Wisconsin DSPS • Pearson VUE • Part 1: 87 Questions • Part 2: 120 Questions • Three Hours Each • 70% Passing • SPS 381–387
Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep begins with an important distinction: the state issues a Journeyman Plumber individual credential, not a license that automatically allows anyone to operate a plumbing contracting business. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, usually called DSPS, decides whether a candidate meets the qualifications. Contractors and apprentices should first identify the exact credential they need. A similar-sounding plumbing license can have a very different scope.
If you have completed a recognized plumbing apprenticeship, the Journeyman Plumber examination may be the next step. Wisconsin asks first-time applicants to show completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program recognized under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 106 or by the federal Department of Labor. DSPS specifically calls for a completion letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards when applying through the Wisconsin apprenticeship route. The experience you earned on busy job sites matters, but the exam still expects you to understand the rules behind that experience.
The state administers this process through the LicensE application system. Candidates are approved before receiving the instructions needed to schedule their examinations. Do not confuse registering for an educational class with authorization to sit for a licensing test. The first gets you study materials. The second comes from the state, and a nice-looking confirmation email from a bookstore cannot replace it.
Wisconsin publishes separate Journeyman Plumber Part 1 and Part 2 examinations. The current DSPS trades schedule lists 87 questions and three hours for Part 1, followed by 120 questions and three hours for Part 2. The department lists a 70 percent passing standard. Applicants should prepare for both separately, even if the topic areas feel connected. A total of 207 listed questions is a meaningful project, especially when each test is timed.
Part 1 offers about 2.07 minutes per question on average, while Part 2 offers 1.5 minutes per question. That does not mean each answer should require the same time. Some questions need a quick definition; others call for a careful diagram, rule lookup, or calculation. Practice answering the clear ones first while saving enough time for the items that need closer attention.
The DSPS schedule also lists separate exam charges, with a Pearson examination fee and a DSPS fee for each part. Current published figures are $90 plus $20 per part, subject to changes at registration. Your application, exam confirmation, and official state site should be treated as the final word on money, dates, and location.
Wisconsin has state-specific plumbing requirements. The official reference list includes Wisconsin Statutes section 145; Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305, SPS 381 through SPS 387, and other listed rules; NFPA documents; and manuals for private onsite wastewater treatment systems, often shortened to POWTS. This is not a generic International Plumbing Code exam where a candidate can bring any IPC edition from the bookstore.
Start with the Wisconsin code family. SPS 381 explains definitions and standards. SPS 382 covers plumbing design, construction, installation, supervision, maintenance, and inspection. SPS 383 describes private onsite wastewater systems, while SPS 384 concerns plumbing products. SPS 385 deals with soil and site evaluations. Chapters SPS 386 and SPS 387 cover additional specialized subjects. You do not have to memorize every sentence, but you do need to understand where a particular kind of answer belongs.
Practical topics include water service, potable distribution, fixture connections, wastewater disposal, sanitary drainage, vents, cleanouts, cross-connection protection, approved materials, and the safe installation of systems. Draw a basic drain-waste-vent path and explain it out loud. If the explanation sounds like you are describing a maze to someone holding a flashlight, that is a sign to study the diagram again.
The DSPS exam page sets a tight list of permissible references. It describes one binder for specified Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules, and printed notes, then individually lists NFPA 13D (2019), NFPA 24 (2019), and six different component or design manuals. Candidate reference rules permit qualifying three-ring-binder dividers and approved bound-book tabs. They do not permit loose paper, sticky notes, removable tabs, or paper clips. Previous exams and practice exams do not qualify as notes.
General journeyman plumbing materials from Contractor Exam Preps are useful for reviewing pipe sizing, traps, fixtures, drainage, venting, and plumbing math. However, its Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide is based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code. Wisconsin tests its own state plumbing code and permitted references. The IPC study guide is therefore a supplemental learning tool, not an approved substitute for the Wisconsin code binder.
The same distinction applies to the Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package, which includes a 2021 IPC, tabs, and a study guide. Use it to strengthen general plumbing fundamentals only after obtaining Wisconsin-specific references. Do not assume an attractive book package is allowed into the DSPS test room. Always compare editions and the official permitted-item list before ordering.
