Short answer: The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician license. You qualify with a 3-year approved construction electrician apprenticeship, or 8,000 hours of experience over at least 48 months. Then you pass a 100-question, 4-hour, open-book exam with a score of 70%.
Wisconsin rules are part of the open-book exam. DSPS lets you bring SPS 305 and SPS 316 into the exam, so you need to find answers in them fast. Our Wisconsin law module is an independent printable PDF for study before test day: 40 practice questions on Wis. Stat. ch. 101 subchapter IV, SPS 305, SPS 316 and SPS 302.35, each with the official citation, 4 printable drills and the DSPS exam format summary. It is not an exam-room reference. Instant download, US$19 once.
Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services or Pearson VUE. NEC is a registered trademark of NFPA. This page summarizes the official pages we opened in October 2026. Confirm every requirement with DSPS before you apply.
Who issues the license
DSPS issues the Journeyman Electrician credential. The licensing rules are in Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter SPS 305, and the experience rules come from state law, Wis. Stat. § 101.87. You apply, upload documents and schedule the exam in LicensE, the DSPS online system at license.wi.gov (DSPS Journeyman Electrician page).
A journeyman works under the general supervision of a licensed or registered master electrician (SPS 305.40). DSPS also issues separate Industrial and Residential Journeyman Electrician licenses with their own hour rules. This page covers the general Journeyman Electrician license only.
Wisconsin journeyman electrician license requirements
You need one of these two qualifications before DSPS lets you test (SPS 305.44(3); DSPS Licensure by Examination).
| Path | What DSPS asks for | Proof you upload |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | A construction electrician apprenticeship of at least 3 years, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development | A letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards saying you completed it |
| Experience | At least 8,000 hours of installing, repairing and maintaining electrical wiring over no less than 48 months | Form 8168, Trades Experience Form, signed by your witnesses |
| School credit (experience path) | A qualifying 2-year electrical program that meets the DSPS educational qualifications is accepted as 12 months and 2,000 hours; DSPS reviews your documents | Transcripts |
Two rules matter while you build hours. A registered electrical apprentice must be entered into an apprentice contract recognized under Wisconsin’s apprenticeship law, ch. 106 (SPS 305.46). And on any job site, registered beginning electricians may not exceed twice the number of master and journeyman electricians on that site, plus two (SPS 305.40). We found no minimum age in the statute or rule; check DSPS if that applies to you. To compare these hours with other states, see our journeyman hours by state guide.
The Wisconsin journeyman electrician exam
DSPS sets the exam. You can sit it at a DSPS exam location, or choose a computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE test center in Wisconsin. Once you pick Pearson, you cannot switch back to a DSPS location, and trade exams cannot be taken at Pearson centers outside Wisconsin (DSPS Trades Exam Information).
| Item | Journeyman Electrician exam |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 |
| Time | 4 hours |
| Passing score | 70% (70 correct out of 100) |
| Format | Open book |
| Code book allowed | 2023 National Electrical Code or the 2023 NEC Handbook |
| Binder allowed | One binder with SPS 305, SPS 316 and your printed notes |
| Other books | Up to two printed, bound reference books, such as Ugly’s, Ferm’s Fast Finder, Tom Henry or Mike Holt books |
| Results | DSPS location: letter by mail or email within 21 calendar days. Pearson: score report at exit or an email in 3 to 5 working days |
Sources: the DSPS Trades Exam Information page (100 questions, 4 hours), the Licensure by Examination page (open book, 70%, the three allowed items) and SPS 305.09. DSPS does not publish how many questions come from each topic. SPS 305.09 says the exam covers the regulations and standards for the work, plus theory and practice.
The binder rules are strict. Printed notes must be three-hole punched and in the binder. Printed code must be bound in a three-ring binder. Tabs are fine if they came with a bound code book, and three-ring paper dividers with tabs are allowed. Loose paper, removable tabs, sticky notes and paperclips are not. Practice or old exams do not count as notes. At DSPS locations you may bring a calculator, but not a programmable or phone calculator. Pearson’s handbook says the administrator provides materials for notes and calculations; for Pearson calculator rules, check DSPS or Pearson VUE (Pearson VUE handbook 405000).
Wisconsin journeyman electrician test dates
DSPS does not post a fixed exam calendar on its exam page. Once DSPS finds you eligible, your LicensE “due diligence” list gets scheduling instructions, and the system shows the exams that are open (DSPS Trades Exam Information).
