POWTS Inspector Exam Information

​​​This exam is open book, and the passing score is 70%.  Please visit the Trades Examination Information page for additional exam information and dates.

Exam Reference ​Material

For all exams printed notes are allowed, as long as they are three hole punched and placed in the binder.                Printed code can only be brought into the exam if it is bound together in a three-ring binder.Tabs are acceptable if they come with a bound code book.Three ring paper dividers with tabs are permitted. Items that are not allowed include loose papers, removable tabs, sticky​ notes and paperclips. 

The exam will cover information listed below. Pearson VUE and DSPS exam locations will ONLY allow the following three reference items into the exam:​
  1. In one binder: Wis. Admin. Code § SPS ​381 - DefinitionsWis. Admin. Code § SPS​ 382 - General PlumbingWis. Admin. Code § SPS 384 - Plumbing ProductsWis. Admin. Code § SPS 385 - Soil and Site EvaluationsWis. Admin. Code ​§ SPS 305 - Plumbing CredentialsWis. Admin. Code § SPS 316 - Proper Plumbing ConnectionsChapter 383Chapter 145 of the WI. State Statutes, (Plumbing, Fire and Swimming Pools), Printed Notes
  2. Up to 15 POWTS Component Manuals printed and placed in up to two binders
    *Architect and Engineer Scale Rulers are permitted


Please Note: A thorough knowledge of the electrical code is not required. However, there are a few issues associated with proper electrical connections to pumps and other components.

The major chapters associated with the POWTS exam are based off of the plumbing code, (381-387). ​

A link to the plumbing code updates 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


Copies of Wisconsin Administrative Codes may be printed from the Wisconsin State Legislature site or obtained from Document Sales online or by calling (608) 243-2441 or (800) 362-7253.  International model codes and accessibility standards can be obtained from the International Code Council (ICC) or by calling (800) 786-4452.  When there is a change to Wisconsin codes, exams will cover the new codes three months after the effective date.