Build your review around eight practical study groups: licensing and definitions; Wisconsin plumbing design and installation; fixtures and products; water supply and backflow prevention; sanitary drainage and venting; POWTS and site evaluation; fire-protection and specialty manuals; and plans, math, and safety. These groups are an educational study plan, not an official DSPS breakdown of scored questions. The department publishes part totals but not the number of questions assigned to each subject in the materials reviewed here.
Practice code-navigation questions by identifying key nouns before opening a book. A question about a vent connection is not the same as one about a supply backflow device. Find the right chapter, read the definition, examine the table, and pay attention to any exceptions or notes. This process becomes smoother with repetition. The goal is to find a good answer in a controlled period, not to race through pages like you are late for an airport departure.
Make room for practical calculations. Review lengths, offsets, slopes, fixture units, pressure concepts, and how to read a set of plumbing plans. Wisconsin allows architect and engineer scale rulers on its listed exam instructions. Practice without guessing what a symbol means. An extra minute checking a legend can save a costly wrong answer.
POWTS means private onsite wastewater treatment system. Not every plumber works on these systems each day, so this material can surprise candidates who spend most of their time with indoor piping. Wisconsin specifically lists multiple POWTS component manuals among approved examination references. That is a powerful hint that preparation should not stop at sinks, water heaters, and sanitary stacks.
Learn the role of at-grade pressure distribution, holding tanks, in-ground soil absorption, mound systems, pressure distribution, and multipurpose piping designs. Follow their official manuals and learn how to find design limitations, component details, and installation requirements. The state points candidates to Wisconsin Document Sales for these materials.
Also review soil and site evaluation concepts under SPS 385. You may not be expected to perform every specialist task, but you should recognize what the state rules and referenced manuals address. Set up practice questions that involve finding the right resource before solving the details. This prevents the common mistake of looking for an answer in the wrong book.
An effective six-week schedule starts with current DSPS rules and a complete document checklist. Use the first week to organize the Wisconsin code binder, confirm your apprenticeship records, and read your application instructions. In the second week, concentrate on definitions and SPS 382. During the third, drill potable water, fixtures, cross connections, and approved plumbing products. In week four, focus on drainage, vents, site evaluation, and POWTS manuals.
Week five is for fire-protection references, plans, math, safety, and timed quizzes. Week six brings separate full-length practice blocks for Part 1 and Part 2, with a review of every mistake. A candidate should study both speed and accuracy. If you keep missing backflow questions, do more backflow work instead of rereading your favorite chapter yet again.
Contractors and apprentices usually have workdays full of calls, material deliveries, inspections, and the occasional mystery leak. Short sessions are often more reliable than a giant study marathon. Create a small notebook of code locations, not a pile of loose pages to take into the exam. Keep anything you plan to bring within the state binder rules.
After applying through Wisconsin LicensE, candidates receive instructions when their eligibility documents are accepted. Pearson VUE and DSPS locations deliver examinations under the state rules. The state application may include credential records, fees, supporting documents, and later follow-up through the online account. Passing both parts is an important accomplishment, but it is not the same as receiving the final issued credential.
Remember the distinction between a Journeyman Plumber and a Master Plumber. A journeyman credential does not by itself confer the authority attached to master-level licensing or business supervision. If you plan to run your own plumbing company, confirm the separate contracting, responsible-master, insurance, and business requirements that apply to the actual work.
Use this article as a road map: state application, official code binder, approved supplemental references, organized study, timed examinations, and final credential approval. Start with the DSPS Journeyman Plumber licensing page and DSPS trades exam schedule. Compare related products at ContractorExamPreps.com, then buy only what fits your preparation needs.
WISCONSIN • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER • TWO-PART EXAM • OPEN BOOK • STATE PLUMBING CODEImportant Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Exam Update: DSPS lists 87 questions for Part 1 and 120 for Part 2, with three hours for each part and 70% passing. The test is open book only under Wisconsin-specific reference rules. The approved collection covers a Wisconsin code binder, two NFPA standards, and six specialized manuals. General 2021 IPC books sold by Contractor Exam Preps are supplemental education, not automatically exam-approved references. Confirm changes on the DSPS exam schedule and the Journeyman licensing page before testing.
