Trades Exam and Continuing Education Information
Review all credentialing details needed for education and exams for our trades programs.
Overview
Only courses approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services will count towards your continuing education requirements. Please check with the course provider prior to registering for a course to ensure that it is approved for your credential type. The courses indicated on our website are those requested by providers to be posted; it is not an all-inclusive list of all courses approved. It is your responsibility as the licensee to verify that the continuing education courses you complete for your WI credential are recognized under Wisconsin Administrative SPS 305 and to contact providers for program availability.
Please note DSPS will no longer be posting individual courses on the website. We will post a list of approved Course Providers and their contact information. Any questions related to the course(s) should be directed to the Course Provider. Inclusion on the website is at the discretion of the Course Provider. Please enter your Course Provider name and contact information. Include individual contact names, email addresses, URL links and phone numbers. This list will be updated on a monthly basis.
If you would like to be on the Course Provider list please email with your contact information: DSPSCOURSEAPPROVAL@WI.GOV
Exam Information
All initial and reinstatement applications for a Trades credential must be made through LicensE, your online, self-guided licensing platform.
To apply for a license, go to license.wi.gov.
Follow the steps in the LicensE application to apply for a license and schedule an exam. Once an application has been submitted, and the team has deemed you eligible to test, you will receive an update to your due diligence that includes instructions for scheduling an exam.
If you wish to take a Spanish language exam, please check the box found on each credential application.
If you require a special accommodation for the exam, please see Exam Special Accommodations for Trade Exams for more information.
Eligible exam candidates for trade credentials may choose to register for a computer-based exam at a Pearson testing location. Pearson to offer trades exams at more locations across the state. All Wisconsin trade exam candidates (excluding Soil Tester and Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor exams) may choose to take a computer-based exam at Pearson testing centers throughout the state.
In addition to the convenience of more locations, Pearson computer-based exams allow the exam candidate to receive results more quickly and to reschedule without the wait, at a marginally higher cost to the applicant.
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor - Maintenance, Commercial Building Inspector, Elevator Mechanic, Elevator Mechanic - Restricted, HVAC Qualifier, Lift Mechanic, Weld Test Conductor, and all plumbing credential examinations are only available at the Pearson centers located in Eau Claire, Madison, Brookfield, Kenosha, Ashwaubenon, and Milwaukee. Trade exams cannot be taken at Pearson testing centers outside the state of Wisconsin.
To schedule an examination, applicants must have an open application in LicensE. Eligible candidates can select the Pearson exam location in their LicensE application and will be directed accordingly. Testing days and times will vary and are subject to available hours and seating availability.
Please VERIFY that your web account has your LEGAL name as it appears on your government-issued ID and that your personal information is CORRECT. Contact Wisconsin DSPS immediately to correct the spelling of your name or update your personal information if you notice any errors. It is very important that this information is correct, as it will appear as it was entered on the documentation provided to you after you have completed the exam, as well as on any reports to your licensing agency.
Appointments may be made up to one calendar day prior to the day you wish to test, subject to availability. You may schedule your exam online or over the phone by contacting customer service.
When creating your testing profile, please be sure to enter your name as it appears in the email confirmation letter you received from Pearson. The name and ID entered must match with the system information to proceed with account creation.
Please note: Once you select Pearson Exam location as your testing option, you will not be able to revert to a DSPS exam location.
Accommodations for DSPS Exam Locations
To request special accommodations for an exam at a DSPS location, please complete the following forms and upload them with your LicensE application. Please check the box on the LicensE application indicating your request for exam accommodations.
For pending applications, please send the forms to DSPSCourseApproval@wisconsin.gov.
Please note that both forms must be submitted for consideration.
Form 2352 Special Accommodations Request-Trades Examination (Completed by applicant)
Form 2351 Professional Verification of Request for Trade Exam Modification (Completed by medical provider and signed by the applicant)
Accommodations for Pearson Exam Locations
Exam accommodations requests must be directed to Pearson. Please submit your request via the website: Request test accommodations
Please note:
It can take up to ten days for an accommodation request to be approved. After the request is approved, the candidate can proceed with scheduling.
Accommodations cannot be added to already scheduled exams. Candidates must wait to schedule.
Once an application has been submitted, and the team has deemed you eligible to test, you will receive an update to your due diligence that includes instructions for scheduling an exam.
