How to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Wisconsin
Wisconsin licenses plumbers statewide through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).1 For the Journeyman Plumber license you need at least 576 clock hours2 of education and a passing score on the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber license examination1. The board lists $10 for the application1, $180 for the initial license1 and $20 for the exam1, each a separate charge. You renew every 4 years3 and complete at least 24 hours of continuing education4.
Who issues it
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Training and experience
Training: at least 576 clock hours2
Exam
Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber license examination1
On this page
- Wisconsin plumber licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
- Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to Wisconsin with a license from another state
- Plumbing Apprentice
- Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance
- Plumbing Learner Restricted Service
- Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance
- Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service
- Pipelayer
- Master Plumber
- Master Plumber Restricted Appliance
- Master Plumber Restricted Service
- Utility Contractor
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
Wisconsin plumber licenses
Wisconsin issues 11 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Apprentice | Installs or modifies plumbing under the general supervision of a licensed master plumber while in a recognized apprenticeship contract.1 | – | No1 | $151 |
| Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance | Restricted appliance: connecting items (appliances, stormwater-use or reclaimed-water supply) to an existing water distribution system where no direct drain connection is needed.1 | – | No1 | $151 |
| Plumbing Learner Restricted Service | Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems. Works under the direct supervision of a master/journeyman plumber or master/journeyman restricted service.1 | – | No1 | $151 |
| Journeyman Plumber | Installs plumbing under the general supervision of a master plumber, master plumber-restricted or utility contractor (limited to the supervisor's license type).1 | Training 576 clock hours2 | Yes1 | $101 |
| Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance | Restricted appliance: connecting items (appliances, stormwater-use or reclaimed-water supply) to an existing water distribution system where no direct drain connection is needed.1 | Experience 1,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $101 |
| Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service | Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems. Works under the general supervision of a master plumber or master plumber-restricted service.1 | Training 40 clock hours5 Experience 1,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $101 |
| Pipelayer | Water services, private water mains and building sewers from the street main to the immediate inside building perimeter (pipelayer works under the general supervision of a utility contractor, master plumber or master plumber-restricted service).1 | – | No1 | $151 |
| Master Plumber | Responsible for plumbing installations; must use appropriately licensed or registered persons; apprentices work under a master plumber's general supervision.1 | Experience 3 years1 | Yes1 | $201 |
| Master Plumber Restricted Appliance | Restricted appliance: connecting items (appliances, stormwater-use or reclaimed-water supply) to an existing water distribution system where no direct drain connection is needed.1 | Experience 2 years1 | Yes1 | $201 |
| Master Plumber Restricted Service | Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems.1 | Experience 2 years1 | Yes1 | $201 |
| Utility Contractor | Water services, private water mains and building sewers from the street main to the immediate inside building perimeter; must use appropriately licensed or registered persons.1 | – | Yes1 | $101 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Wisconsin plumber licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
1. Every license level (all 11)
Requirements
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate or replacement license | $151 | DSPS | – |
| Petition for variance | $2001 | DSPS | Only when petitioning for a variance (e.g. exam equivalency under s. 145.09(1m)) |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Create an individual account in DSPS LicensE (plumber credentials need an individual account).489101112137141516 license.wi.gov489101112137141516
- DSPS reviews applications in about 10 days; track status with your PAR number.61718192052122232425
Renewal
- Approved courses
- Only DSPS-approved courses count; providers enter completions in LicensE.1
2. Every license level except Plumbing Apprentice
Renewal
- If it expires
- Renew late within one term after expiry with the application fee (and a $25 processing fee for late CE); after one term, reinstatement with a $200 administrative fee and possibly an exam.1
3. Every license level except Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance and Plumbing Learner Restricted Service
Renewal
- How often
- Every 4 years3
4. Every license level except Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance, Plumbing Learner Restricted Service and Pipelayer
How to apply
- After DSPS approves your eligibility it sends exam instructions; pass with 70% (open book) and apply for the license within 3 months.620522232425
Renewal
- Exemptions
- Waiver may be requested for prolonged illness, disability or similar circumstances.1
5. Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service and Utility Contractor
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $101 | DSPS | Not refundable |
Renewal
6. Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service and Pipelayer
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1801 | DSPS | Not refundable |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1803
7. Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance, Plumbing Learner Restricted Service and Pipelayer
Requirements
- Exam
- Not required1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $151 | DSPS | Not refundable |
How to apply
Renewal
8. Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance, Plumbing Learner Restricted Service, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance and Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service
Requirements
- Also required
- Ratio: at least one journeyman (or journeyman-restricted) per plumbing learner.1
9. Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service, Master Plumber Restricted Appliance and Master Plumber Restricted Service