Wisconsin's Journeyman Plumber is an individual skilled-trade license overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. It recognizes qualifying apprenticeship completion and successful testing. It is different from the limited credentials for restricted service, from a Master Plumber license, and from business authority to offer contracting services.
The examination is grounded in the Wisconsin plumbing statutes and administrative code. Candidates need technical skills, state rule knowledge, and practical reference-book navigation. Indoor water supply and drainage matter, but Wisconsin also includes onsite wastewater treatment systems and specialty design manuals.
The state identifies the first-time credential route as completion of an approved plumbing apprenticeship. Submit the required completion documentation in LicensE, wait for examination approval, and use only the approved materials at testing.
This guide supports Wisconsin apprentices, plumbers approaching journeyman eligibility, construction supervisors, and business owners helping staff prepare. It is educational content, not an official license or a substitute for state directions.
The official DSPS pages separate apprenticeship qualification, examination, and credential issuance. Use this checklist to organize the process.
| Requirement | Published Information | Practical Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Wisconsin DSPS | Check the current Journeyman Plumber credential page. |
| Credential type | Individual Journeyman Plumber | Do not treat it as a plumbing contractor business license. |
| First-time eligibility | Recognized plumbing apprenticeship completion | Provide state-approved completion proof. |
| Supporting record | Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards completion letter | Upload with the LicensE application, as directed. |
| Online application | Wisconsin LicensE | Wait for DSPS authorization and testing instructions. |
| Testing providers | Pearson VUE and approved DSPS exam locations | Confirm your assigned location and scheduling procedure. |
| Exam Part 1 | 87 listed questions; 3 hours | Prepare for technical and code navigation under time pressure. |
| Exam Part 2 | 120 listed questions; 3 hours | Prepare separately for a faster average question pace. |
| Passing standard | 70% | Meet the passing rule for each applicable part. |
| Open-book status | Open book, with restrictions | Do not bring unlisted books or loose notes. |
| Permitted code binder | WI statutes and Wisconsin SPS chapters on the DSPS list | Bind printed codes and notes correctly. |
| Other exam references | NFPA 13D / NFPA 24 and listed POWTS manuals | Use exact editions and named manuals. |
| Exam fees | DSPS schedule: $90 Pearson plus $20 DSPS per part | Verify the charges at registration. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours per four-year credential cycle listed by DSPS | Verify renewal eligibility and approved courses. |
| Renewal date | March 31 shown on DSPS schedule | Verify the correct year and renewal cycle. |
| Final credential | DSPS approval after all requirements | A passing score alone does not issue a license. |
Wisconsin publishes two Journeyman Plumber exam parts. The numbers below are taken from the state trades schedule, not a general national practice-test outline.
| Exam Detail | Part 1 | Part 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Wisconsin DSPS | Wisconsin DSPS |
| Published exam name | Journeyman Plumber Part 1 | Journeyman Plumber Part 2 |
| Published questions | 87 | 120 |
| Exam length | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Average available time | About 2.07 minutes per question | 1.5 minutes per question |
| Minimum passing result | 70% | 70% |
| Open book | Yes, with DSPS restrictions | Yes, with DSPS restrictions |
| Exam provider | Pearson VUE / DSPS | Pearson VUE / DSPS |
| Exam fee in state schedule | $90 Pearson + $20 DSPS | $90 Pearson + $20 DSPS |
| Permitted code family | Wisconsin statutes and SPS rules | Wisconsin statutes and SPS rules |
| Specialty references | NFPA standards and POWTS manuals on DSPS list | NFPA standards and POWTS manuals on DSPS list |
| Approved source of details | Current DSPS credential and exam pages | Current DSPS credential and exam pages |
For the most current fees, time limits, and counts, use the DSPS trades examination schedule. The official Journeyman Plumber exam reference page controls allowable materials.
The following eight groups are suggested study categories built from the official Wisconsin code and permitted reference list. They are not official DSPS question allocations.