All scheduling for LicensE applications will occur through the system.
The system will show all available exams.
DSPS Locations
Please wait until the proctors open the doors and start registration which typically begins a half hour prior to exam.
Have your ID and signed Honesty Agreement ready for the exam check in process.
Proctors will inspect your ID and collect your signed Honesty Agreement at the door.
Take your seat and wait for further instruction from the proctors.
Proctors will review your reference materials and only those items listed on the specific trade credential page will be allowed in the room. Please review allowable reference materials prior to the exam event.
The proctors will advise you of the rules of the exam event, exam time requirements, and answer any questions.
All examinees will receive a 15-minute warning prior to the end of the timed exam period.
Phones including Apple watches, earbuds, glasses or other internet-based devices are not allowed in the exam room and should be left in your vehicle.
Pearson Locations
Only the reference materials listed on the exam information page for your credential will be permitted. To find the list for your exam, visit the Professions Page, select your credential, and then select "Exam Information" on the lefthand side of the page. Exam materials can also be found here:
For all exams, printed notes are allowed, as long as they are three hole punched and placed in a three-ring binder. Printed code can only be brought into the exam if it is bound together in a three-ring binder.
Tabs are acceptable if they come with a bound code book. Three ring paper dividers with tabs are permitted. Items that are not allowed include loose papers, removable tabs, sticky notes, and paperclips.
Highlighters and architect or scale rulers are permitted for plumbing exams only. Do not highlight your reference material as it will not be permitted at future exams.
Please review the Pearson Wisconsin DSPS Trades Information for Test Takers webpage for more information.
DSPS Exam Locations
Photo ID
Exam Confirmation Letter
Number 2 pencils (Bring more than one)
Reference materials - The exam is open book. Reference materials are permitted per the list outlined on each profession's exam information page. To find the list for your exam, visit the Professions Page, select your profession, and then select "Exam Information" on the lefthand side of the page.
Calculator (No programmable calculators or cell phone calculators allowed)
Pearson Locations
Primary and secondary photo ID per the guidelines provided to you in your Pearson exam confirmation
Reference materials - The exam is open book. Reference materials are permitted per the list outlined on each profession's exam information page. To find the list for your exam, visit the Professions Page, select your profession, and then select "Exam Information" on the lefthand side of the page.
Review the Pearson Wisconsin Trades Exams Information webpage.
You can arrive at the exam site 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled exam time.
DSPS Location Administered Exams
You will receive an exam result letter in the mail or email within 21 calendar days of your exam date.
Pearson Administered Exams
Depending on which exam you take, you may receive your score report when you exit. Otherwise, you will receive an email advising you of your score within 3 to 5 working days.
DSPS Locations
If you fail the exam, there will be instructions in the exam result letter on how to schedule an exam retake in your LicensE account.
You may schedule only one exam session at a time for each credential type. Applications for multiple exam sites for the same credential will not be accepted. Refunds will not be issued.
Pearson Exams
A new exam eligibility must be sent to Pearson VUE prior to scheduled an appointment to retake the exam. Wisconsin DSPS sends one exam authorization at a time.
DSPS Administered Exams
Examination reviews are offered on a monthly basis for individuals who were unsuccessful at their most recent examination attempt. For the monthly event, there is a morning and an afternoon session. The review events are held at our Madison office.
The review costs $15 and is one hour in length.
Candidates will be able to view their examination and an exam analysis of which questions were answered incorrectly. They will not be given the correct answers and there will be no technical staff available for questions.
Candidates are unable to leave the review with any written notes; however, they are allowed to bring their exam reference materials and codebooks to review any questions during the hour period.
Candidates can contact our department to sign up for a review for their most recently failed examination. Exams may only be reviewed within three months of the exam date.
PLEASE NOTE: Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.09(8)(c) "an applicant who has failed his or her examination may not review the examination less than 7 calendar days before the applicant is scheduled to retake the examination."
Register and pay for an exam review through your LicensE account. Upon review and approval, you will receive a confirmation letter for the review indicating the details of the review, including session start time, address and location information.
