Wisconsin Electrician License Requirements

Official classification: Electrician License (Registered / Journeyman / Master / Electrical Contractor) · Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

⚡ ElectricianWI ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Wisconsin, electricians must hold the Electrician License (Registered / Journeyman / Master / Electrical Contractor), issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed electrician in Wisconsin

Follow these steps to earn your Electrician License (Registered / Journeyman / Master / Electrical Contractor). Every figure is verified against the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 8,000 hours over 48 months (or 1,000 hrs/year for 5+ years), or an approved apprenticeship; up to 2,000 hours of schooling credit. Master: 12+ months as a licensed journeyman, or 10,000 hours over 60 months, or an electrical-engineering degree.
Pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (No state-mandated general-liability minimum for the electrician license (local jurisdictions may require coverage)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal-history disclosure required (DSPS Form 2255 for trades convictions and pending charges); no automatic disqualification.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — $15 (Registered/Apprentice); $35 (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor) application fee, plus a Journeyman $100; Master $200; Electrical Contractor $200 (4-year) license fee. Processing time: Processed through the DSPS LicensE portal after document review.
Keep the license active. Renew every 4 years (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor); expires June 30, completing Journeyman and Master: 24 hours per 4-year cycle (18 hours for the residential/industrial journeyman tiers).

License types

Registered Electrician — Entry level; works under the direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyman (no exam).
Journeyman Electrician — Works under the general supervision of a master; may supervise apprentices and registered electricians.
Master Electrician — Responsible for electrical installations; supervises journeymen and pulls permits.
Residential Master Electrician — Supervises residential electrical work on one- and two-family dwellings.
Electrical Contractor — Business-entity license; held by an owner, partner, or executive of the contracting business.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 8,000 hours over 48 months (or 1,000 hrs/year for 5+ years), or an approved apprenticeship; up to 2,000 hours of schooling credit. Master: 12+ months as a licensed journeyman, or 10,000 hours over 60 months, or an electrical-engineering degree.
Application fee	$15 (Registered/Apprentice); $35 (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor)
License fee	Journeyman $100; Master $200; Electrical Contractor $200 (4-year)
Renewal fee	Journeyman $100; Master $200; Electrical Contractor $200 (every 4 years)
Renewal period	Every 4 years (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor); expires June 30
Continuing education	Journeyman and Master: 24 hours per 4-year cycle (18 hours for the residential/industrial journeyman tiers).
Bond required	No state surety bond is required for an electrician license. Electrical Contractors must carry workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.
Liability insurance	No state-mandated general-liability minimum for the electrician license (local jurisdictions may require coverage)
Property damage	Not specified at the state level
Workers' comp	Required for Electrical Contractor applicants and for any employer under Wisconsin law
Background check	Criminal-history disclosure required (DSPS Form 2255 for trades convictions and pending charges); no automatic disqualification.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Iowa (Journeyman and Master); New Hampshire (Journeyman) — license held 1+ year and earned by state exam; no Wisconsin exam required
Processing time	Processed through the DSPS LicensE portal after document review.

Exams

Journeyman Electrician Exam	Provider: Wisconsin DSPS or Pearson VUE · Passing: 70% · Fee: $30 (DSPS) or $95 (Pearson VUE); open book
Master Electrician Exam	Provider: Wisconsin DSPS or Pearson VUE · Passing: 70% · Fee: $30 (DSPS) or $95 (Pearson VUE); open book

Preparing for the Electrician exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

A statewide license is required to perform electrical work anywhere in Wisconsin; some municipalities add local permit requirements. Exams reflect the 2017 NEC and Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 316.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Wisconsin electrician license cost?

Application: $15 (Registered/Apprentice); $35 (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor). License: Journeyman $100; Master $200; Electrical Contractor $200 (4-year). Renewal: Journeyman $100; Master $200; Electrical Contractor $200 (every 4 years).

Do electricians in Wisconsin need a surety bond?

No state surety bond is required for an electrician license. Electrical Contractors must carry workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.

What experience is required for a Wisconsin electrician license?

Journeyman: 8,000 hours over 48 months (or 1,000 hrs/year for 5+ years), or an approved apprenticeship; up to 2,000 hours of schooling credit. Master: 12+ months as a licensed journeyman, or 10,000 hours over 60 months, or an electrical-engineering degree.

Is insurance required for electricians in Wisconsin?

Liability: No state-mandated general-liability minimum for the electrician license (local jurisdictions may require coverage) Workers' compensation: Required for Electrical Contractor applicants and for any employer under Wisconsin law

How often must a Wisconsin electrician license be renewed?

Every 4 years (Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor); expires June 30. Continuing education: Journeyman and Master: 24 hours per 4-year cycle (18 hours for the residential/industrial journeyman tiers).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) before applying. This is not legal advice.