- Pearson VUE: you can book up to one calendar day before the day you want to test, if seats are open (Pearson VUE Wisconsin DSPS page). To cancel or reschedule without penalty, do it at least 48 hours ahead (handbook 405000).
- DSPS locations: the rule calls for at least 4 exams a year per credential, and an application at least 30 calendar days before the exam day (SPS 305.09). For the 2026 and 2027 DSPS session dates, check DSPS in LicensE.
- Exam reviews (DSPS-run exams only, not exam dates): the remaining 2026 review days in Madison are October 22, November 19 and December 10.
Wisconsin electrical code: SPS 316 and the 2023 NEC
Wisconsin’s electrical code is chapter SPS 316. SPS 316.007 adopts NFPA 70, the 2023 NEC, including Temporary Interim Amendments and errata issued before January 1, 2025. The rule that made this change, Clearinghouse Rule CR 26-016, took effect September 1, 2026. Before that, SPS 316 adopted the 2017 NEC (CR 26-016 rule text). So Wisconsin skipped the 2020 edition.
The exam already lists the 2023 NEC as the allowed code book. We found no official date for when the exam questions moved from the 2017 to the 2023 NEC; if you studied with older material, check DSPS. We also found no 2026 NEC rulemaking on the DSPS Pending Rules page.
SPS 316 also changes the NEC. Its subchapter IV holds Wisconsin’s own rules, and they apply in place of the NEC text (ch. SPS 316). Some examples:
- The emergency disconnect rules in NEC 225.41 and 230.85 are not part of the Wisconsin code (SPS 316.225(3) and SPS 316.230(4)).
- The AFCI rule in NEC 210.12(E) is not included (SPS 316.210(2)).
- A single rod, pipe or plate electrode must be backed up by one more electrode, a department rule added to the NEC grounding electrode rules (SPS 316.250(2)).
Since SPS 316 goes into your exam binder, learn where these changes sit. A plain NEC answer can be wrong in Wisconsin.
Fees for the Wisconsin electrical license
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $35 | DSPS |
| Exam fee | $30 | DSPS |
| Pearson VUE candidate fee | $95 | Pearson, only if you test at Pearson |
| License (credential) fee | $100 | DSPS, after you pass |
| Renewal, every 4 years | $100 | DSPS |
| Late CE fee | $25 | DSPS, if CE is done after expiry |
| Reinstatement | $200 | DSPS, if applicable |
| Exam review | $15 | DSPS, for a failed DSPS-run exam |
Sources: DSPS Credential Fees, the DSPS exam fee schedule and SPS 305.02. Our arithmetic for a first license at a DSPS location: $35 + $30 + $100 = $165. The DSPS fee schedule also lists a $95 Pearson VUE candidate fee, so a first license with the exam at Pearson VUE comes to $260 ($35 application + $30 DSPS exam + $95 Pearson VUE + $100 license) if you pass the first time. Confirm the final charges in LicensE and with Pearson VUE before you pay.
Renewal and continuing education
The license runs 4 years and expires June 30 (SPS 305.06). Renewal needs at least 24 hours of approved continuing education before the expiration date (SPS 305.44). Your course provider enters the hours, and LicensE will not let you submit until they show up. DSPS opens renewal about 4 weeks before expiry and sends an email (DSPS Journeyman Electrician page).
Wisconsin journeyman electrician reciprocity
DSPS lists one reciprocity route. You must hold a valid, unexpired journeyman electrician license earned through a state exam in Iowa or New Hampshire, held for at least one year right before you apply. This route does not require the Wisconsin exam (DSPS Reciprocity page). The legal basis is Wis. Stat. § 101.874. Licensed in any other state? Apply by examination like everyone else.
Where candidates get stuck
- Wrong code book. DSPS lists the 2023 NEC. A 2017 or 2026 book is not on the list. Study material written before September 2026 may still be based on the 2017 NEC, so check the edition on anything you use.
- Binder problems. Sticky notes, removable tabs and loose sheets are turned away. Punch your printed SPS 305 and SPS 316 pages and put them in one binder before exam day.
- Highlighting. DSPS allows highlighters for plumbing exams only, and warns not to highlight your reference material because it will not be permitted at future exams.