December 18, 2025
January 22, 2026
February 19, 2026
March 19, 2026
April 23, 2026
May 21, 2026
June 18, 2026
July 23, 2026
August 20, 2026
September 17, 2026
October 22, 2026
November 19, 2026
December 10, 2026
Pearson Computer-Based and DSPS Trade Exam Fee Schedule
Examination | Pearson Seat Time (Hrs.) | Candidate Fee to Pearson | Candidate Fee to DSPS |
Aboveground Tank System Installer | N/A | N/A | $15 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor | 2 | $59 | $100 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor - Maintenance | 2 | $60 | $50 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter—Maintenance | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Tester | N/A | $65 | $25 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Tester Learner | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cathodic Protection Tester | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Class 1 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 2 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 3 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 4 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 5 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 6 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Class 7 Blaster | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Commercial Building Inspector | 4 | $95 | $25 |
Commercial Electrical Inspector | 4 | $95 | $25 |
Commercial Plumbing Inspector - Part 1 | 3 | $90 | $25 |
Commercial Plumbing Inspector - Part 2 | 3 | $90 | $25 |
Corrosion Expert | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cross Connection Control Assembly Tester | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Dwelling Contractor | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Dwelling Contractor—Restricted | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Electrical Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Electrical Contractor | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Apprentice-restricted | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Contractor | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Helper | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Inspector | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Elevator Mechanic | 4 | $95 | $50 |
Elevator Mechanic - Restricted | 3 | $90 | $50 |
Fire Detection, Prevention, and Suppression Inspector | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Fireworks Manufacturer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
HVAC Contractor | N/A | N/A | N/A |
HVAC Qualifier | 4 | $95 | $25 |
Industrial Electrical Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Industrial Journeyman Electrician | 4 | $95 | $30 |
In-Service Field Inspector | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Inspection Agency | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Journeyman Automatic Fire Sprinkler | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Journeyman Electrician | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Journeyman Plumber - Part 1 | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Journeyman Plumber - Part 2 | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Appliance | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Service | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Lift Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Lift Helper | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Lift Mechanic | 4 | $95 | $50 |
Liquefied Gas Supplier | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Liquefied Gas Supplier—Restricted | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Manufactured Home Dealer—Branch | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Manufactured Home Dealer—Main Business | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Manufactured Home Installer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Manufactured Home Manufacturer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Manufactured Home Salesperson | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Master Electrician | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Master Plumber - Part 1 | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Master Plumber - Part 2 | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Master Plumber - Restricted Appliance | 3 | $90 | $30 |
Master Plumber - Restricted Service | 3 | $90 | $30 |
PECFA Consultant | N/A | N/A | N/A |
PECFA Consulting Firm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Pipelayer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Plumbing Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Plumbing Learner-Restricted Appliance | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Plumbing Learner-Restricted Service | N/A | N/A | N/A |
POWTS Inspector | 3 | $90 | $25 |
POWTS Maintainer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Registered Electrician | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Registered Master Electrician | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Rental Weatherization Inspector | N/A | N/A | $25 |
Residential Electrical Apprentice | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Residential Journeyman Electrician | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Residential Master Electrician | 4 | $95 | $30 |
Soil Erosion Inspector | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Soil Tester | N/A | N/A | $75 |
Tank Specialty Firm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tank System Inspector | N/A | N/A | $15 |
Tank System Liner | N/A | N/A | $15 |
Tank System Remover-Cleaner | N/A | N/A | $15 |
Tank System Tightness Tester | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tank-System Site Assessor | N/A | N/A | $15 |
UDC - Inspection Agency | N/A | N/A | N/A |
UDC - Construction Inspector | 3 | $90 | $25 |
UDC - Electrical Inspector | 3 | $90 | $25 |
UDC - HVAC Inspector | 3 | $90 | $25 |
UDC - Plumbing Inspector | 3 | $90 | $25 |
Underground Tank System Installer | N/A | N/A | $15 |
Utility Contractor | 2 | $65 | $30 |
Weld Test Conductor | 3 | $90 | $20 |
Welder | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Trades Continuing Education Information
