Overview
Wisconsin's electrical licensing program is administered by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Wisconsin, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. Wisconsin uses a single comprehensive work category for the General Journeyman license, meaning all qualifying electrical hours count equally toward your total. While Wisconsin recognizes three license types — General Journeyman, Industrial Journeyman, and Residential Journeyman — the General Journeyman is the most versatile and the one most apprentices pursue.
Wisconsin's most distinctive feature is its quadrennial (four-year) renewal cycle — the longest in the nation. While most states require annual, biennial, or triennial renewal, Wisconsin only requires renewal every four years. The 24 CE hours required per four-year cycle average out to just 6 hours per year, though many electricians find it easier to complete the CE in larger blocks rather than spreading it out.
The state accepts digital submissions for licensing applications and uses Form 3106T for experience verification. Wisconsin has limited reciprocity, recognizing licenses from Iowa and New Hampshire only. However, the state offers a notable education credit: a two-year electrical degree from an accredited institution can substitute for 2,000 hours and 12 months of on-the-job training, effectively shortening the apprenticeship for degree holders.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Wisconsin requires 8,000 hours across 1 category. Plus 576 hours of classroom instruction.
General Electrical Work
All types of electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work performed under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Wisconsin uses a single comprehensive category for the General Journeyman license — all qualifying electrical work counts equally toward the 8,000-hour total. No subcategory breakdowns, caps, or minimums apply.
Application Process
- 1
Enroll in a Wisconsin-approved electrical apprenticeship program registered with DSPS. Alternatively, if you hold a two-year electrical degree, you may qualify for a 2,000-hour credit toward your OJT requirement.
- 2
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed Wisconsin journeyman or master electrician (or 6,000 hours if you have a qualifying two-year electrical degree).
- 3
Complete 576 hours of approved related classroom instruction through your apprenticeship program or an approved education provider.
- 4
Have your supervising electrician(s) complete Wisconsin Form 3106T (Verification of Electrical Experience) for each period of supervised work.
- 5
Submit your application through the DSPS online licensing portal. Wisconsin accepts digital submissions.
- 6
Include all completed Form 3106T verifications, proof of classroom instruction, and any applicable education credits with your application.
- 7
Once DSPS approves your application, schedule and take the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician examination.
- 8
Upon passing the exam, pay the license fee ($100) and receive your Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician License. The license is valid for four years.
Important Rules & Gotchas
Quadrennial renewal can cause complacency: With four years between renewals, it is easy to forget about CE and renewal deadlines. Set calendar reminders at 12, 6, and 3 months before expiration to avoid a lapse.
Three license types exist: Wisconsin offers General, Industrial, and Residential Journeyman licenses. Make sure you apply for the correct type. The General Journeyman is the most comprehensive and allows work across all settings.
Limited reciprocity: Wisconsin only has reciprocity with Iowa and New Hampshire. If you are coming from another state, you will likely need to apply from scratch, meet all Wisconsin requirements, and possibly re-examine.
Education credit specifics: A two-year electrical degree substitutes for 2,000 hours and 12 months of OJT. However, the degree must be from a program specifically approved by DSPS. Not all electrical technology degrees qualify — verify before relying on this credit.
Form 3106T must be accurate: The experience verification form (3106T) must be completed by your supervisor, not by you. Incomplete or inaccurate forms will delay your application. Review the form requirements with your supervisor before they fill it out.
24 CE hours over 4 years sounds easy but adds up: Many electricians procrastinate on CE during the early years of their renewal cycle, then scramble to complete 24 hours in the final months. Pace yourself — aim for roughly 6 hours per year.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Wisconsin requires 576 hours of related technical instruction, completed over the course of your apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years). This follows the standard DOL apprenticeship guideline for classroom hours.
Classroom instruction must cover the National Electrical Code (current edition), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading, electrical safety (OSHA standards), motor controls, and Wisconsin-specific electrical regulations.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC or apprenticeship program. Wisconsin has strong apprenticeship infrastructure, particularly through the IBEW locals and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters.
If you hold a two-year electrical degree, the classroom hours embedded in your degree program may partially or fully satisfy the 576-hour requirement. However, you must verify this with DSPS — do not assume automatic credit. The degree must be from an institution and program specifically approved by the department.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician licenses must be renewed every four years (quadrennial) — the longest renewal cycle in the nation. The renewal fee is $100.
You must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each four-year renewal cycle. This averages to 6 hours per year, but you may complete the hours at any pace within the cycle.
CE courses must be from providers approved by DSPS. Topics must include NEC updates and may cover safety, energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and Wisconsin-specific code changes.
Renewal can be completed online through the DSPS licensing portal.
If your license expires, you must stop performing electrical work. Late renewal within a grace period may be possible with additional fees. Beyond the grace period, you may need to re-examine. Given the four-year cycle, losing track of your renewal date is a real risk — set reminders early.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Get Form 3106T completed at natural milestones. Do not wait until you have 8,000 hours to have your supervisor fill out the verification form. Complete a 3106T when you change employers, change supervisors, or hit major hour milestones. This protects you if a supervisor becomes unavailable later.
If you hold or are pursuing a two-year electrical degree, coordinate with DSPS early to confirm your program qualifies for the 2,000-hour and 12-month credit. Getting this confirmed in advance avoids disappointment when you apply.
Spread your CE over the four-year cycle. While it is tempting to ignore CE in years one and two, completing roughly 6 hours per year keeps you current on code changes and avoids a 24-hour crunch before renewal.
If you might work in Iowa or New Hampshire, Wisconsin's limited reciprocity agreements can save you time. Keep your records organized in a format that satisfies all three states.
Track which license type you are pursuing (General, Industrial, or Residential). The General Journeyman is the most versatile, but if your work is exclusively industrial or residential, the specialized licenses may be appropriate. Choose early and track accordingly.
Use WireHours to maintain a digital record of your hours and Form 3106T submissions. The app tracks your progress toward 8,000 hours (or 6,000 with a degree credit) and can remind you of upcoming renewal and CE deadlines across the four-year cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my Wisconsin electrician license?
Every four years (quadrennial). Wisconsin has the longest renewal cycle in the nation. You must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each four-year cycle and pay a $100 renewal fee.
Can a two-year electrical degree reduce my Wisconsin apprenticeship hours?
Yes. A two-year electrical degree from a DSPS-approved program can substitute for 2,000 hours and 12 months of on-the-job training, reducing your OJT requirement from 8,000 to 6,000 hours. Verify that your specific program qualifies with DSPS before relying on this credit.
What is Form 3106T in Wisconsin?
Form 3106T is Wisconsin's Verification of Electrical Experience form. Your supervising electrician must complete this form to document the hours they supervised. Each supervisor completes a separate form for the period they oversaw your work.
Does Wisconsin have reciprocity with other states?
Wisconsin has limited reciprocity, currently recognizing licenses from Iowa and New Hampshire only. If you hold a license from any other state, you will need to meet full Wisconsin requirements and may need to take the exam.
Built for Wisconsin's Requirements
WireHours tracks your hours against Wisconsin's exact categories, credit caps, and rules. See your progress in real time and never miss a requirement.
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