Start with Statute 145 and SPS 305 for licensing and responsibilities, then SPS 381 for the meaning of code terminology and standards. Learn the language used in permitting, inspections, code compliance, and professional credentialing.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Study supply piping, water pressure, fixture connections, cross-connection prevention, protection of drinking water, and testing responsibilities. Find related state rules and learn to interpret relevant sizing tables.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Practice drain-waste-vent diagrams, pipe slope, fixture-unit concepts, cleanouts, trap function, and sanitary vent layouts. Read definitions before assuming a familiar field shortcut matches the exam requirement.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Study fixtures and fittings, pipe materials, joints, support, product acceptability, and installation instructions. SPS 384 covers plumbing products, while SPS 382 connects design and installation.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Review SPS 383 and SPS 385. Understand the purposes of private onsite wastewater treatment systems, soil considerations, drainage fields, and the Wisconsin component manuals.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Review the two NFPA editions named by DSPS, 2019 NFPA 13D and 2019 NFPA 24, plus the multipurpose piping system design manual. Focus on identifying the correct reference and its scope.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Practice isometric drawings, scale rulers, pipe offsets, pressure and flow concepts, unit conversions, layout symbols, and table-based calculations. Accurate setup is often more useful than quick guessing.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Learn what fits in the state code binder. Practice with bound notes rather than loose sheets, and never plan to bring past examinations. Include basic safe work practices and a two-part timed review.
Practice locating the controlling Wisconsin rule or designated manual, then explain in plain language why that source supports your answer.
Start with the state, not the study guide. Confirm apprenticeship qualifications and download or order the exact Wisconsin statutes and administrative rules that DSPS allows in the exam binder. Then read the Part 1 and Part 2 timing rules and plan two separate practice blocks.
Build a subject index from the state reference list. For example, SPS 382 relates to plumbing system design and installation, while SPS 383 concerns POWTS. During practice, locate the full section and read exceptions, footnotes, and table headings before choosing an answer.
Supplemental education can help with the basics. The Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide provides general IPC-based multiple-choice practice, but use the Wisconsin code as the authority for actual exam-room decisions.
This simple diagram connects potable water distribution, plumbing fixtures, waste piping, venting, and the wastewater outlet. It is a learning tool, not an approved building plan.
In a code question, identify the system first. Then locate the controlling Wisconsin chapter instead of guessing based on a general IPC or UPC example.
Choose Journeyman Plumber, not restricted service, master plumber, or another plumbing classification.
Obtain the recognized apprenticeship completion proof required for the first-time application route.
Submit the state application, requested documents, attestations, and fees.
DSPS reviews the submitted material and provides authorization once requirements are met.
Prepare the Wisconsin code binder and obtain the listed NFPA and POWTS manuals.
Use focused code navigation, calculations, and separate timed Part 1 and Part 2 practice.
Schedule and attend authorized Pearson VUE or DSPS testing appointments.
Complete any outstanding DSPS requirements and verify your credential before working under it.
Suggested study-time allocation only. DSPS provides official Part 1 and Part 2 question totals, but the reviewed state documents do not assign published scored-question percentages to these eight educational categories. The bars below total 100% of a proposed study schedule, not the exam.
Use your own practice results to adjust the plan. For example, if drainage questions take twice as long as water supply questions, add targeted drainage drills rather than pretending a generic percentage is an official exam blueprint.
The official permitted-material list takes priority over store product descriptions. Wisconsin-specific code and manuals must be available in the correct exam-approved forms.