Renewal
10. Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted Appliance, Master Plumber Restricted Service and Utility Contractor
Fees
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $5003
11. Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance and Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $201 | DSPS | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Pay the application fee ($10) and examination fee ($20) and, after passing, the $180 license fee (card or ACH).41112
12. Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance and Plumbing Learner Restricted Service
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $151 | DSPS | Not refundable |
How to apply
13. Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance and Master Plumber Restricted Appliance
What it covers
Restricted appliance: connecting items (appliances, stormwater-use or reclaimed-water supply) to an existing water distribution system where no direct drain connection is needed.1
14. Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service and Utility Contractor
How to apply
- Apply for the credential, answer the attestation questions and upload the documents listed for your route.20525
15. Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted Appliance and Master Plumber Restricted Service
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $201 | DSPS | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Apply for the credential, choose "Licensure by Examination", and upload the Trades Experience Form signed by your witnesses (or engineering transcripts for the master route).222324
- Pay the application fee ($20) and examination fee ($30) and, after passing, the $500 license fee (card or ACH).71415
Renewal
16. Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber
Requirements
- Also required
- A master may exchange his or her license for a journeyman license and later exchange back without exam.1
Renewal
From another state
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Eligible veterans can request a Veterans Fee Waiver or Initial Credential Fee Reduction in the LicensE application.622
17. Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance and Plumbing Learner Restricted Service
Requirements
Renewal
18. Pipelayer and Utility Contractor
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old1
Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
Installs plumbing under the general supervision of a master plumber, master plumber-restricted or utility contractor (limited to the supervisor's license type).1
Work that does not need this license:
- Statutory exemptions in Wis.1
Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 11 and group 16 under Applies to every license level.
- Education or training
- At least 576 clock hours2
Related instruction is part of the apprenticeship; DSPS cites a 576-hour minimum for out-of-state 5-year programs.2 - Experience
- Complete a plumbing apprenticeship recognized under Wis. Stat. ch. 106 (or the federal Department of Labor) before the exam.1
Substitute: Out-of-state 5-year apprenticeship with at least 576 hours of related instruction.2 - Exam
- Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)6
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.6
Two-part exam2
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
Exam waived: Journeyman exam waived for out-of-state apprentices who passed another state's journeyman exam and practiced 5+ years under a substantially similar license with no discipline.2
How to apply
- Apply for the credential and upload the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards letter showing you completed a plumbing apprenticeship.6
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to Wisconsin with a license from another state
These are the routes DSPS publishes for the Journeyman Plumber license. The other plumber licenses have their own routes in their sections below.
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Journeyman license without the Wisconsin exam for out-of-state apprentices who passed another state's journeyman exam and practiced at least 5 years under a substantially similar license with no discipline.2
- Conditions
- Upload the apprenticeship completion certificate and a Trades Experience Form.2
- Route
- Exam waiver
- What the board says
- Out-of-state 5-year apprenticeship graduates (576+ hours instruction) may sit the Wisconsin journeyman exam.2
Plumbing Apprentice
Installs or modifies plumbing under the general supervision of a licensed master plumber while in a recognized apprenticeship contract.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Must be entered into a plumbing apprentice contract recognized under Wis. Stat. ch. 106.1
Renewal
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 7 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.
Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 7, group 8, group 12, group 13 and group 17 under Applies to every license level.
Plumbing Learner Restricted Service
Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems. Works under the direct supervision of a master/journeyman plumber or master/journeyman restricted service.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 7, group 8, group 12 and group 17 under Applies to every license level.
Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance
Requirements
- Education or training
- Shop training in plumbing code (SPS 381-387), blueprint reading, and appliance and equipment servicing (no hours set).1
- Experience
- At least 1,000 hours of on-the-job training1
At least 1,000 hours of plumbing work as a registered learner-restricted appliance.1 - Exam
- Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)20
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.20
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 8, group 9, group 11, group 13 and group 14 under Applies to every license level.
Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service
Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems. Works under the general supervision of a master plumber or master plumber-restricted service.1
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 40 clock hours5
The board's words
“Forty hours of plumbing code chapters SPS 381 to 387”
- Experience
- At least 1,000 hours of on-the-job training1
One continuous year of plumbing work of at least 1,000 hours (DSPS: as a registered plumbing learner restricted service).1 - Exam
- Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)5
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.5
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 8, group 9, group 11 and group 14 under Applies to every license level.