- The 3-month window. After passing a DSPS-run exam, apply for the license within 3 months of the date DSPS mailed the result, or you must retest (SPS 305.09). Pearson VUE’s candidate handbook describes a longer period (one year) and asks you to wait two days before applying. Do not count on the longer period: contact DSPS soon after you pass, confirm the deadline for your testing route, and apply within it.
- No-shows. At a DSPS-run exam, missing the exam without 24 hours’ notice counts as a fail, and you pay the exam fee again (SPS 305.09). DSPS issues no refunds.
- Retakes at Pearson. DSPS sends Pearson one exam authorization at a time, so you need a new eligibility before you can book a retake.
Moving to Texas later? The Texas path is different: TDLR, 8,000 hours and its own exam. See our Texas journeyman license guide.
Wisconsin journeyman electrician practice test: check yourself
Our own practice questions. Answers below each.
- You answer 69 of the 100 questions correctly. Do you pass? Answer: No. 70% of 100 is 70 correct, so you are one short.
- You have a diploma from a 2-year electrical program. How much more work experience do you need on the experience path? Answer: If the program meets the educational qualifications in Wisconsin rules, DSPS accepts it as 12 months and 2,000 hours of experience. If DSPS accepts your program for the full education credit, the remaining requirement is 6,000 documented work hours over at least 36 months. Without that credit, you need the full 8,000 hours over at least 48 months. DSPS decides whether a program qualifies from your transcripts and experience records.
- A site has one master and two journeyman electricians. How many registered beginning electricians can work there at once? Answer: Eight. Twice the three masters and journeymen is six, plus two.
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A reference book you can bring into the exam
Ugly’s Electrical References, 2026 Edition. This 2026 edition pocket reference has formulas, tables and conversions. It is not a substitute for the 2023 NEC or Handbook that DSPS specifies. DSPS names Ugly’s as an example of the up to two bound reference books allowed in the Wisconsin exam room. Your code book must still be the 2023 NEC or Handbook, so check any table value against your 2023 book.
FAQ
What are the Wisconsin journeyman electrician requirements?
Either a construction electrician apprenticeship of at least 3 years approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or Wisconsin DWD, or 8,000 hours of experience over at least 48 months. Then you pass the DSPS exam with 70%.
How many questions are on the Wisconsin electrical license test?
The Journeyman Electrician exam has 100 questions with a 4-hour limit. It is open book, and you need 70% to pass.
What NEC edition does the Wisconsin electrical code use in 2026?
SPS 316 adopts the 2023 NEC, effective September 1, 2026. DSPS lists the 2023 NEC or Handbook as the code book for the journeyman exam.
Does Wisconsin have reciprocity for journeyman electricians?
Yes, with Iowa and New Hampshire only. You need a valid license from that state earned by exam and held for at least one year. Everyone else takes the Wisconsin exam.
Sources checked October 2026
- DSPS Journeyman Electrician page: https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/journeyman-electrician/
- DSPS Journeyman Electrician, Licensure by Examination: https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/journeyman-electrician/licensure-by-examination/
- DSPS Journeyman Electrician, Reciprocity: https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/journeyman-electrician/reciprocity/
- DSPS Trades Exam Information and Fee Schedule: https://dsps.wi.gov/credentialing/trades-exam-information-and-fee-schedule/
- DSPS Credential Fees and Renewal Dates: https://dsps.wi.gov/credentialing/credential-fees-and-renewal-dates/
- DSPS Pending Rules: https://dsps.wi.gov/rules-statutes/pending-rules/
- Pearson VUE Wisconsin DSPS Trades page: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/wi/dsps.html
- Pearson VUE candidate handbook 405000 (July 2024): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/405000.pdf
- Wis. Stat. § 101.87: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/101.87
- Wis. Stat. § 101.874: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/101.874
- SPS 305.02, fees: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.02
- SPS 305.06, license terms: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.06
- SPS 305.09, department exams: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.09
- SPS 305.40, electricians: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.40
- SPS 305.44, journeyman electricians: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.44
- SPS 305.46, electrical apprentices: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.46
- SPS 316.007, adoption of the NEC: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20316.007
- Chapter SPS 316 (PDF): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/ch.%20SPS%20316.pdf
- CR 26-016 rule history: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/chr/all/cr_26_016
- CR 26-016 final rule text: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2026/846b/register/final/cr_26_016_rule_text/cr_26_016_rule_text.pdf
