All plumbing licenses are administered through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Local apprenticeship committees may, however, enforce their own application requirements and regulations for applicants. Those interested in becoming a plumber should make sure to read their local committee’s guidelines prior to applying.
Plumbers who wish to perform work on dwellings, structures, or sites must also receive DSPS Dwelling Contractor certification. The same principle goes for general contractors in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Plumbing License Reciprocity
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, reciprocity agreements are offered on a case-by-case basis to individuals whose plumbing contracting license is comparable to Wisconsin’s.
Wisconsin Master Plumber License Requirements
Successful applicants for master plumber licensure perform all work typically associated with the profession including, but not limited to, installing, repairing, and examining any and all plumbing apparatus.
In Wisconsin, applications to this position must meet the following requirements:
- Complete at least 1,000 hours as a journeyman plumber;
- OR, graduate from an accredited university or college with a degree in a related engineering field;
- Both require proof of experience.
Candidates must submit an Application for the Master Plumber License, alongside a $20 application fee and a $30 exam fee.
All applications may be sent to:
Department of Safety and Professional Services
Trades Credentialing Unit
PO Box 78780
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0780
Questions and concerns may be directed to: DSPSCredTrades@wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
In order to become a journeyman plumber in the state of Wisconsin, the following requirements must be met:
- 5 years as an apprentice (8,000 hours);
- 7,428 hours must be spent on the job;
- 572 hours must be spent in the classroom;
- Proof of experience letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards;
- Successful completion of the journeyman plumbing license exam.
Candidates must submit an Application for the Journeyman Plumber License, alongside a $10 application fee and a $20 exam fee.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Applicants must pass a two-part exam to become a journeyman plumber in Wisconsin. The exam is open book and requires a passing grade of 70%. Visit the DSPS Journeyman Plumbing Exam Information page for further information.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
Plumbing apprentices work directly under the supervision of masters in order to learn the skills of the trade. Apprentices learn and perform all of the work typically associated with the trade such as installing and repairing pipes that supply water or gas to and from buildings.
Requirements to becoming a plumbing apprentice in Wisconsin include:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent;
- Be able to physically perform the trade;
- Possess a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation.
Candidates must submit an Application for Plumbing Apprenticeship Registration, alongside a $15 application fee.
Wisconsin Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Plumbing apprentice jobs in Wisconsin can be found through local apprenticeship committees, as well as through job sites such as Indeed.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Wisconsin
Aspiring plumbers can find apprenticeships directly through local universities and technical colleges. Below are a few of those options:
Madison Area Technical College
- Location: Madison, WI
- Tuition (in-state): $2,184.00 for the entire program
- Contact: (608) 246-6800
Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Location: Eau Claire, WI
- Tuition (in-state): $2,421 for the entire program
- Contact: (715) 833-6300
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- Tuition: No tuition costs.
- Contact: (608) 785-9200
Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Tuition (in-state): $2,374 per semester
- Contact: (414) 297-6282
Wisconsin Professional License Search
Utilize Wisconsin’s professional license search to verify plumbing licenses in your area. Other contracting licenses, such as for electrical and HVAC, can also be found through the search tool.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Wisconsin, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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