Electrical Licensing Guide to Wisconsin’s New Law

Legislative Changes Began in 2008
Many of the recent changes to Wisconsin’s electrical licensing law were established by legislation passed in March of 2008. In addition to requiring statewide licensing, this legislation provided for a 5-year delayed effective date (April 1, 2013) to give people time to get the credentials required by the 2008 law.

As the effective date approached, some of those regulated by the new law raised concerns and in March of 2013 the legislature pushed back the effective date of the legislation another year (April 1, 2014) in order to consider changes. In February of 2014 the legislature passed new legislation making several changes to the 2008 law but keeping the effective date of April 1, 2014.

Now, under provisions that will become law on April 1, 2014, no person may work as an electrician, and no person may engage in business as an electrical contractor, unless that person is licensed by, or registered with, the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

the Important facts you need to know!

Effective April 1, 2014 – Everyone (with certain exceptions) working as an electrician or in business as an electrical contractor will need to be licensed or registered with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Electricians – If you have a current DSPS electrical credential (i.e. Master license, Journeyman license, Apprentice or Beginning Electrician registration) you will be in compliance with the new law.

Apprentices – If you are an active apprentice in a registered apprenticeship program, and have a current DSPS electrical credential (i.e. Apprentice or Beginning Electrician registration), you will be in compliance with the new law..

Electrical Contractor – If you have a current Electrical Contractor license and you are or employ a Master Electrician, you will be in compliance with the new law. If you are not a Master Electrician or do not employ a Master electrician, you will need to meet this requirement in order to be an Electrical Contractor.

No DSPS Credential – If you do not have a current DSPS credential, you will need to either obtain a Master Electrician license, Journeyman license, or register as a Beginning Electrician. Beginning Electricians will be “converted” to Registered Electricians in the future

Exemptions – Many types of “electrical work” are exempt from the licensing requirement.

Grandfathering – There is a very limited grandfathering clause affecting only individuals born before January 1, 1956.

Further Details – Many “details” not addressed in the law will be established by Administrative Rules. The Administrative Rules have not yet been approved.

To read all the details please go to Electrical Licensing Guide