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Exam Review

Key Facts: WI Plumber Exam

70%

Passing Score

Wisconsin DSPS

2 parts

Exam Format

Wisconsin DSPS (open book, item count not published)

3 hrs per part

Time Limit

DSPS Trade Exam Fee Schedule (Pearson VUE)

SPS 381-387

Code Base

Wisconsin State Plumbing Code

The Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam is a two-part, open-book, computer-based exam run by DSPS through Pearson VUE (3 hours per part, 70% to pass; DSPS publishes no item count). It costs $20 (exam) + $10 (application) to DSPS, $90 per part to Pearson VUE, and $180 for the license. Wisconsin uses its own plumbing code (SPS 381-387, formerly Comm 81-87), not the IPC or UPC, with frost-closure venting, POWTS, and cross-connection control as signature topics.

Sample WI Plumber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the WI Plumber exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 358+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which Wisconsin agency issues and renews plumber licenses?
A.Wisconsin Department of Commerce
B.Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
C.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
D.Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Explanation: DSPS credentials plumbers under ch. SPS 305, subch. IX, and administers the plumbing code in chs. SPS 381 to 387. The plumbing credential categories, examinations, fees and renewals are all set by DSPS rule.
2Which plumbing code does Wisconsin enforce statewide?
A.International Plumbing Code (IPC)
B.Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
C.Wisconsin State Plumbing Code (SPS 381-387, formerly Comm 81-87)
D.National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC)
Explanation: Wisconsin writes its own plumbing code. Chapters SPS 381 to 387 began as ILHR 82, became Comm 81-87, and were renumbered SPS in 2011. Sizing tables, vent rules and POWTS requirements are Wisconsin-specific.
3What score does SPS 305.09(6)(a) require on each part of a DSPS trades examination?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: A grade of 70% or greater in each part is a passing grade. The journeyman plumber exam has two parts, so a candidate must reach 70% on Part 1 and again on Part 2.
4Per SPS 382.30(5)(a), what is the minimum pitch of a 4-inch horizontal branch drain?
A.1/16 inch per foot
B.1/8 inch per foot
C.1/4 inch per foot
D.1/2 inch per foot
Explanation: Horizontal branch drains larger than 2 inches in diameter require a minimum pitch of 1/8 inch per foot. Piping 4 inches and larger must also be pitched to produce a computed velocity of at least 2 feet per second flowing half full.
5Per Table 382.30-1, what is the drainage fixture unit value of a nonpublic water closet?
A.2 DFU
B.3 DFU
C.4 DFU
D.6 DFU
Explanation: Wisconsin assigns 4 dfu to a nonpublic water closet and 6 dfu to a public water closet. The split is by use classification, not by flush mechanism.
6Per SPS 382.30(4)(b), what is the minimum diameter of a gravity flow sanitary building sewer?
A.3 inches
B.4 inches
C.6 inches
D.Whatever the fixture unit load requires
Explanation: A gravity flow sanitary building sewer must be at least 4 inches in diameter. A municipality or sanitary district may require the portion between the lot line and the public sewer to be larger.
7Per SPS 382.35(3)(a), what is the maximum developed length of above-ground horizontal drain piping between cleanouts inside a building?
A.40 feet
B.75 feet
C.100 feet
D.400 feet
Explanation: Above-ground horizontal drain piping may not run more than 75 feet of developed length between cleanouts. Below-ground piping 2 inches or less is limited to 40 feet, and below-ground piping larger than 2 inches to 75 feet.
8Per SPS 382.32(3)(b), what liquid seal depth must a trap provide?
A.Not less than 1 inch
B.Not less than 2 inches and not more than 4 inches
C.Not less than 3 inches
D.Not less than 4 inches
Explanation: Every trap must hold a liquid seal of at least 2 inches and no more than 4 inches unless another section of the chapter says otherwise. Traps subject to evaporation also need a trap seal primer or other approved protection.
9Per Table 382.30-2, how many drainage fixture units may drain through 2-inch drain piping other than a stack?
A.3 DFU
B.6 DFU
C.12 DFU
D.16 DFU
Explanation: Table 382.30-2 caps 2-inch drain piping other than stacks at 6 dfu. The same table allows 10 dfu on a 2-inch stack of 3 branch intervals or less and 24 dfu on a taller 2-inch stack.
10Per Table 382.30-4, what is the minimum fitting radius for a horizontal to horizontal change of direction in 4-inch drain piping?
A.3-3/4 inches
B.4-1/16 inches
C.4-7/8 inches
D.6-1/2 inches
Explanation: Table 382.30-4 requires 4-7/8 inches of radius for a 4-inch pipe turning vertical to horizontal or horizontal to horizontal. Short-radius fittings below that value are not acceptable in those positions.

