Alert: Beginning January 8, all initial and reinstatement applications for a Trades credential must be made through LicensE, your online, self-guided licensing platform.

• To apply for a license, go to license.wi.gov.
  
• Please review the LicensE Applicant User Guide for help. 
  
• Please refer to the “Trades LicensE Information" document with more information related to the launch of LicensE, including renewals and exams.
  

Follow the steps in the LicensE application to apply for a license and schedule an exam. Your application will be reviewed and you will receive a notification when you are eligible to schedule your exam.  If you wish to take a Spanish language exam, please check the box found on each credential application.​

Now Available: Trades Exams at WI Pearson VUE Exam Centers -  Trade Exam​ Fee Schedule​

​The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) has partnered with computer-based testing company Pearson VUE to offer trades exams at more locations across the state. Wisconsin exam candidates (excluding those taking Soil Tester and Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor exams) may choose to take a computer-based exam at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the state. 

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor - Maintenance, Commercial Building Inspector, Elevator Mechanic, Elevator Mechanic - Restricted, HVAC Qualifier, Lift Mechanic, Weld Test Conductor, and all plumbing credential examinations are only available at the Pearson VUE centers located in Eau Claire, Madison, Brookfield, Kenosha, Ashwaubenon, and Milwaukee. Trade exams cannot be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers outside the state of Wisconsin.

As of May 30, 2024, eligible exam candidates for trade credentials may choose to register for an exam at a Pearson VUE testing location. In addition to the convenience of more locations, Pearson VUE computer-based exams allow the exam candidate to receive results more quickly and to reschedule without the wait, at a marginally higher cost to the applicant.  

To schedule an examination, applicants must have an open application in LicensE. Eligible candidates can select the Pearson VUE exam location in their LicensE application and will be directed accordingly. Testing days and times will vary and are subject to available hours and seating availability.

**Please note: Once you select Pearson VUE Exam location as your testing option, you will not be able to revert to a DSPS exam location.**

Pearson VUE hosted a webinar in October 2024 geared towards Trades professionals in Wisconsin. In the webinar, the testing provider went step-by-step through the process of scheduling a Trades exam at one of their many Wisconsin sites and answered questions about the process. You can watch that webinar on-demand here on the DSPS YouTube​ Page.

For additional questions please see Pearson VUE Trades Exam Frequently Asked Questions​

How Do I Get Special Accommodations for Medical Reasons?

Accommodations DSPS Exam Locations

To make a request for special accommodations for a trades exam at a DSPS location, please fill out the following forms and upload them with your LicensE application. Please check the box on the LicensE application indicating your request for exam accommodations. For pending applications, please send the forms to DSPSCourseApproval@wisconsin.gov​. Please note that both forms must be submitted for consideration.​

2352​ Special Accommodations Request-Trades Examination (Filled out by applicant)

2351​ Professional Verification of Request for Trade Exam Modification (Filled out by medical provider)*

*Note that this form requires the signature of the applicant

Accommodations for Pearson VUE Exam Locations

Exam accommodations requests must be directed to Pearson VUE. Please submit your request via the website: Request test accommodations

Please note:

• ​It can take up to ten days for an accommodation request to be approved. After the request is approved, the candidate can proceed with scheduling.
• Accommodations cannot be added to already scheduled exams. Candidates must wait to schedule. 
• ​If you have further questions regarding the test accommodation process, please read the reasonable adjustment request system FAQs or email accommodationspearsonvue@pearson.com.​​

How Will I Know That I Am Scheduled for the Exam?

You will receive an exam confirmation letter in the mail once you have been scheduled for an exam. LicensE applicants will receive an exam confirmation e-mail once you have been scheduled for an exam. 

If you do not feel well, have a fever or any flu/cold like symptoms, please reschedule your exam.

What Can I Expect at the Exam Site?​

DSPS Locations

• Please wait until the proctors open the doors and start registration which typically begins a half hour prior to exam.
• Have your ID and signed Honesty Agreement ready for registration. 
  
