Wisconsin Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Wisconsin electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Wisconsin.
NEC Edition Notice: Wisconsin currently tests on NEC 2017. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Wisconsin licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Wisconsin electrician license exam, expect 100 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2017. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE and the fee is $95. Wisconsin electricians earn about $66,240 per year ($31.85 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Wisconsin Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Pearson VUE
- Questions:100
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$95
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Wisconsin Electrician License Overview
Wisconsin licenses electricians through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The state issues statewide journeyman and master electrician credentials, with contractors also required to be licensed. Wisconsin's licensing requirements include both experience and education components (similar to Minnesota and Massachusetts). Milwaukee's manufacturing and commercial construction, Madison's university and biotech sector, and the broader industrial base of the Fox Valley and Green Bay area create steady year-round demand for licensed electricians.
Wisconsin Electrician License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT plus approved electrical theory education. Must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score).
Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full responsibility for electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Wisconsin Journeyman license. Additional experience and education required. Must pass the Wisconsin Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for operating an electrical contracting company in Wisconsin.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet insurance and financial requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed master electrician, plus approved electrical theory education hours. Both components are required.
Master Requirements
Must hold a Wisconsin Journeyman license. Additional experience and education requirements apply, verify with DSPS at dsps.wi.gov.
Apprenticeship Programs
Wisconsin has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Milwaukee (IBEW Local 494), Madison (IBEW Local 159), and Green Bay (IBEW Local 577). Programs run 4–5 years and include both OJT and classroom components.
License Reciprocity
Wisconsin participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Wisconsin DSPS at dsps.wi.gov to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
2 years (biennial)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dsps.wi.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $42–$82 biennial renewal (verify at dsps.wi.gov)
Important Notes
Wisconsin electrical licenses renew every 2 years. CE requirements apply for renewal. Verify current hours with DSPS before your renewal date.
WisconsinElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$66,240/year
$31.85/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $42,780 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $91,730 (90th percentile)
Wisconsin employs approximately 16,000 electricians. Milwaukee's healthcare and commercial construction, Madison's growing tech and biotech sector (UW campus expansion), and the Fox Valley's manufacturing base all drive steady demand. Microsoft's new data center campus in Mount Pleasant and similar large projects are adding to the market.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Pearson VUE
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Wisconsin-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Wisconsin Electrician License FAQ
Does Wisconsin require education hours in addition to OJT?
Yes. Like Minnesota, Wisconsin requires both supervised OJT hours and approved electrical theory education. Most candidates fulfill the education requirement through a structured apprenticeship program.
Is the Wisconsin electrician exam open book?
Yes. Wisconsin journeyman and master exams are open book, bring a tabbed NEC codebook. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in Wisconsin?
The statewide average is about $66,240/year. Milwaukee and Madison area electricians earn more, with experienced IBEW members earning $75,000–$91,000+.
Can I use my Minnesota or Illinois license in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact DSPS at dsps.wi.gov to confirm current eligibility.
How long does it take to get a Wisconsin journeyman license?
Plan on 4–5 years through a structured apprenticeship (which satisfies both OJT and education requirements). After completing training, you apply to DSPS and sit for the exam.
Common Questions About the Wisconsin Electrician License
How much does the Wisconsin electrician license exam cost?
The Wisconsin electrician exam fee is $95, paid to Pearson VUE when you register.
Who administers the Wisconsin electrician license exam?
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees electrician licensing in Wisconsin, and the exam is delivered by Pearson VUE.
How much do electricians make in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin electricians earn about $66,240 per year ($31.85 per hour). Entry level pay is around $42,780 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $91,730 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Wisconsin?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed master electrician, plus approved electrical theory education hours. Both components are required.
Does Wisconsin have electrician license reciprocity?
Wisconsin participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Wisconsin DSPS at dsps.wi.gov to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Wisconsin's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Wisconsin Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
WI DSPS requirements, PSI exam, fees, biennial renewal, and 24 CE hours.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Wisconsin exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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