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 |
| Apprentice registration | $30 |
| Pearson VUE exam fee (if applicable) | $180 |
| Est. Initial Total | $420 |
Renewal: $180 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Pass: 70%
Wisconsin Plumbing CodePlumbing systemsSafety practices
Master Plumber Exam (Part 1)
110 questions4 hoursPass: 70%
Wisconsin Plumbing CodeAdvanced plumbing systems
Master Plumber Exam (Part 2)
132 questions4 hoursPass: 70%
Design and layoutBusiness practices
Exam provider: Pearson VUE / DSPS
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.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DSPS