Plumber License Requirements in Wisconsin
| Licensing Authority | Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | 10,000 hours of supervised plumbing work for Journeyman; Master requires Journeyman license plus additional experience |
| Education Substitute | Approved apprenticeship program combining classroom and on-the-job training |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam (Part 1) + Master Plumber Exam (Part 2) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $10 |
| Exam Fee | $20 |
| Initial License Fee | $180 |
| Est. Initial Total | $210 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice registration | $30 |
| Pearson VUE exam fee (if applicable) | $180 |
Renewal: $180 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam (Part 1)
Master Plumber Exam (Part 2)
Exam provider: Pearson VUE / DSPS
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →License Tiers
Plumbing Apprentice
Entry level — registered with DSPS
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
10,000 hours (approx. 5 years) supervised plumbing work
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Additional experience beyond Journeyman; 2 years as Journeyman
Exam: Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin requires a statewide plumber license through the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
How much does a plumber license cost in Wisconsin?
The estimated initial cost is $210, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Wisconsin?
10,000 hours of supervised plumbing work for Journeyman; Master requires Journeyman license plus additional experience Education substitute: Approved apprenticeship program combining classroom and on-the-job training
What exams are required for a plumber license in Wisconsin?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam (Part 1) and Master Plumber Exam (Part 2) exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE / DSPS.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Wisconsin?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Wisconsin?
Yes, 12 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Wisconsin— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DSPS