| Reference or Material | Listed Edition or Product | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin statutes and rules binder | Wis. Stats. 145 and 106; SPS 305, 302, 325 and 381–387 | Official listed material; prepare in the permitted binder format. |
| NFPA 13D | 2019 | One of the specifically allowed NFPA references. |
| NFPA 24 | 2019 | Separate specifically listed NFPA standard. |
| At-Grade Pressure Distribution Component Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | POWTS design and reference review. |
| Holding Tank Component Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | Onsite wastewater storage and system concepts. |
| In-Ground Soil Absorption Component Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | Soil absorption system concepts. |
| Mound Component Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | Mound system application and design. |
| Pressure Distribution Component Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | Pressure distribution and system components. |
| Multi-Purpose Piping Systems Design Manual | Current DSPS-listed manual | Listed specialty design reference. |
| Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide | 2021 International Plumbing Code | Supplemental store product; not an official replacement for Wisconsin code. |
| Journeyman Plumber IPC Package | 2021 IPC plus tabs and study guide | Supplemental general review; verify what is allowed in the test room. |
The state directs candidates to Wisconsin Document Sales for component manuals. For general plumbing practice, Contractor Exam Preps offers additional books and courses, but generic books are not automatically permissible exam references.
Wisconsin's open-book rules are specific. Printed notes must be three-hole punched and placed in a three-ring binder. Printed code also has to be bound together in a binder. The state accepts tabs that belong to a bound codebook and three-ring paper dividers with tabs, but prohibits loose sheets, sticky notes, removable tabs, and paper clips.
A good open-book strategy is to choose the correct reference first, then locate the section, compare answer choices, and move on. Train this habit during home study so you are not inventing a system on exam day.
A Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber credential concerns qualified plumbing work under Wisconsin law, including water supply, drainage, vents, fittings, fixtures, and other installations addressed by the state plumbing code. Its practical scope and supervision conditions come from DSPS rules and the credential itself.
A journeyman is not the same as a Master Plumber. Master credentialing carries different eligibility, examination, and business responsibilities. A person planning to operate a plumbing contracting firm must investigate the separate legal structure, responsible licensed personnel, business requirements, and applicable local permits.
Plumbing work may involve private onsite wastewater systems, but other credentials and specialized qualifications can apply to particular POWTS responsibilities. Verify the scope of work and permits before advertising a specialized service.
Always separate learning materials from licensing authority. DSPS grants the credential, while Contractor Exam Preps offers optional study resources.
Wisconsin has several plumbing credentials with different eligibility and scope. Compare the actual state descriptions before choosing an application.
| Credential or Role | Typical Focus | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Plumber | Statewide individual journeyman plumbing credential | Two-part examination; DSPS apprenticeship requirements. |
| Master Plumber | Advanced plumbing credential and responsibilities | Different qualifying experience and examinations. |
| Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service | Specified restricted-service plumbing scope | Different training and exam route. |
| Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance | Specified restricted-appliance work | Separate credential scope and examination. |
| Plumbing Apprentice | Registered apprenticeship training and supervised work | Training and completion records precede journeyman qualification. |
| Plumbing Contractor Business | Offering plumbing services as a business | Separate legal/business and responsible-person requirements may apply. |
| POWTS-Related Credentials | Soil testing, inspection, installation or maintenance specialties | A journeyman credential may not cover every specialized task. |
Best for: Candidates who finished qualifying plumbing apprenticeship.
Best for: Licensed journeymen exploring advancement.
Best for: Extra fundamentals practice after obtaining Wisconsin code materials.
A steady routine beats panic studying. Keep your mock exams separate, and make every incorrect answer an invitation to find the controlling rule.
Wisconsin's Journeyman Plumber examinations are challenging because the candidate must combine hands-on installation knowledge with state-specific legal requirements, specialty references, and quick code navigation. DSPS lists 87 questions for Part 1 and 120 for Part 2. Each part has a three-hour limit, so a candidate who spends too long searching through one manual can fall behind.
An open-book test is not the same as an easy test. The answers may be in the permitted materials, but you need to know which book to open and how to apply the rule. This matters particularly for private onsite wastewater systems and other areas a candidate may see less often at work.
The passing standard is 70 percent. Do not treat unofficial practice exams as a perfect prediction of the state test. Instead, use practice scores to identify missing concepts and slow lookups. A missed question about a vent often points to a broader need to understand how the system works.
Prepare with the correct Wisconsin references first. General IPC journeyman practice materials can supplement plumbing fundamentals but do not replace Wisconsin code study.
Follow your latest exam authorization and the DSPS trades examination instructions. Pearson VUE and DSPS personnel may inspect reference materials before allowing them inside.
