Trades Credentialing Examination Information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​How do I Schedule an Exam?

Fill out the credential application form and submit with preferred exam site, preferred session, hours of experience and the appropriate fee. 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 and refunds will not be issued.​  If you wish a Spanish language exam, please check the box found on each credential application form.​

How do I get Special Accommodations for Medical Reasons?

To make a request for special accommodations for a trades exam, please fill out the following forms and send them to DSPSCredTrades@wisconsin.gov​along with your application materials. 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

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.


What can I Expect at the Exam Site?​

  • 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.

 

In order to adhere to social distancing and facial covering requirements, there are changes in the way we administer the exam event:

  • If you do not feel well, have a fever or any flu/cold like symptoms, please reschedule your exam. 
  • For the safety and health of everyone please maintain social distancing of 6' or more at all times.  This includes restroom breaks.
  • We will seat one person per table.


What Should I Bring to the Exam Site?

  • Photo ID​

  • Number 2 pencils (Bring more than one)

  • Reference materials - The exam is an open book exam and reference material that are bound together are allowed into the exam. If you have notes or loose leaf paper that you want to bring into the exam make sure that they are put into a binder to be code compliant. There is no limitation on the amount of Highlight or Ink marks on your reference material, just that the reference material you bring should be bound together. 

  • 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 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 mail in a credential application form for a future exam site.

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.


 Please note 2023 Trade Exam dates are currently full, see below for the 2024 schedule. 

2024 Exam Locations and Dates 


​There are two sessions available each day:

  • Morning sessions start at 8:00 a.m.​
  • Afternoon sessions start at 1:00 p.m.
 

Pewaukee 2024

Ingleside Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072
  • January 9, 2024 

  • January 10, 2024​ 

  • March 12, 2024

  • March 13, 2024  

  • May 7, 20234  

  • May 8, 2024 


Appleton 2024

Doubletree By Hilton Appleton, 150 S Nicolet Road, Appleton, WI 54914

  • January 23, 2024

  • January 24, 2024

  • March 26, 2024

  • March 27, 2024

  • May 21, 2024

  • May 22, 2024


Weston (Wausau area) 2024

Fairfield by Marriott, 7100 Stone Ridge Drive, Weston, WI 54476

  • April 16, 2024

  • April 17, 2024​


Deforest 2024

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

  • February 13, 2024

  • February 14, 2024

  • April 23, 2024

  • April 24, 2024

  • June 18, 2024

  • June 19, 2024


Eau Clair​e 2023

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

  • February 27, 2024

  • February 28, 2024

  • June 4, 2024

  • June 5, 2024


2023/2024 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.​

  • September 21, 2023

  • October 19, 2023

  • November 16, 2023

  • December 14, 2023​

  • January 18, 2024

  • February 22, 2024

  • March 21, 2024

  • April 18, 2024​

  • May 23, 2024

  • June 20, 2024

  • July 18, 2024

  • August 22, 2024

  • September 19, 2024

  • October 24, 2024

  • November 21. 2024

  • December 12, 2024​