Master Electrician
The highest electrical credential in Wisconsin, authorizing the holder to plan, lay out, and supervise electrical installations of any complexity. Required to serve as the master electrician for an electrical contracting business.
How to Get a Master Electrician in Wisconsin
| Issuing Body | WI DSPS |
| Initial Fee | $60 |
| Exam Required | Yes — Must pass the Master Electrician exam based on the current National Electrical Code (NEC) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 316. Minimum 70% passing score. Exam fee approximately $65. |
| Experience Required | Must hold a Journeyman Electrician credential for at least 4 years and document at least 8,000 hours of electrical work under a master electrician. |
| Application | Apply online → |
Continuing Education
Wisconsin requires 24 hours of continuing education every Biennially (even-numbered years, December 14) to renew your master electrician.
24 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle. Must include NEC code updates and Wisconsin-specific electrical code changes.
License Lookup & Verification
Verify a master electrician holder's credentials through the Wisconsin DSPS online license lookup tool.
Verify a License →Reciprocity Agreements
Wisconsin has license reciprocity agreements with the following states for master electrician holders. Reciprocity terms vary — contact WI DSPS for specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions — Master Electrician
How many years of experience do I need for a master electrician license in Wisconsin?
You need at least 4 years as a licensed Journeyman Electrician with a minimum of 8,000 documented hours of practical electrical work. This comes after the initial apprenticeship period required for the journeyman credential.
What does the Wisconsin master electrician exam cover?
The exam covers the current NEC (National Electrical Code), Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 316, load calculations, motor circuits, grounding, overcurrent protection, and Wisconsin-specific amendments to the national code.
Can a master electrician from Minnesota work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements with Minnesota and Iowa for electrical credentials. You must still apply through DSPS and may be required to pass exam sections covering Wisconsin-specific code amendments.
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