1.2 The Journeyman Exam: Format, Fees, Retakes & Permitted References
Key Takeaways
The exam has two parts, each with 3 hours of Pearson VUE seat time, and a candidate needs 70% or better on each part; DSPS does not publish item counts or weights.
Fees are a $10 application and $20 examination fee to DSPS (Table 305.02), $90 per part to Pearson VUE, and a $180 license fee after passing.
A failed part is retaken alone, but all parts must be passed within one year of the initial exam date or everything must be retaken (SPS 305.09 (6) (b)).
Permitted references are ch. 145 and 106 Stats., SPS 305, 381 to 387, 302 and 325, printed notes in one binder, NFPA 13D and NFPA 24 (2019), five POWTS component manuals and the MPP manual.
Printed code and notes must be three-hole punched in a three-ring binder; loose papers, removable tabs, sticky notes, paper clips and practice exams are not allowed, while highlighters and scale rulers are permitted for plumbing exams.
Format at a glance
| Item | Detail (source) |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based, Pearson VUE; plumbing exams only at the Eau Claire, Madison, Brookfield, Kenosha, Ashwaubenon and Milwaukee centers, never outside Wisconsin (DSPS trades exam page) |
| Parts | Journeyman Plumber Part 1 and Part 2 |
| Seat time | 3 hours per part (DSPS fee schedule) |
| Book | Open book (DSPS) |
| Passing score | 70% or greater on each part (SPS 305.09 (6) (a)) |
| Item count, weights, part content | Not published by DSPS |
| Basis | A job analysis covering the regulations and the theories and practices of the work (SPS 305.09 (5)) |
Because DSPS publishes no outline, treat the permitted-reference list as the scope. The code you need is the current ch. SPS 381 to 387. That includes the CR 26-019 amendments effective September 1, 2026, which changed tables and rules in SPS 382, 383, 384 and 325. DSPS doesn't publish which code edition each exam form uses, so learn the current text and know what CR 26-019 changed.
Eligibility and application
Applicants must have completed a plumbing apprenticeship recognized under ch. 106 (SPS 305.93 (3); s. 145.07 (4)). DSPS lists other paths for out-of-state apprenticeships and experienced licensees, and for exchanging a master license. Apply in LicensE. Once eligible, schedule with Pearson VUE. DSPS sends one exam authorization at a time, and choosing Pearson means you can't switch back to a DSPS location.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (Table 305.02) | $10 | DSPS |
| Examination fee (Table 305.02; DSPS fee schedule lists $20 beside each part) | $20 | DSPS |
| Pearson VUE seat, Part 1 | $90 | Pearson VUE |
| Pearson VUE seat, Part 2 | $90 | Pearson VUE |
| Journeyman license after passing | $180 | DSPS |
Pearson fees are paid when scheduling and are non-refundable, except that cancelling or rescheduling at least 48 hours ahead is free. Missing an exam forfeits the fee unless an excused absence (illness, death in the family, accident, court, military duty or weather) is documented within 14 days.
Scoring, retakes and reviews (SPS 305.09)
- 70% on each part. Scores aren't averaged. A 92% on Part 1 does not save a 68% on Part 2.
- Retake only the failed part, but all parts must be passed within one year after the date of the initial examination. Otherwise, apply, retake and pass every part again.
- After passing, apply for the license within 3 months of the results notice, or you must retest (SPS 305.09 (7) (c)).
- At Pearson you may get the score report on leaving; otherwise results come by email in 3 to 5 working days.
- Exam review: for exams DSPS administers, a candidate who failed may review the most recent exam within 3 months of the exam date. Reviews are monthly in Madison, last one hour, cost $15 (SPS 305.09 (8)) and don't show the correct answers; no review is allowed within 7 days before a scheduled retake. Plumbing exams are delivered only at Pearson VUE centers, and Pearson's candidate handbook says exam materials are not available to candidates for review, so plan on studying from your score feedback and the code instead.
Worked example. Ana takes both parts on March 10, 2026, passing Part 1 and failing Part 2. She can retake only Part 2, paying a new $90 seat fee, but must pass it by March 10, 2027. If she doesn't pass Part 2 until March 20, 2027, she has missed the one-year window and must retake both parts.
Permitted references (DSPS journeyman plumber exam page)
- One binder (a PHCC binder may be used) containing: Wis. Stats. ch. 145 and ch. 106; Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305, SPS 381 to 387, SPS 302 and SPS 325; and printed notes.
- NFPA 13D, 2019 edition.
- NFPA 24, 2019 edition.
- At-Grade Pressure Distribution Component Manual.
- Holding Tank Component Manual.
- In-Ground Soil Absorption Component Manual.
- Mound Component Manual.
- Pressure Distribution Component Manual.
- Multi-Purpose Piping Systems Design Manual (MPP).
DSPS stresses "a working knowledge of the component manuals." Architect and engineer scale rulers are allowed.
Binder and test-room rules
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Printed code bound in a three-ring binder | Code that isn't bound in the binder |
| Printed notes, three-hole punched and in the binder | Practice or previous exams (they don't count as notes) |
| Tabs that come with a bound code book; three-ring paper dividers with tabs | Removable tabs, sticky notes, paper clips, loose papers |
| Highlighters and architect or scale rulers (plumbing exams only, at Pearson) | Highlighting your reference material; DSPS warns highlighted material won't be permitted at future exams |
| Primary and secondary ID matching your registration | Phones, watches, bags and other personal items in the testing room |
Arrive at least 15 minutes early (Pearson) for photo, signature and agreement check-in. The exam clock doesn't stop for unscheduled breaks.
Study strategy for an open-book exam
With two 3-hour parts, the exam rewards finding a rule fast more than memorizing it. Before test day:
- Tab your binder by chapter and by the tables you'll use most (382.30-1 to 382.30-3, 382.31-1 to -3, 382.40-1b to -15, 382.41-1, 383.43-1, 383.44-2 and -3).
- Put formula and step lists for pipe sizing in your notes, three-hole punched.
- Practice timed lookups.
A candidate first takes both parts on April 2 and fails Part 2. Under SPS 305.09 (6) (b), what applies?
Only Part 2 is retaken; all parts must be passed within one year of April 2
Both parts must be retaken, because a failed part voids the passed part
The two part scores are averaged, so a high Part 1 can offset Part 2
Only Part 2 is retaken, and the passed Part 1 credit stays valid for 2 years
Which item may a candidate bring into the Wisconsin journeyman plumber exam at a Pearson VUE center?
Loose printed code pages held with a paper clip
A previous year's exam questions in a three-ring binder
Code pages marked with removable sticky tabs
NFPA 24 (2019) and an architect's scale ruler
What passing score does SPS 305.09 (6) (a) set for the journeyman plumber exam?
75% overall
70% average of both parts
70% or greater on each part
65% on each part
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.