Wisconsin Plumbing License Requirements
Yes. Wisconsin licenses plumbers through the Wisconsin DSPS. It issues apprentice, journeyman, master and contractor credentials.
State plumber license · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated
License tiers
| Apprentice | Learner/Apprentice |
| Journeyman | State license |
| Master | State license (3 years at 1,000 hours/year as WI journeyman, or engineering degree) |
| Contractor | Plumbing contractor |
Requirements
| Journeyman experience | Apprenticeship |
| Exam | DSPS exam |
| Minimum age | 16 (learner) |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | Wisconsin DSPS |
Exam
| Exam provider | Pearson VUE (for DSPS) |
| Format | Open book |
DSPS trades exams delivered by Pearson VUE; exams are open book.
- Source: dsps.wi.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Licensed in another state or the military
| Military spouses | Reciprocal credential for service members, former service members (within 4 years of discharge) and spouses licensed elsewhere (Wis. Stat. 440.09) |
Veterans Fee Waiver Program: one initial license fee waiver per qualified Wisconsin-resident veteran (Wis. Stat. 45.44).
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency (Wisconsin DWD) |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: dwd.wisconsin.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Plumbing code
| Code in force | Wisconsin Plumbing Code (state code, SPS 381-387) |
- Source: dsps.wi.gov · checked November 5, 2026