Trade business resources for Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, contractor and trade licensing is administered at the state level by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), which oversees credentials for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled trades. General contractors are not licensed at the state level in Wisconsin; instead, licensing requirements for GCs are typically set and enforced by local municipalities.

State licensing board

Wisconsin requires state-issued licenses for several key trades: electricians must hold a state credential (Master, Journeyman, or Apprentice) issued by DSPS; plumbers are similarly licensed by DSPS at the Master or Journeyman level, with any plumbing work regardless of dollar amount requiring a licensed plumber. HVAC/refrigeration mechanics must hold a state credential for certain systems, particularly those involving refrigerants or high-pressure equipment. Roofing contractors are not licensed at the state level but must register with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) as an employer if they have employees. General contractors have no statewide license requirement, but many cities and counties (notably Milwaukee and Madison) impose their own contractor registration or licensing thresholds, sometimes triggered at $1,000 or more in project value. All contractors with employees must register with DWD and carry required workers' compensation insurance.

Business registration