business licenses
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Wisconsin
Licensing authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
608-266-2112
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews Journeyman, Master and Plumbing Contractor licenses
- Approves applicants and schedules exams
- Sets continuing education requirements
- Administers the plumbing code under Wis. Stats. Chapter 145
Maintenance
How to renew your Wisconsin plumber license and keep it active
Journeyman and master plumber licenses run 4 years and expire March 31. You need 24 hours of continuing education before each renewal (12 for restricted licenses), and the renewal fee matches the initial license fee.
Renewal cycle
4 years (March 31)
CE hours
24
Renewal fee
$180 journeyman; $500 master
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the Wisconsin CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Wisconsin plumber license FAQs
How do I become a journeyman plumber in Wisconsin?
Complete a federal or state-approved plumbing apprenticeship, get DSPS approval and pass the Journeyman Plumbing exam.
How long is the Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam?
8 hours. It’s open book and you need 70% to pass.
What does it take to become a master plumber in Wisconsin?
An engineering degree related to plumbing, or 1,000 hours a year as a licensed Wisconsin journeyman for at least 3 years, plus passing the Master exam.
Do I need a separate license to run a plumbing business?
Yes. You need a Plumbing Contractor license to engage in, or offer, the business of installing, repairing or maintaining plumbing.
Does Wisconsin require continuing education for plumbers?
Yes. Journeyman and master plumbers need 24 hours before each renewal, or 12 hours for restricted licenses.
Does Wisconsin accept out-of-state plumbing licenses?
No. Wisconsin has no reciprocity agreements for plumber licenses.
Sources
Official sources for the Wisconsin plumber license
- Wisconsin DSPS, Professions
- Wis. Stats. Chapter 145, Plumbing
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305, Credentials
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 382–387, Plumbing code
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.02, Table 305.02 fees
- Wisconsin DSPS, Credential Fees and Renewal Dates
- Wisconsin DSPS, Trades Exam Information and Fee Schedule
Last updated October 27, 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.