← All states

Wisconsin HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical License Requirements

Last updated 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with your state licensing board.

HVAC
Renewal
Biennial
CE hours
Verify with board
Initial cost
~$200
License types
HVAC Qualifier → HVAC Contractor
Experience
8,000 hours
Exam
State trade exam
Bond
Not required at state level
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — verify with board
Board
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Plumbing
Renewal
Biennial
CE hours
CE required
Initial cost
~$200
License types
Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Plumber
Experience
8,000 hours
Exam
State plumbing exam
Bond
Not required at state level
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — verify with board
Board
Wisconsin DSPS
ElectricalNot state-licensed
Renewal
Varies by municipality
CE hours
Varies by municipality
Initial cost
Varies by municipality
License types
None at state level — local licenses required
Experience
Varies by municipality
Exam
Varies by municipality
Bond
Varies by municipality
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees under state law
Reciprocity
N/A — local licensing applies
Board
No statewide licensing authority
Notes
Local jurisdictions issue licenses

Wisconsin licenses HVAC and plumbing through the Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS). Electrical, unusually, is not state-licensed — every electrical credential is issued at the local level. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay each maintain their own electrical licensing programs.

TradesIQ tracks Wisconsin license renewals, CE hours, bonds, and insurance certificates in one dashboard — with automated reminders before anything lapses.

Related reading: R-410A phase-down timeline · seasonal maintenance revenue strategy · hidden revenue in customer records · See all 50 states + DC

Check another state

Renewal cycles, CE hours, fees, and licensing board links.

HVAC
Renewal
Biennial
CE
Verify with board
Cost
~$200
Board
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Plumbing
Renewal
Biennial
CE
CE required
Cost
~$200
Board
Wisconsin DSPS
ElectricalNot state-licensed
Renewal
Varies by municipality
CE
Varies by municipality
Cost
Varies by municipality
Board
No statewide licensing authority

Requirements may change. Always verify with your state licensing board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wisconsin have a state electrical contractor license?
No. Electrical contracting in Wisconsin is licensed at the local level only — Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and other cities each set their own requirements.
Who licenses HVAC contractors in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).

Other states