Contractor Exam Preps currently lists general Journeyman Plumber preparation products. They can be helpful for plumbing fundamentals, but the official exam references are the state-specific materials selected by DSPS. Confirm product format, availability, and edition on each page.
Best for: Candidates who want general journeyman plumbing practice.
Best for: Readers who want a general IPC book set for extra study.
Best for: Candidates who prefer supplemental online training.
A fourth option is the Journeyman Plumber Ultimate IPC Package, which combines books with additional support. All of these products must be evaluated separately from Wisconsin's official list of allowed test-room materials.
WISCONSIN • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER • DSPS • PART 1: 87 • PART 2: 120 • OPEN BOOK • 70%
The image shown comes from a plumbing book listing associated with Contractor Exam Preps. The 2021 IPC is a supplemental educational resource here, not an official Wisconsin codebook or government-issued journeyman credential. Refer to DSPS for the authorized exam materials.
Wisconsin Journeyman Licensing
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues the state's individual Journeyman Plumber credential.
It is an individual journeyman plumbing license. Operating a plumbing contracting business can involve separate licensing, supervision, registration, and other requirements.
For first-time licensure by the apprenticeship route, DSPS requires successful completion of a recognized plumbing apprenticeship program.
DSPS lists a completion letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards for a Wisconsin apprenticeship applicant.
Apply through the Wisconsin LicensE system, following the DSPS profession-specific instructions.
Follow your DSPS instructions. The state says examination instructions are provided after the required qualifications have been met.
No. Master Plumber is a different state credential with its own eligibility and examination requirements.
It is a separate Wisconsin credential with a defined restricted scope and a different qualification process.
Do not assume automatic authorization. Check DSPS endorsement or other qualifying methods for your background.
No. DSPS must finish reviewing your application and issue the credential.
Wisconsin Journeyman Examination
The DSPS trades schedule lists Journeyman Plumber Part 1 and Part 2.
The DSPS trades schedule lists 87 questions for Journeyman Plumber Part 1.
The DSPS trades schedule lists 120 questions for Journeyman Plumber Part 2.
The posted DSPS schedule lists three hours for Part 1 and three hours for Part 2.
The Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber examination page lists a 70% passing standard.
Yes, but only the specific references, formats, and bound notes permitted by Wisconsin DSPS are allowed.
DSPS and Pearson VUE locations deliver the state's trade exams under the published rules.
The reviewed DSPS schedule lists $90 as the Pearson exam fee and $20 as the DSPS charge for Part 1. Confirm fees during registration.
The reviewed DSPS schedule lists $90 as the Pearson exam fee and $20 as the DSPS charge for Part 2. Confirm fees during registration.
No. Wisconsin tests state-specific law, code, and approved specialty references. General IPC practice can help with principles but cannot replace Wisconsin requirements.
Three hours is about 2.07 minutes per listed question. Practice quickly identifying easy items and reserving time for reference lookups.
Three hours is an average of 1.5 minutes per listed question. Use timed question sets and keep track of slow topics.
Use the current DSPS LicensE and Pearson retake instructions for scheduling, approval, and applicable fees.
Use the official DSPS Trades Exam and Continuing Education Information page and your examination authorization.
Wisconsin Code and Permitted Books
The DSPS approved reference list includes Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 381 through SPS 387, along with other listed state rules.
SPS 381 contains plumbing definitions and standards.
SPS 382 addresses plumbing design, construction, installation, supervision, maintenance, and inspection.
SPS 383 governs private onsite wastewater treatment systems, often called POWTS.
SPS 384 concerns plumbing products.
SPS 385 addresses soil and site evaluations.
Printed code must be properly bound in a three-ring binder, subject to the DSPS reference list.
DSPS allows printed notes only when three-hole punched and placed in the specified binder.
No. DSPS specifically disallows loose papers, sticky notes, removable tabs, and paper clips.
The state permits three-ring binder paper dividers with tabs and acceptable tabs that belong to a bound code book.
No. DSPS states that practice exams and prior exams do not qualify as permitted notes.
DSPS lists NFPA 13D, 2019 edition, and NFPA 24, 2019 edition.