Pipelayer
Water services, private water mains and building sewers from the street main to the immediate inside building perimeter (pipelayer works under the general supervision of a utility contractor, master plumber or master plumber-restricted service).1
How to apply
- Pay the application fee ($15) and the $180 registration fee (card or ACH).13
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 6, group 7 and group 18 under Applies to every license level.
Master Plumber
Responsible for plumbing installations; must use appropriately licensed or registered persons; apprentices work under a master plumber's general supervision.1
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 3 years1
At least 1,000 hours of plumbing work per year for at least 3 years as a licensed journeyman plumber, OR an accredited civil/mechanical (plumbing-related) engineering degree.1
License you must hold first: Wisconsin journeyman plumber license (unless using the engineering degree or out-of-state routes).22
Substitute: Engineering degree route.22
Substitute: Out of state: current plumbing license and at least 8 years of plumbing experience, including 1,000 hours a year for at least 3 years under another state's or city's laws; or a 5-year out-of-state apprenticeship (576+ hours instruction) plus 3 years x 1,000 hours as a licensed journeyman.26 - Exam
- Wisconsin Master Plumber license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)22
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.22
Two-part exam26
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
Exam waived: No exam to re-exchange a journeyman license back to the master license it came from.26
From another state
- Route
- Exam waiver
- What the board says
- No reciprocity without exam: out-of-state master applicants qualify to sit the Wisconsin master exam via "Comity (Out-of-State) and Examination" (current license + 8 years' experience, or 5-year apprenticeship + 3 years as a licensed journeyman).26
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 10, group 15 and group 16 under Applies to every license level.
Master Plumber Restricted Appliance
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 2 years1
At least 1,000 hours of plumbing work per year for at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman plumber or journeyman plumber-restricted appliance.1
License you must hold first: Licensed journeyman plumber or journeyman plumber-restricted appliance.23 - Exam
- Wisconsin Master Plumber Restricted Appliance license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)23
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.23
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 9, group 10, group 13 and group 15 under Applies to every license level.
Master Plumber Restricted Service
Restricted service: private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), building sewers and water services from the street main to just inside the foundation wall, and related outdoor systems.1
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 2 years1
At least 1,000 hours of plumbing work per year for at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman plumber or journeyman plumber-restricted service.1
License you must hold first: Licensed journeyman plumber or journeyman plumber-restricted service.24 - Exam
- Wisconsin Master Plumber Restricted Service license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)24
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.24
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 9, group 10 and group 15 under Applies to every license level.
Utility Contractor
Water services, private water mains and building sewers from the street main to the immediate inside building perimeter; must use appropriately licensed or registered persons.1
Requirements
- Exam
- Wisconsin Utility Contractor license examination1
Given by: DSPS or Pearson test sites (DSPS issues exam instructions after approving eligibility)25
Passing score: 70% on each part, open book1
When you can take it: DSPS must approve the qualifications (experience form, transcripts or apprenticeship letter) before exam instructions are sent.25
Retakes: Retake only failed parts, but all parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt; no-shows without 24 hours' notice count as failures.1
Time limit: Apply for the license within 3 months after passing.1
How to apply
- Pay the application fee ($10) and examination fee ($30) and, after passing, the $500 license fee (card or ACH).16
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 10, group 14 and group 18 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Plumbing ApprenticeWisconsin licenses all plumbers at state level (DSPS). Milwaukee also licenses plumbing contractors who pull permits in the city (DNS Plumbing Inspection Section).27
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Plumbing contractors must hold a City license to take out plumbing permits in Milwaukee; contact the DNS Plumbing Inspection Section.27 | Official page27 |
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a plumber in Wisconsin, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Wisconsin is on the Wisconsin license lookup page.
- File a complaint
- dsps.wi.gov6
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Wisconsin?
Can I transfer my plumber license to Wisconsin?
DSPS publishes these routes for the Journeyman Plumber license: license by endorsement2 and exam waiver2. Conditions and forms.
Plumber licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 305 Licenses, Certifications and RegistrationsWisconsin Legislative Reference BureauDated August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber other application methodsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Credential Fees and Renewal DatesWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber-restricted-service licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-apprentice pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-learner-restricted-appliance pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-learner-restricted-service pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber-restricted-appliance pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber-restricted-service pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS pipelayer pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber-restricted-appliance pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber-restricted-service pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS utility-contractor pageWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-apprentice new licensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-learner-restricted-appliance new licensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS plumbing-learner-restricted-service new licensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS journeyman-plumber-restricted-appliance licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS pipelayer new licensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber-restricted-appliance licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber-restricted-service licensure by examinationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS utility-contractor new licensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- DSPS master-plumber other application methodsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Licensed ContractorsCity of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026