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How to get a plumber license in Wisconsin

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Wisconsin's official board.

Statewide licensing under DSPS.

Issuing authority: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Official page: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/JourneymanPlumber/Default.aspx

License levels in Wisconsin

Wisconsin plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsApprentice: 18+, five-year registered apprenticeship (annual registration renewal). Journeyman: complete the five-year apprenticeship and pass a two-part exam (open book, 70% to pass). Master: hold an active Wisconsin journeyman license for at least one year plus documented experience (approx. 4 years / 8,000 hours) and pass the master exam. No person may work at plumbing in the state unless licensed by DSPS.
ReciprocityNot detailed on the official profession page reviewed.
RenewalJourneyman and Master licenses expire March 31 on a four-year cycle, renewed via the LicensE portal (license.wi.gov). Continuing education: 24 hours per renewal for journeyman and master; 12 hours for journeyman-restricted service and master-restricted classes (per DSPS/SPS 305 rules).
NotesStatewide licensing under DSPS.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Wisconsin?
Statewide licensing under DSPS.
What plumber license levels does Wisconsin have?
The levels are Apprentice Plumber (registered), Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service, Master Plumber, Master Plumber-Restricted Service, Master Plumber-Restricted Appliance, Utility Contractor.
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Wisconsin?
Apprentice: 18+, five-year registered apprenticeship (annual registration renewal). Journeyman: complete the five-year apprenticeship and pass a two-part exam (open book, 70% to pass). Master: hold an active Wisconsin journeyman license for at least one year plus documented experience (approx. 4 years / 8,000 hours) and pass the master exam. No person may work at plumbing in the state unless licensed by DSPS.
Does Wisconsin have plumber license reciprocity?
Not detailed on the official profession page reviewed.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in Wisconsin
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All Wisconsin trades pages

Sources: dsps.wi.gov · dsps.wi.gov · dsps.wi.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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