It is a Wisconsin-listed design and reference manual dealing with particular private onsite wastewater treatment system types.
The DSPS Journeyman Plumber page directs readers to Wisconsin Document Sales for component manuals.
It is not on the official DSPS Journeyman Plumber permitted reference list reviewed for this guide. Wisconsin's state rules control.
Study Products and Test Day
Yes. The store lists a general Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide based on the 2021 IPC and related packages.
The verified Contractor Exam Preps product listing advertises 750 practice questions with answer keys.
Yes. Its site lists a general Journeyman Plumber Test Success Online Course based on the 2021 UPC.
Do not assume so. They are supplemental study products and do not replace the permitted Wisconsin laws, NFPA standards, or manuals.
Review POWTS, soil and site evaluation, specialty manuals, planning, plumbing calculations, and the approved code-navigation rules.
The DSPS permitted-reference information says architect and engineer scale rulers are allowed.
The included six-week plan is a practical suggestion. Adjust it based on your apprenticeship experience and timed practice scores.
The selected video provides general journeyman plumbing preparation tips; verify all Wisconsin-specific details directly with DSPS.
Complete outstanding LicensE requirements and verify that DSPS has actually issued your individual Journeyman Plumber credential.
Visit the DSPS Trades Exam and Continuing Education Information page and the official Journeyman Plumber profession page for the latest permitted materials, timing, questions, and scheduling instructions.
Watch this general 1ExamPrep video on preparing for the Journeyman Plumber exam. It discusses plumbing systems, water supply, drainage, venting, fixtures, and study habits. It is not an official Wisconsin DSPS exam class, so always follow the state's specific reference and licensing rules.
Watch Pass the 2026 Journeyman Plumber Exam by 1ExamPrep on YouTube
After watching, list the general plumbing topics you want to practice. Then return to the Wisconsin DSPS Journeyman Plumber requirements to confirm the exact state-approved codes and specialty references.
Use DSPS and Wisconsin state sources for licensing, allowed references, examinations, and code compliance. Use Contractor Exam Preps products as clearly identified supplemental education.
Always use the current DSPS rules for official exam-room reference approval. A national guide or old unofficial online summary cannot change Wisconsin's specific instructions.
Getting ready for the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber examination is easier when you separate state licensing, code knowledge, and exam practice into smaller tasks. First, confirm that the Journeyman Plumber is the right individual credential for the work you want to do. Wisconsin DSPS oversees this credential and has its own requirements for apprenticeship completion, applications, testing, and final approval. An experienced apprentice may have strong field skills, but that experience does not replace the paperwork and examination rules that the state publishes. A clear checklist is one of the most useful tools you can make before you even open a code book.
The state's published trades schedule identifies two separate examination parts. Part 1 contains 87 questions and lasts three hours. Part 2 contains 120 questions and also lasts three hours. Both follow the 70 percent passing standard on the Journeyman Plumber credential page. This means that exam preparation must include code knowledge and time management. You will not have the same amount of time for an average question on both parts, so a single untimed quiz routine is not enough. Practice finding straightforward answers quickly and reserving careful reading for more complex problems.
The most important reference distinction is Wisconsin's state-specific plumbing code. DSPS lists state statutes, administrative rules, NFPA standards, and specialized POWTS manuals as allowed materials. Chapters SPS 381 through SPS 387 cover subjects from definitions and plumbing design to private onsite wastewater systems, product requirements, and site evaluation. The listed NFPA editions and component manuals require attention too. Instead of trying to memorize every rule, practice identifying which source controls the question. A quick lookup in the correct reference is worth more than five minutes searching a book that never covered the problem.
An open-book examination is only helpful when you obey the book rules. Wisconsin requires printed notes and printed code to follow its three-ring-binder instructions. Loose paper, removable tabs, sticky notes, and old practice exams are not permitted as test-room notes. Review the permitted materials list before making copies, attaching tabs, or carrying extra books. If you have a beautiful binder but cannot use it at testing, the color-coordinated dividers will not rescue your score. Keep the setup simple, legal, and familiar.
