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.
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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 →Set up the business before you apply in Wisconsin
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Wisconsin. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→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
You're licensed in Wisconsin as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Safety and Professional Services issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Wisconsin customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Carry general liability insurance.
Wisconsin does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $180. Continuing education: 12 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Wisconsin
- General Contractor license in Wisconsin
Statewide license required · $45 in initial government fees · DSPS
- Electrician license in Wisconsin
Statewide license required · $165 in initial government fees · DSPS
- HVAC Technician license in Wisconsin
Statewide license required · $200 in initial government fees · DSPS
- Roofing Contractor license in Wisconsin
No statewide license — check local requirements
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