About the WI Plumber Exam

Wisconsin journeyman plumber licensing exam administered by DSPS through Pearson VUE as a two-part open-book exam. Based on the Wisconsin State Plumbing Code (SPS 381-387, formerly Comm 81-87) — Wisconsin is one of the few states with its own independent plumbing code rather than adopting the IPC or UPC. Includes unique frost protection, POWTS, and cross-connection control requirements.

Exam sponsor: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

3 hours per part (two parts)

Passing Score

70% on each part (SPS 305.09(6)(a))

Exam / Certification Fees

$20 exam fee + $10 application (Table SPS 305.02); $90 per part to Pearson VUE; $180 license fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Drainage Systems

Building drains, sewers, DFU loading, slope, and cleanouts (SPS 382.30, 382.35)

Not published

Venting

Vent sizing, developed length, wet and circuit venting, and frost-closure terminals (SPS 382.31)

Not published

Water Supply and Water Heaters

Distribution sizing, WSFU tables, pressure, and temperature limits (SPS 382.40)

Not published

Cross-Connection Control

Backflow preventers and containment under the statewide program (SPS 382.41)

Not published

Traps and Indirect Waste

Trap seals, trap arms, and indirect and special waste (SPS 382.32-382.34)

Not published

Fixtures and Appliances

Fixture clearances, flow rates, and installation rules (SPS 384)

Not published

Materials and Joints

Approved pipe, fittings, and joining methods (SPS 384)

Not published

POWTS

Private onsite wastewater treatment systems and component manuals (SPS 383)

Not published

Special Systems and Storm Water

Grease interceptors, sumps, ejectors, and storm and clear-water drainage (SPS 382.36, 382.365)

Not published

Code Administration

Licensing, plan review, inspection, and testing (SPS 305, 382.20-382.21, NR 812)

Preparing for the WI Plumber Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% on each part (SPS 305.09(6)(a))
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 3 hours per part (two parts)
  • Exam / certification fees: $20 exam fee + $10 application (Table SPS 305.02); $90 per part to Pearson VUE; $180 license fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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WI Plumber: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study the Wisconsin State Plumbing Code (SPS 381-387), NOT the IPC or UPC — Wisconsin has its own code
2Learn Wisconsin frost-closure venting: vent terminals extend 8 inches above the roof and a 2-inch terminal is increased at least 6 inches inside the building (SPS 382.31(16))
3Master DFU calculations and drain pipe sizing using Wisconsin code tables
4Study Wisconsin's 4-inch minimum building sewer requirement
5Understand Wisconsin's comprehensive POWTS (Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment) regulations
6Review Wisconsin's statewide cross-connection control program and annual testing requirements
7Know the Wisconsin license classes under SPS 305 subchapter IX: learner, apprentice, journeyman, journeyman-restricted service and appliance, master, master-restricted, and utility contractor
8Practice under time — each 3-hour open-book part rewards knowing where every table sits in SPS 381-387

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam?

DSPS does not publish a pass rate or an item count. The exam is two open-book parts of 3 hours each, delivered at Pearson VUE, and requires 70% to pass. Wisconsin's independent plumbing code (SPS 381-387) means study materials for the IPC or UPC alone are insufficient.

What plumbing code does Wisconsin use?

Wisconsin uses its own independent State Plumbing Code (SPS 381-387, formerly Comm 81-87). This is NOT the IPC or UPC. Wisconsin is one of the few states that maintains an independent plumbing code with unique provisions for frost protection, POWTS, and cross-connection control.

How much does the Wisconsin plumber exam cost?

Table SPS 305.02 sets a $10 application fee, a $20 examination fee, and a $180 journeyman plumber license fee. Each exam part is seated separately at Pearson VUE for $90 (DSPS Trade Exam Fee Schedule), so first-time candidates pay $180 to Pearson VUE for both parts plus the DSPS fees.

What license categories does Wisconsin have?

SPS 305 subchapter IX covers plumbing learners, apprentices, journeyman plumbers, journeyman plumber-restricted service, journeyman plumber-restricted appliance, master plumbers, master plumber-restricted, and utility contractors. Journeymen work under the general supervision of a master plumber, master plumber-restricted, or utility contractor (SPS 305.93).