ContractorExamPreps.com offers Journeyman Plumber practice products including a 2021 IPC study guide, a printed IPC package, an ultimate package, and online learning. These resources can strengthen understanding of drainage, venting, fixtures, water supply, and plumbing math. They are supplemental educational products, not replacements for Wisconsin's own SPS rules and approved manuals. Match every purchase to the actual learning task you need to improve. A general plumbing guide is useful for reviewing concepts; Wisconsin's official documents are essential for state-specific examination details.
Follow a steady six-week schedule, or adjust it to your current skills. Review eligibility and prepare the binder first. Next, concentrate on Wisconsin code chapters, water systems, drainage and vents, POWTS, NFPA references, and math. Finish with two-part timed practice, wrong-answer review, and an exam-day checklist. When you pass the required tests, return to LicensE to complete any remaining steps and confirm that DSPS has issued the credential. Preparation is not about carrying the most books. It is about understanding the trade, locating reliable answers, and following the state's rules from application to license.
Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep helps plumbing apprentices prepare for the exams required to earn a Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber credential. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, called DSPS, is the state licensing authority. The credential is for an individual plumber. It does not automatically make someone a Master Plumber or give permission to operate every type of plumbing contracting business. Check which license fits your work before you apply.
For the first-time apprenticeship route, DSPS requires completion of a recognized plumbing apprenticeship. Wisconsin applicants are directed to provide a completion letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. The application goes through the state's LicensE system. Once you meet the qualifications and the state reviews the application, you receive further exam instructions. Finishing an online study course is not the same as receiving state exam approval.
The state publishes two Journeyman Plumber exam parts. Part 1 has 87 listed questions and a three-hour time limit. Part 2 has 120 questions and another three-hour time limit. Wisconsin states that the passing standard is 70 percent. The tests are open book, but the state has strict rules about what books, printed materials, and tabs are allowed. Make separate practice plans for both parts so you are ready for their different speeds.
Wisconsin plumbing code is a major part of preparation. Study Wisconsin Statutes and the state's administrative rules, especially SPS 381 through SPS 387. These chapters cover definitions, plumbing design and installation, private onsite wastewater treatment systems, plumbing products, soil and site evaluation, and other specialized topics. Water supply, backflow protection, drainage, vents, traps, fixtures, pipe sizing, and plumbing plans are useful study topics.
Candidates also need to review references outside the basic plumbing binder. DSPS lists NFPA 13D from 2019, NFPA 24 from 2019, and several manuals that address private onsite wastewater system components and multipurpose piping systems. Wisconsin Document Sales is one source for the component manuals. Learn which manual covers each topic before the examination, because a long reference search can waste time.
For testing, DSPS allows certain printed notes only when they are three-hole punched and placed in the approved binder. Printed code must also be bound correctly. The state does not allow loose sheets, sticky notes, removable tabs, paper clips, or old practice exams as notes. Architect and engineer scale rulers are permitted under the posted information. Check the exam confirmation for your complete check-in rules.
ContractorExamPreps.com sells general journeyman plumbing educational products. Its 2021 International Plumbing Code study guide advertises 750 practice questions, answer keys, plumbing mathematics, and isometric practice. Its IPC package combines a codebook, tabs, and study materials. It also lists an online Journeyman Plumber course based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code. These resources can help you learn plumbing concepts, but they are not substitutes for Wisconsin's state-specific approved references.
A six-week study plan can help. Spend the first week organizing state requirements and materials. Use the next few weeks for code definitions, installation rules, water supply, drainage, vents, fixtures, POWTS, and specialty references. Practice plans and mathematics. In the final week, take separate timed tests, identify slow topics, and check every missed answer. If your scores improve, keep building the habits that produced the improvement.
After passing the required examination parts, complete any remaining state application steps and check that DSPS has actually issued your license. Keep your experience records, approved code sources, and application documents organized. The best preparation method combines real plumbing experience, correct Wisconsin reference material, careful practice, and a realistic schedule. For licensing questions, start with DSPS. For optional general plumbing study materials, explore ContractorExamPreps.com.
Explore the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber collection, the Journeyman Plumber Study Guide, and the official DSPS examination requirements to organize your next steps.
