Wisconsin electrical apprentice requirements.

Wisconsin apprentice registration is tied to a recognized apprenticeship contract

Wisconsin DSPS requires applicants for electrical-apprentice credentials to be entered into an electrical apprentice contract recognized under Wisconsin apprenticeship law and to upload proof of that contract.

There is no apprentice examination

DSPS states that the electrical apprentice credential does not require an examination.

A completed construction electrician apprenticeship can qualify a journeyman applicant

For journeyman licensure by examination, Wisconsin accepts completion of a construction electrician apprenticeship of at least three years approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

An experience route requires at least 48 months and 8,000 hours

Wisconsin also permits journeyman exam eligibility through qualifying electrical experience accumulated over at least 48 months with at least 8,000 hours. A qualifying two-year electrical-related degree or diploma can count as up to 12 months and 2,000 hours.

The journeyman examination is open book

Wisconsin’s current journeyman exam guidance states that the examination is open book and the passing score is 70%.

Exam reference materials changed to the 2023 NEC on October 1, 2026

DSPS states that, effective October 1, 2026, journeyman exam reference materials include the 2023 NEC or Handbook along with specified Wisconsin Administrative Code materials and up to two approved types of printed bound reference books.

Electrical license reciprocity

Reciprocity, endorsement, and experience credit are separate concepts. TRADECAIRN maintains a cross-state comparison showing the currently published reciprocal or endorsement pathways and the license classes involved.

Compare electrical license reciprocity by state →

Official sources

Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician · Licensure by examination · Electrical apprentice registration