State license

Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician License

Written by a licensed IBEW journeyman electrician

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Wisconsin licenses journeyman electricians at the state level. The Department of Safety and Professional Services issues the credential after a 100-question exam, and you need 70%. You need a construction electrician apprenticeship of at least 3 years, or at least 48 months and 8,000 hours of electrical experience. The initial credential fee is $100.

The facts, from the source

Who licenses: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), SPS 316 Electrical Board. Industrial and Residential journeyman credentials are separate. (dsps.wi.gov)
Exam vendor: Pearson VUE (or a DSPS-administered exam at DSPS sites) (pearsonvue.com)
Exam (questions/time): 100 questions, 4 hours, single journeyman exam. Computer-based through Pearson VUE. (dsps.wi.gov)
Open book / references: Open book. One binder containing SPS 305, SPS 316 and printed notes; the 2023 NEC or Handbook; up to two printed bound reference books. Notes must be printed, three-hole punched, in a three-ring binder. Tabs only with a bound code book. No practice or previous exams, loose paper, removable tabs, sticky notes or paperclips. (dsps.wi.gov)
Passing score: 70% (dsps.wi.gov)
NEC edition: 2023. DSPS lists the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) or Handbook as an allowed exam reference, and SPS 316.007(1)(a) adopts NFPA 70 NEC 2023. (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov)
Experience required: Licensure by exam: completion of a construction electrician apprenticeship of at least 3 years approved by USDOL or Wisconsin DWD; OR experience installing, repairing and maintaining electrical wiring for not less than 48 months with at least 8,000 hours. A two-year electrical program is accepted as equivalent to 12 months and 2,000 hours of experience. (dsps.wi.gov)
Fees: Exam $95 to Pearson VUE. Initial application $35. Initial credential $100. Renewal $100 every 4 years (renewal date June 30), with 24 continuing education hours. (dsps.wi.gov)
Reciprocity: Iowa and New Hampshire: a valid, unexpired journeyman license obtained through a state exam and held continuously at least 1 year. No exam is required. (dsps.wi.gov)

Confirm these with the board

Content outline and topic weights: not published in the materials we checked
A $30 fee paid to DSPS is also listed on the DSPS trades page; confirm with DSPS whether it applies in addition to the $95 Pearson VUE fee

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), SPS 316 Electrical Board ↗

Checked twice against the board and exam bulletin, October 24, 2026

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Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.