Credential Name | Exam Length (hrs) | Exam Questions | CE Hours | Term | Expiration Date |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor | 5 | 175 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor Maintenance | 2 | 75 | 12 | 4 | June 30 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter Maintenance | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | June 30 |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Tester | 2 | 100 | 12 | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Tester Learner | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Boiler–Pressure Vessel Inspector | n/a | n/a | 24 | 4 | Dec. 31 |
Class 1 Blaster | 3 | 65 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 2 Blaster | 3 | 64 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 3 Blaster | 3 | 75 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 4 Blaster | 3 | 75 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 5 Blaster | 3 | 60 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 6 Blaster | 3 | 60 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Class 7 Blaster | 3 | 60 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Commercial Building Inspector | 4 | 100 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Commercial Electrical Inspector | 4 | 50 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Commercial Plumbing Inspector – Part 1 | 3 | 82 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Commercial Plumbing Inspector – Part 2 | 3 | 96 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Cross Connection Control Tester | n/a | n/a | 6 | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Dwelling Contractor | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | Date of Issuance |
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier | n/a | n/a | 12 | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Dwelling Contractor Restricted | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | Date of Issuance |
Electrical Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Electrical Contractor | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | June 30 |
Elevator Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Apprentice Restricted | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Contractor | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Helper | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Inspector | n/a | n/a | 24 | 4 | Dec. 31 |
Elevator Mechanic | 4 | 100 | 12 | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Mechanic Restricted | 3 | 75 | 12 | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Elevator Mechanic Temporary | n/a | n/a | n/a | 30 days | Date of Issuance |
Fire Detection, Prevention & Suppression Inspector | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | June 30 |
Fireworks Manufacturer | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
HVAC Contractor | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
HVAC Qualifier | 4 | 100 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Industrial Electrical Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Industrial Journeyman Electrician | 4 | 100 | 18 | 4 | June 30 |
Journeyman Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter | 3 | 175 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Journeyman Electrician | 4 | 100 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Journeyman Plumber – Part 1 | 3 | 87 | 24 | 4 | March 31 |
Journeyman Plumber – Part 2 | 3 | 120 | 24 | 4 | March 31 |
Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance | 3 | 70 | 12 | 4 | March 31 |
Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service | 3 | 90 | 12 | 4 | March 31 |
Lift Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Lift Helper | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Lift Mechanic | 3 | 75 | 12 | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Liquefied Gas Supplier | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Liquefied Gas Supplier Restricted | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 | Date of Issuance |
Master Electrician | 4 | 50 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Master Plumber – Part 1 | 4 | 110 | 24 | 4 | March 31 |
Master Plumber – Part 2 | 4 | 132 | 24 | 4 | March 31 |
Master Plumber Restricted Appliance | 3 | 70 | 12 | 4 | March 31 |
Master Plumber Restricted Service | 3 | 90 | 12 | 4 | March 31 |
Pipe Layer | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumber Restricted Service Type 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumber Restricted Service Type 2 and 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumber Restricted Service Type 2 and 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumber Restricted Service Type 2, 3 and 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumber Restricted Service Type 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | March 31 |
Plumbing Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Plumbing Learner Restricted Appliance | n/a | n/a | 2 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Plumbing Learner Restricted Service | n/a | n/a | 2 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
POWTS Inspector | 3 | 95 | 24 | 4 | Dec. 31 |
POWTS Maintainer | n/a | n/a | 12 | 4 | Date of Issuance |
Registered Electrician | n/a | n/a | 24 | 1 | Date of Issuance |
Registered Master Electrician | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Rental Weatherization Inspector | 3 | 50 | n/a | 4 | June 30 |
Residential Electrical Apprentice | n/a | n/a | 1 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Residential Journeyman Electrician | 4 | 100 | 18 | 4 | June 30 |
Residential Master Electrician | 4 | 50 | 18 | 4 | June 30 |
Soil Erosion Inspector | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | June 30 |
Soil Tester – Part 1 | 2 | 42 | 12 | 4 | June 30 |
Soil Tester – Part 2 | 2 | 42 | 12 | 4 | June 30 |
UDC Construction Inspector | 3 | 115 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
UDC Electrical Inspector | 3 | 90 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
UDC HVAC Inspector | 3 | 75 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
UDC Inspection Agency | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |
UDC Plumbing Inspector | 3 | 100 | 24 | 4 | June 30 |
Utility Contractor | 2 | 100 | 12 | 4 | March 31 |
Welder | n/a | n/a | 4 | n/a | Date of Issuance |
Weld Test Conductor | 3 | 100 | n/a | 4 | Date of Issuance |