Official Website of the Wisconsin
Department of Safety and Professional Services
Announcement of Creation of DSPS by Secretary Dave Ross
Change text size
A A A A A A A

Safety and Buildings Division

Credential and Manufactured Home Services:
1400 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
Mailing Address: Varies, see forms.
View Map/ get directions

Plan Review, Inspection and Other Services:
201 W. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
Mailing Address: Varies, see forms.
View Map/ get directions


Media Contact Only:
Katherine Koschnick
(608) 266-2112
Katherine.Koschnick@wi.gov

Office of Governor
Scott Walker
Link to Governor Walkers's web site

 
Bookmark and Share

Construction Businesses Doing Work in Wisconsin Need a Contractor Credential

“Construction business” is defined as a trade that constructs, installs, or alters any element, component, material or device within or serving a building or structure where the element, component, material or device is regulated by one of the following codes:

SPS 316, Electrical.
SPS 320 to 325, Uniform Dwelling.
SPS 328, Smoke Detectors.
SPS 333, Passenger Ropeways.
SPS 334, Amusement Rides.
SPS 340, Gas Systems.
SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
SPS 343, Anhydrous Ammonia.
SPS 345, Mechanical Refrigeration.
SPS 360 to 366, Commercial Buildings (including interior wall coverings).
SPS 381 to 384, Plumbing.
SPS 390, Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions.
SPS 391, Sanitation.

Click here to view and/or print these codes online.

”Construction business” does not include any of the following: design of a building or structure; delivery of building supplies or materials; manufacture of a building product off the building site; non-profit volunteer programs; painters (unless applying a specialized surface); landscapers (unless doing work under soil erosion code language); demolition.

  Be aware that penalties for misrepresenting a company as a registered building contractor are substantial - Penalties for violating the Wisconsin false representation law are in stats. 100.26(4) - (6) See PDF file.

How do I find out what credential I need and how do I apply?

Follow through these steps to help you find the appropriate credential:

Step 1: Determine which credential you need by using the diagram available here.
      
  • Once you have determined which credential you need, it's always a good idea to verify this information with your local municipal building inspector's office.
Step 2: Apply for the credential(s) you need by using the appropriate forms below.
  • Click on the appropriate form.
  • Print out the form.
  • Read the form carefully and completely.
  • Follow the directions on the form and attach the required documents.
Building Contractor Registration Application. You can save $15 and time by applying for this credential online here.  
Dwelling Contractor  Application
Dwelling Contractor -Restricted Application
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Application      
Electrical Contractor Application
Elevator Contractor Application
HVAC Contractor Application
Manufactured Home Dealer Application
Manufactured Home Installer (PDF) Application
Manufactured Home Manufacturer (PDF) Application                 
Liquefied Gas Supplier (PDF) Application
Liquefied Gas Supplier - Restricted (PDF) Application
Additional individual credential application forms can be viewed here.

Step 3: Mail the form, fee, and all other application materials as directed on the first page of the form.

Misc Information/ Q&A's

  • News for Contractors / Library of Contractor Info 
  • Additional information about the Building Contractor Registration, PDF file
  • Download a PDF file of a verification form that contractors can use to keep records of the BCR numbers of sub-contractors working for the main contractor. This is not a record that needs to be sent to S&B. Use of the form is not required.
What is the difference between Building Contractor Registration, Dwelling Contractor and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier?
What is the difference between the Dwelling Contractor (DC) and the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ)?
  • The Dwelling Contractor is a certification for your business. You submit proof of insurance with your application.
  • The Dwelling Contractor Qualifier is a certification for an individual. It requires an initial 12 hour course to be taken and requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years.
  • Note: You need both of these credentials if you pull a permit for a 1 or 2 family home. The DCQ holder can be an owner, partner, employee or anyone employed by the company.
Will my contractor license from another state transfer to Wisconsin?
  • No. We do not have reciprocity with any other state.

Contact Us

Email: DspsSbCredentialing@wi.gov

Phone: 608-261-8467, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday thru Friday

Fax: 608-267-0592

In Person: 1400 East Washington Ave, Madison 53703.  


  The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529.