• You will take your seat and wait for instruction from the proctors.
• The proctors will give you the rules of the exam, time requirements and answer questions as needed. 
• They will give all examinees a 15-minute warning prior to the end of the exam.
• Phones including Apple watches​ or other internet based devices are not allowed into the exam room and should be kept in your vehicle.
  

What Should I Bring to the Exam Site?

​DSPS Exam Locations

• Photo ID​
  

• Exam Confirmation Letter
  

• Number 2 pencils (Bring more than one)

• Reference materials - The exam is open book. Reference materials are permitted per the list outlined on each profession's exam information page. To find the list for your exam, visit the Professions Page​, select your profession, and then select "Exam Information" on the lefthand side of the page. The list of materials can also be found here: DSPS Permitted Trades Exam Materials
  

• Calculator (No programmable calculators or cell phone calculators allowed)
  

When Should I Arrive at the Exam Site?

You can arrive at the exam site 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled exam time

When Can I Expect my Results?

You will receive an exam result letter in the mail or email​ within 21 calendar days of your exam date.

If I Fail, When Can I Apply for the Next Exam Session?

If you failed, there will be instructions in the exam result letter for setting up the next exam date. After you receive your exam result letter you may reschedule a new exam date in your LicensE account. 

You may schedule only one exam session at a time for each credential type. Applications sent in for multiple exam sites for the same credential will not be accepted. Refunds will not be issued.

Plumbing Code & Exam Update Information ​
Exams will be administered under the updated plumbing code starting in November 2023.

A link to the plain language document is located at the link below:

Significant Plumbing Code Updates Plain Language​​

The updated code language can be found on the Wisconsin Legislature's webpage:

Wisconsin Legislature Updated Code Language
***Please note printed code can be brought into the exam if it is bound together in a 3-ring binder ***

2024/2025 Exam Locations and Dates 

• Morning sessions start at 8:00 a.m.​
  

• Afternoon sessions start at 1:00 p.m.
  

• May 20, 2025
  

• May 21, 2025 
  

• July 22, 2025
  

• July 23, 2025
  

• September 16, 2025
  

• September 17, 2025
  

• November 4, 2025
  

• November 5, 2025
  

Comfort Suites/ North Star Conference Center, ​5025 County Road V, Deforest, WI 53532​

• June 10, 2025

• June 11, 2025 
  

• August 5, 2025
  

• August 6, 2025
  

• October 28, 2025
  

• October 29, 2025
  

• December 9, 2025
  

• December 10, 2025 
  

Eau Clair​e 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, 5872 33rd Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703 

• August 19, 2025
  

• ​August 20, 2025

• October 21, 2025

• October 22, 2025
  
  

2025 Examination Reviews

Examination reviews are offered on a monthly basis for individuals who were unsuccessful at their most recent examination attempt.  For the monthly date, there is both a morning and afternoon session and the reviews are located at our Madison office.  The review costs $15 and is one hour in length.  Candidates will be able to view their examination and an exam analysis of which questions were answered incorrectly.  They will not be given the correct answers and there will be no technical staff available for questions. Candidates are unable to leave with any written notes from the review, however, they are able bring their exam reference materials and codebooks to re-work any questions during the hour period. Candidates can contact our department to sign up for a review for their most recently failed examination.  Exams may only be reviewed within three months of the exam date.

PLEASE NOTE: Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.09(8)(c) "an applicant who has failed his or her examination may not review the examination less than 7 calendar days before the applicant is scheduled to retake the examination."

If you wish to sign up to review your examination or inquire about monthly dates, please email DSPSCourseApproval@Wisconsin.gov with your name, customer ID number, and any questions or concerns.  Upon receipt, you will be forwarded a confirmation letter for the review indicating the details of the review, including address and location information.​

• May 22, 2025

• June 19, 2025

• July 24, 2025

• August 21, 2025

• September 18, 2025

• October 23, 2025

• November 20, 2025

• December 18, 2025